As you may have noticed, we have a Federal Election tomorrow (Saturday) and I wanted to take this opportunity to make a few comments which I hope may be helpful and encouraging.
Firstly, government is a gift from God, and good government is a blessing. Romans 13:1 teaches that authorities have their authority from God, and have been established by God – even the Roman empire that brought hardship on the early Christians. Most people complain about the government of the day, and all could be better, but generally we should begin by being thankful for what God has given us – especially in Australia.
Secondly, in a democratic society the policies of the major parties reflect the heart-beats of the people. So what does it say about us? The politicians are just trying to reach out to our hearts (our wants, our needs, our hopes)! What do the issues of the day tell you about what people fear? What they love? What we want most of all? Take the opportunity to understand your culture (and perhaps your own heart too!).
Thirdly, as Christians we are called to submit to the authorities that are put over us (Romans 13:1-7). So whoever wins, submit, and vote for someone who is going to make it easier to submit to.
Fourthly, if we are to pray for good government to allow the gospel to go forward (as 1 Timothy 2:1-3 teachers), then vote in line with such a prayer. Is there a party that will make it easier or more difficult for you to live ‘peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness’?
Fifthly, don’t vote according to what is good for me, but how can I love my neighbours. But remember – just exactly what is loving is not as obvious as we might think.
Sixthly, the world is a complex place. Be humble about what you really know and what governments really can achieve. Just ask Peter Garrett who tried to solve a real problem (energy inefficient housing stock) with an obvious answer (insulation) and many unintended consequences followed.
Seventhly, the world is a fallen place. Don’t expect a messiah. And vote for someone with honesty and integrity. Around the world one of the biggest determiners of poverty is the corruption/honesty of elected officials.
Eighthly, be as informed as you can. Check out where the preferences go. This site shows you where the preferences go (www.belowtheline.org.au) and the Center For Public Christianity has some helpful articles (http://publicchristianity.org/election2010.html).
Ninthly, you won’t find one party who ticks all your boxes. You might overwhelmingly have one party that you favour, yet there may be an issue that means you can’t vote for that party. Yet just because you can’t find a perfect party to vote for doesn’t mean you can’t vote well.
Tenthly, the Bible presumes that secular (ie non-Christian) governments can achieve God’s good purposes. This is something to keep in mind when considering whether your elected party or member shares (or most likely doesn’t share) your beliefs.
SO… who should you vote for? Be informed, pray for wisdom, and be the best citizen under God you can be as you cast your vote. And may tomorrow be a day in which you give thanks to the Lord Jesus for his good and sovereign rule over your life and over all things. Come, King Jesus, come!
Yours in Him,
Nigel
20 August 2010
Wow… just looked at that belowtheline website. Interesting and a bit disturbing.
E.g. Liberal’s preference ‘ticket’ has the CDP at positions 6 and 7, Shooters & Fishers at 26 & 27, Australian Sex Party at 40 & 41, the Greens at 43 to 45, while the ALP is almost at the bottom at 48-51.
Meanwhile, Labor’s preference ticket has The Greens at 5-7, CDP at 8-9, Australian Sex Party at 16 and 17, and Liberals right down at 45-49.
Some of these preferences seem surprising to me. Do the major parties do it like that because they actually ‘prefer’ the smaller parties in that order, or because they believe those small parties won’t get any seats anyway and they just want their opposing major party as far down the list as possible? (Interestingly both Libs and ALP put One Nation right at the bottom!)
Anyway it’s definitely made me want to vote ‘Below the Line’ – it’s well worth going to the website!!