Time For The Hustings!

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority…”
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NKJV)

So the general election has at last been announced for 6th May.  Christians often ask what their role should be in the democratic institutions that control our nation. Should one vote or abstain? Get involved or keep clear? 

Well, the prime activity for a Christian in the direction of our national interests is through prayer, as Paul tells us.  But reading the scripture above, many jaundiced Christians, particularly following the unsavoury financial revelations about our MPs and admitted government manipulation of the offices of State to their own political or personal advantage, feel a reluctance to obey the instruction implicit in what they have just read.  How can I support any MPs with the causes they espouse and with which I cannot agree? 

Well, you don’t have to.  Because the above quote, which is usually all that is quoted, is incomplete: “…that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (verses 2-4). That makes quite a difference to our prayers for national rulers and those in authority, doesn’t it? 

We are urged to pray for the government that will be best for the nation; best for promoting a climate whereby the gospel can be lived and preached to the best advantage of all.  Every Christian can support that goal one hundred per cent, whatever their political leanings. 

Prayer
Most merciful Father, we do give thanks for the rule of law in our nation, however flawed it is at times, however it seems to fail at other times. For the most part we Christians are left in peace to follow you as we see best. But at this time when a new government is to be chosen, we ask for that government which will best promote the Gospel’s interests, the Christian interests, on which our nation was founded. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen 

Study by John Stettaford