Electioneering, Honesty and Jesus Christ
A short meditation
Dear Christis,
I’m sure I wasn’t the only student at York who was in a bit of a quandary over who to vote for in last month’s general election. There were things to be said for and against all the major parties and their representatives, and it was mind-boggling to compare the policies I agreed with in each party, with their approach in other areas. Amidst all the electioneering, pledges and spin of the campaigns, I heard that the two most important things that the average voter looks for in a candidate are honesty and integrity. It seems to me that what we all seek, and what the parties, on the whole, try to offer, is a government that we can trust to do what is right and to deal justly among itself, its people and other nations.
I was reminded of this fundamental aspiration in the Christian Union meeting a couple of days after the election. As we sang of “the splendour of a king, clothed in majesty — let all the earth rejoice” I thought about why the earth should rejoice. The verse goes on: “He wraps himself in light and darkness tries to hide, and trembles at his voice…How great is our God!” This song reminded me of just how great God is, and of his pure justice. This is why the earth should rejoice — not only because of the saving grace offered through Jesus Christ — but because our deep-seated desire for a trustworthy authority who will rule with justice and upright truth and integrity has been met in God — the king of kings and light of the world.
Psalm 89 says of God: “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.” We can praise God for his greatness, justice and power, and remember that while our leaders are only human, we can pray for them that they, and we, will become more like Christ.