First published in Evangelicals Now in December 2024
Politics at least for the last 8 years has been a tale of the unexpected,
but what has sadly but not surprisingly been consistent has been the low
view the public have for politicians. In the league table of who you trust,
politicians are always in the relegation zone, and this is matched by the
growing disinterest and disdain for politics. But Christians, we have to do
better and be distinctive in our view of politics, particularly when our
politicians let us down.
We can turn to lots of the bible for inspiration about politics but perhaps
inevitably turn to Romans. However, it’s not just to the classic verses in
Romans 13 reminding us to respect the ordained institution of
government, but the chapters which motivate our attitude and
relationships which remind us of God’s mercy.
Romans 12 is like a powerful waterfall, flowing out “in view of God’s
mercy” - “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
We need as Christians to be overflowing with sincere love, not least in
politics. The public is crying out for authenticity, not synthetic love but the
gold plated, sacrificial, putting others before yourself love. It means
loving those left behind and unloved by the world - it could mean a
modern day version of the tax collector or prostitute.
Love which stands against what is wrong, and standing for what is good.
Like William Wilberforce’s twin tasks to abolish the slave trade and
reform manners, or in modern parlance make goodness fashionable. Are
we as Christians in our political discourse known as much as what we
are for as for what we are against?
I recall soon after being elected in 2005 being thrown into a big ethical
debate as a member of the Parliamentary Committee scrutinising the
Human Fertilisation and Embryo Bill. Whilst I was clear about what I was
against, namely research into animal human hybrid embryos. I was less
clear about what I was for, which led to being an advocate for adult and
umbilical cord blood sourced stem cell research.
On the subject of big ethical debates, as we respond to the outcome of
the votes on the Assisted Dying Bill, will you continue in your
engagement with your MP? Don’t just treat MPs as lobby fodder, whom
we just value on the basis of what they have done for us. That is
following the world’s way of transactional politics. As Christians, God’s
way is of course better, as we continue to respectfully affirm our MPs’
God ordained role as His servants. MPs actually get reminded at the
start of each day when the Speaker’s Chaplain prays:
“Lord, the God of righteousness and truth, grant to our King and his
government, to Members of Parliament and all in positions of
responsibility, the guidance of your Spirit. May they never lead the nation
wrongly through love of power, desire to please, or unworthy ideals but
laying aside all private interests and prejudices keep in mind their
responsibility to seek to improve the condition of all mankind; so may
your kingdom come and your name be hallowed.
Amen.”
Let us use this as a regular reminder to shape our prayerful attitude to
politicians.
Finally, as we celebrate God’s gloriously merciful act in sending His Son
to be born into this messed up world and loved us so much to die for us,
why not be spurred to write to your MP and wish them a Happy
Christmas, and to have a good rest with their family, and assure them of
your prayers.
David Burrowes
Co-Director of Conservative Christian Fellowship