I have never seen our nation's leaders stand up for Christianity as I have seen in the recent years. David Cameron is putting his career on the line when he mixes his faith with his politics but yet he continues to be open about it. Being a Christian is not easy, it comes with many challenges, preconceived ideas from others and opposition. Being a politician is no easy either, again it comes with so much hardship and little reward. It seems that everyone has an opinion and Christians and politicians can do little right - if they make one mistake the are branded forever by it. People quickly forget all that they did right and hang on to their one mistake. Personally, I think being open and honest about Christianity is risky and being a politician is dangerous. So, combining the two means multiplying the challenges, the risks and the dangers. For what? What is in it for the Christian or the politician? There is little or no personal gain, they are merely public servants and could probably earn more with a lot less trouble in a secular career.
I for one am more determined than ever to be slow to judge and quick to encourage any Christian whether in business, politics or ministry who is taking a brave stand for that they believe to be truth. Yes, some Christians who have attempted to take a stand have fallen. None of us are infallible and are tempted. If a brother falls, we are to do as the Bible clearly says:
"If your brother wrongs you, go and show him his fault, between you and him privately. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother."
- Matthew 18:15 Amplified Bible
Let's start with dealing with things privately and only if we cannot win the person back then we can apply the rest of Matthew 18 accordingly.
Let's put our pointing fingers away and start encouraging what they do right, love should cover the rest.
"Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others]"
- Peter 4:8 Amplified Bible (AMP)
Love doesn't mean that you condone or support their actions. You don't have to agree with what they do but you do have to love them through it as they work things out. When it comes to leaders who are taking such a huge risk to fight for Christianity I would suggest that you pray for them, love them and support them as best you can. Only criticise if you have the guts to actually do what they are doing. I can assure you that it is too easy to judge if you have never walked the path that they have had to walk.
"Never criticize a man until you've walked a mile in his moccasins."
- American Indian Proverb
I already have a much deeper admiration for politicians as I started my campaign for the upcoming local elections last Friday and had to go door to door to introduce myself. It was not easy and some people can be quite rude and hurtful, others were very supportive and lovely. I quickly realised that all those who are currently in the position that I am applying for have gone through the same thing many times over.
RESPECT to them. I don't think many could go door to door and still serve the people that they are called to lead. My journey is just beginning and I have much to learn but I will keep you updated and take you along with me as much as possible.
Here are some recent articles about the stand David Cameron is taking. Let's support him in this and show him that the church and business community indeed do want to work alongside the government to make this nation an even better one.
David Cameron’s Easter Speech
David Cameron Big Society
The Queen's Christmas Speech 2012
And on that note, our Queen did a superb job of sharing the gospel in her 2012 Christmas address, one of my favourite speeches ever. Read the Queen's 2012 Christmas speech here or watch the video below.
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