Snap! A ‘snap election’ sounds suitably abrupt. Onomatopoeic almost. Swift and unexpected. It certainly wasn’t the news I was anticipating as I rejoined the work conveyor-belt following the Easter weekend. The prospect of a relatively short electioneering period is no sadness to me having only just recovered from the exhausting and lengthy circus that was Brexit/POTUS. Probably it is not great for democracy giving little warning about such a big event – there is barely time to consider the issues. However, I like an easy life and avoiding months of televised debates and 24/7 coverage seems like a ‘win’!
I know this because the Bible makes it clear but also from my own experience of knowing him. Whilst my performance is, at best, patchy; Jesus is always faithful, always loving, always just. I couldn’t conceive of a better Despite the above, I do take my electoral duty person to follow. seriously as I hope you do too. The opportunity to have a say in the direction When it comes to Election Day I will put my pencil cross in a box and hope that I make of the country is a privilege. Granted, that a decision I can live with. Jesus was also ‘say’ is not direct, and the voting system marked by a cross: Not in a box in pencil, but further dilutes the voice of the individual; on a hill in agony. It was a choice he made: however it is important nonetheless. I am His vote for you and me. It is that decision struck by the significance of it each time I that paves the way for us to follow Him and head to the polling station. My main concern is – ‘what if the party I vote for gets in that is a decision I can’t live without. and does terrible things!’ It’s that feeling of responsibility that unsettles me. It is always easier to stand on the sidelines and criticise than to feel involved and invested. Putting that cross in a box is such a definite act.
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Have a great month. Peter Russell
Perhaps you are more politically comfortable than me and have more confidence in the polling booth. Perhaps not. However you approach the election I hope you are able to embrace the responsibility given to you in our democratic system.
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One area where I have a lot more confidence is in my decision to follow Jesus. It is not that I don’t questions or even doubts sometimes, but what I know of God in Jesus gives me a degree of certainty I cannot muster elsewhere. Whilst politicians of all shades vary in moral fortitude (even the most upright ones can be misguided) I know that Jesus is completely good – he is goodness personified.
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