Much is Much is being said about the need for strong Government and strong leadership. What do these ideas mean for us? Whilst a strong Government may be desirable or even necessary, there are models around the world which rightly attract widespread
condemnation. A “strong” Government is not in and of itself a good thing. In modern democratic systems overwhelming Parliamentary majorities reduce the need for Government to listen and respond to other opinions. We need to reflect not only on the power and strength of any given authority, but also its nature and virtue.
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
Our Scriptures remind us that not only has God called for good and righteous leadership, but has also showed us what that looks like. The verse from Micah is only one example, but it commends a model of leadership that acts justly, loves mercy and walks humbly before God. Our Scriptures and traditions provide us with rich resources that describe to us the values and priorities of God’s Kingdom and repeatedly remind earthly rulers and citizens of their responsibilities before God. As Christian citizens, we are not simply called to promote and defend our own opinions and concerns, but to be open to God’s Spirit and to embrace the goodness and truth that is revealed in God’s word.
This is a time for Christians to recognise that God has spoken into every era of history, and that our Scriptures have much to say about a good and wholesome society. What does good government and good leadership look like in the context of our national and global situation? How does God’s word define goodness? How can we promote and affirm this in the emerging election debate? What does the Lord require of us?
