What a week it has been in British politics. The nation has voted in a referendum to exit the European Union. The Prime Minister has resigned. The leader of the opposition has lost his Shadow Cabinet and faces a vote of no confidence. Never has a week been so packed with political news and changes.
There has been a lot of anger from a lot of people about a lot of things. Some people are calling for a second referendum, presumably calling for a third or fourth if things do not go their way. Some people are name calling, feeling sick, feeling scared, and so on and so forth. It has genuinely shocked me the vitriol on both sides in the last few days. It amazes me that many people do not seem to be able to disagree without being disagreeable.
Now I am no politician, I am a pastor. My job isn’t to sort out the financial systems and the democratic systems of this nation or any nation. My job is to help people get born again, filled with the Spirit and renew their minds. My job is to build a community that is full of the Word, full of the Spirit, full of the nations and filled with love.
And although politics is important, and I believe Christians should be involved in politics both at the local level and national level. I believe that good government can make it much easier to preach the gospel and build healthy churches.
But that is just a means to an end. Let’s look at the referendum through the eyes of faith and the eyes of grace:
- No one got born again or filled with the Spirit based on the moment of referendum. It didn’t increase the numbers of people in heaven or decrease the numbers of people in hell. It hasn’t done anything for the kingdom of God one way or another. So in terms of eternity, it is simply not that important.
- Our joy is not found in a political vote. Not now and not ever. Our joy is found in the presence of the Lord (Psalm 16.11). This referendum is nothing to lose your joy over. No one voted Jesus off the throne, no one voted a single verse out of your Bible, no one voted some power away from God. No one voted any insecurity into your future.
- The only thing that can stop you from enjoying your health and wealth that is provided through the redemptive work of Christ, from enjoying your success and destiny is this: broken focus. Do not take your eyes of the cross. Don’t stop praising God and rejoicing in God – don’t stop realizing God is your source.
- Realize the media is dishonest. Every time I have been in the media, the media have lied. I spoke to a police officer who has just retired, he told me in 30+ years of service, the media never got one story right about a case. Never. Not once. So when you read that British people were googling “what is the EU” or that the pound is going to be worth the same as Zimbabwean dollars, you do not have to believe it. In fact, this is a good time to stop reading the papers to be honest!
This is our year of great overflow. Nothing the politicians have said or done can change that. Jesus Christ is building His church. Nothing that the nations are doing can change that.
Now for leaders, you need to let your people know this. Don’t be partisan here – there are people in your churches who voted in for good reasons and people who voted out for good reasons. Your ministry must embrace and make both feel welcome and secure.
Inspiring and Challenging Dreamers 