Elim minister Philip Fell offers a spiritual guide for believers who will be voting in June’s European referendum
On June 23 the UK will vote on whether to remain in the European Union. In the run up it seems that we are being bombarded with sound bites, headlines and opinions about how we should vote.
Which ones are giving us information on which to base our viewpoint, and which ones are simply pushing their own biased opinion onto us?
How do we decide? Or will many get so disillusioned and/or bored that they decide not to bother at all?
Think prayerfully
If you have looked at any of the literature from government or other sources, there seems to be a whole range of issues on which opinions are being expressed. So what are the issues with which you can engage?
Here are a few of the key issues: retaining sovereignty, economic impact, foreign policy, immigration, effects on employment and unemployment, the impact on business, as well as moral and ethical positions.
Probably few of us have brains big enough to really take in everything that is being said on these issues. So prayerfully – and carefully – consider which are the issues that most concern or interest you.
Remember that if many Christians acted in this way, the probability is that all the issues will be thought through under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, considered positions arrived at and God will take up the prayers of his people to act in the best interests of our nation.
Take the long view
Politics often seems dominated by short-termism; what will bring in the most votes; what will solve the immediate problem. We are told that this referendum is a once-in-a-life-time or a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
I can recall another such opportunity in 1975, just two years after the government took us into the Common Market. I cannot recall how I voted, but as it was the year my sister and I both got married, perhaps I was pre-occupied with other things!
The issue at stake for us now, however, is not the next few years. It is the next generation! How we vote will affect the up-coming generation for a long time. The Christian’s approach to this is to take time and think carefully. What kind of nation do we want to leave to our children and our grandchildren?
The Bible urges us to teach our children the principles of God’s kingdom rule. Our faith is one that should be impacting another generation. How we apply that faith and hope to this referendum could have just that impact for decades to come.
Take the broad view
You may or may not like VAT (some may not even remember anything else). You may or may not approve of the restrictions on the shape and size of your bananas – both are things the EU has been taken to task over! However, as we prepare for this vote a Christian approach will take account not simply of the things we like or dislike, or the issues we approve or disapprove of. Rather we will be thinking and praying about the wider impact.
What impact could this vote have on the wider community of nations in the UK; on other nations in Europe; on those nations in the Commonwealth who still look to the UK as a stable base? How would God want us to act in the light of a global community to promote peace, equity, righteousness and justice.
Yes, these are huge questions, but we cannot name the name of Jesus and discount our responsibility to the world that he came to redeem. Think about God’s world as you pray over your position on this vote.
Be positive
It seems to me there is a pervading approach of politicians and other ‘experts’ from across the spectrum of this debate. Fear!
Of course, one side is accusing the other of scare-mongering, whilst the charge is rebutted and returned.
As Christians, if we take our decision about how to vote based on what we fear most (be that increasing immigration, loss of sovereignty or injustice in labour markets etc) we miss the biggest issue. Our God is one with a plan and a good purpose for people.
Let us not respond to fear! Let’s hear what God has to say about his good plans for our nation. Yes, there is much unrighteousness, but if we, his people, humble ourselves and pray – he will pour out a blessing. And this referendum is a great place to start!
Buy the June issue of Direction Magazine for a copy of Elim minister Philip Fell’s EU referendum guide and David Holdaway’s take on vote on June 23
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