The vote by the people of the United Kingdom at the recent Referendum to leave the European Union, has been rightly described as seismic. In thinking of the implications for us as Christians, we are reminded that we are 'in' the world, but are not be 'of' it, it is not our final home. How we respond to the deep divisions that have opened up in the nation is crucially important. Our nation has been seen to be fractured over the issue, so whether we chose to vote 'Remain' or 'Leave', we should show that we have not become a church of racists or bigots, neither have we become dupes of a faceless bureaucracy. We should be confident in our maturity of outlook, and be able to agree to differ in that loving, gentle, forbearing and good-humoured way that makes us stand out from the world.
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The world is not stable, and it is not going to change. People are looking for peace and prosperity, but we cannot expect a world free of crises and tense moments. The Lord has made no such pledge to us. Brexit has not solved everything, for instance it was not a vote for rule by the Lord and for a return to Biblical values. We need to pray that out of this divided situation the Lord will bless His people. We should look to live quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and reverence. The Lord may have granted us a breathing space, but regrettably the underlying divisions look set to continue. Kingdoms may come and go, but while it is turmoil out there in our earthly world, we, as Christians are members of a higher kingdom. For has not our God said - "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32) |
