Hope promises will be kept
David Jones on how the Bible has much to say about those who rule and govern
IT’S been quite a week when it comes to politics.
From the Senedd to some local council and police commissioner elections, going into the polling booth was nothing like the usual. This election was also different because for the first time 16-yearolds were included.
No bad thing, but disappointing in that only half of those eligible registered to vote, and with an estimation of only half of that number voting there’s an obvious need for some more encouragement and education.
Then again, with just 48% voting in our constituency it’s not just the young but the majority who choose not be part of the political process.
That sort of indifference reflects a complacency which, if it continues unchecked, could well threaten the very fabric of society.
In our divided world many live under cruel dictatorships and have no voice and therefore no political influence. Even in the greatest democracy there are political factions who since the last USA presidential election are seeking to restrict and make it more difficult for millions to vote.
In this Christian Aid week we are reminded that abject poverty and hunger exist in many countries where any political protest is met with violent resistance, imprisonment and even death.
How privileged we are to be able to walk into that voting booth and so to have a voice when so many are denied that God-given right.
The Bible has much to say about those who rule and govern.
The prophets of the Old Testament did not spare words of condemnation towards those in their day who ruled unjustly. When asked a question about paying taxes Jesus answered by saying ‘Give to Caesar that which is Caesar’s and give to God that which is God’s’.
In other words, be good citizens, never forgetting that we are also to give allegiance to the principles of the kingdom of God, the greatest of which is to love God and to love our neighbours.
With all the campaigning over and the electorate having decided, let’s hope that all the manifesto promises we have heard will be kept so that the needs of the people will be met.
There is no greater counsel for those who seek to lead and govern than that which the word of God gives.
The Bible says “Righteousness upholds a nation”, and the command Jesus gave to his disciples “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” surely says it all.