Pray for our Leaders

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.” (1 Peter 2:12)

“Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jeremiah 29:7)

Okay, deep breath… I want to talk about politics. Actually no, that’s not quite true. I’d rather NOT talk about politics, but I feel like perhaps I should, given what I’m seeing in the leadup to the General Election on 7 November.

Is it just me, or is much of the rhetoric particularly savage in this campaigning season? For as long as I’ve been eligible to vote, I’ve seen political parties (and especially their individual MPs and candidates) stridently pointing out the apparent flaws in their opponents plans and policies. This much isn’t new. But this time around, I’ve noticed the broadsides and challenges are especially personal and at times, quite nasty!

Now, on one level, I expect this. I’m not surprised to see respect for political opponents diminishing. What concerns me is when I see Christians weighing in, adding to the war of words, expressing not only their favourable views regarding the party or individual they align with (fair enough), but also maligning those they don’t. This, I’d like to suggest, is not becoming of a follower of Jesus.

As participants in a democratic society, what instead should be a Christian’s posture? Well, as with any matter of engagement in the world around us, we need to look to Scripture. Peter wrote to a Christian community living in a distinctly pagan society, not unlike ours. He urged believers to carefully watch their conduct, striving for goodness that would be consistent with God Himself. And Jeremiah, writing to God’s people in exile, urged them to seek peace and prosperity, praying for their city - for its welfare and prosperity.

Peaceful and prayerful. I believe this is our Biblical posture in times like these. It’s hard to pursue peace when you’re adding to the noise. Equally, it’s hard to continually criticise those you’re praying for. Let’s leave the personal attacks to others, and instead pursue a better way - praying and peace-making - displaying the character of Christ in our contentious context.

-Ps. Nigel