We have just had a General Election. However you voted, it is a time to reflect. What kind of government will serve us best?
The operative word as we reflect is ‘serve’. We speak of public service. It is important whoever sits in parliament that they remember the word, ‘service’. Too much of our political strategy today is about achieving my agenda and exercising power.
A definition of ‘service’ is: the action of helping or doing work for someone. Service looks outward to the needs and concerns of others.
This is a challenge not only for those in government but for our community as well. Can we serve one another and not look out for our own interests alone?
In the church’s prayers for governments, we pray that the ‘common good’ will be served. It puts forth the idea that what is done will be for the good of the public.
Having an ideology behind our politics is important. People often vote for the ideology or manifesto. However, public servants should always serve the common good.
St Paul - writing to small churches in the first century that were often divided - reminded them: ‘Live together in peace with each other. Don’t be proud, but be willing to be friends with people who are not important to others. Don’t think of yourself as smarter than everyone else’.
Good advice to our new politicians - good advice for our community life.
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