I am amazed at the number of people who always vote along party lines… “I’ve been Labour|Liberal|Green|[enter preferred party here] all my life!” is the emphatic stand taken. And when their party is in power, all is well. When it’s not, “See, I told ya!” is the quip.
Personally, I have not followed Party politics. I understand the need for it and why politicians ‘join’ together as a Party so as to be of one accord and to get through legislation. If everyone were independents, nothing would get done – maybe. But, I can’t help see that no matter how good the intentions of a Party is, the individual politician must, at times, compromise on their personal stance for the good of the whole – and therein lies it’s weakness.
Following a charismatic leader isn’t good either. It’s not the leader who has the say…it’s the Party. They are just the ‘front’ to the Party…. the more charasmatic they are, the better it is for the Party…that’s why they get the job.
How easy is it to be cynical.
But then, as a Christian, God puts in all in perspective:
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Romans 13:1
If this is the case, then who am I to argue with God!
Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
Romans 13:2-5
Then comes a very important reminder to us all:
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Romans 13:6,7
We all know we should pay our taxes, regardless of whether we think it fair or not. But the one thing we should take to heart is the instruction to give respect and honour!
I get annoyed when I see the media, entertainers in the name of comedy, and people in general, tear down, ridicule, disrespect and dishonour our politicians – who, after all, are our servants, doing the very best on our behalf. If at the end of their term, we can then have our say.
And if after we have had our say, AND the result did not (or even if it did) go in our favour, then we must “be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” And the second thing, we should seriously consider, is to pray for each politician so that they may be obedient to the call that God has placed upon their life, be it they know it, or not – may God grant them wisdom as they serve the people.