In theory, every five years we head to the polling station to vote for who is going to be our representative in the UK parliament, this then helps decide which political party is going to take on leadership, who will become the prime minister and then what priorities we are going to make as a country. In recent years, these votes have been more frequent and we seem to have been much more divided as a nation through it all which saddens me due to my love of unity, of which those who are part of BFC will be quite aware of.

In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he says this to his son in the faith:

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Saviour, who wants everyone to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4 CSB

Paul urges Timothy to encourage his people to speak to God, interceding for leaders by petitioning Him to act in His sovereignty to guide and bless those in authority and leadership, as well for believers to give thanks for them. As we approach the election tomorrow, I’d like BFC members to be prayerfully considering who they vote for, whosoever that may be; and ultimately that as a church we would all be praying for the leaders of our nation, for the outcome that Paul alludes to in this letter. That we may lead God-centred lives that are peaceful and dignified.

Not everyone around the world has the privilege of electing their representatives and leaders. As such, I believe that we should prayerfully take hold of the options we have and cast our votes, whilst also praying for the right people to come into office. And then after Friday, as the government is formed, that we continue to pray for our leaders, whether they’re the ones we wanted or not. Let us seek God’s kingdom first, and look to how we might be able to fulfill our mission in making God’s love known, building disciples and seeking that all would be saved.

With love

Craig