Brexit is likely to be the dominant issue of this campaign, even though Article 50 has already been triggered and individual MPs will have little power to shape the eventual agreement. But there is a very real danger that Brexit becomes the only issue, and that other important concerns and consequences are simply ignored or overlooked.
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things Philippians 4:8
Our Scriptures remind us that we are not simply called to conform to the values and agendas of the world around us, but are to be a transformed and transforming presence in our society. We are invited to do more than simply respond and react to what is going on around us. Instead we are deliberately to seek out and commend those causes and concerns that are defined by truth, righteousness, honour and those other virtues Paul identifies in his letter to the Philippians. As Christian people, what role and responsibility do we have to raise concerns, either through the questions we ask of canvassers and campaigners, or in the way that we use our collective voice and influence?
This is a time for the people of God to reflect afresh on those virtues that our Scriptures commend as being worthy of our attention and priority. How should these be lived out in the life of our nation, and what should we expect of those who are appointed to political office in the light of this? What are the questions we should be asking? What are the issues we should be raising? What do we need to keep in focus as the election campaign moves forward?
