Friend Of Every Party

Tonight, as Australians ponder the result of this election and the future for our nation under new leadership, I feel the words of Salvation Army founder William Booth in his final speech are apt for such a moment: "I might have tried to improve society by devoting myself to politics. But I saw something better than belonging to any Party - that by being the friend of every Party I was more likely to secure the blessing of the multitude, and the end I had in view."

Christians right across Australia have voiced a variety of political views throughout this election campaign and have expressed deep concern about policies from both major parties that challenge our spiritual and social sensibilities.  Regardless of how we might individually feel about the result of Election 2013, I believe the Church has a prophetic responsibility to embrace the spirit of Booth's political statement in his final speech, and commit ourselves to working alongside every elected member of parliament, despite their political alliance, to advance God's mission for the body of Christ.

Our political preferences need to be subordinate to our spiritual values, social conscience and Scriptural mandate as we engage with the elected political leaders of our nation.  The challenge is ours, as those who are elected and called by God, to build relationships with those who have been elected by the people, so we may be a powerful witness through a godly influence and prophetic voice.

As the People of God, we need to pursue our passion for the LORD with every Party...

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  (Luke 10:27)

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."  (Romans 12:1-2)

As the People of God, we need to pursue our passion for the LOST with every Party...

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:18-20)

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”  (Luke 19:10)

As the People of God, we need to pursue our passion for LIFE with every Party...

"Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." (Psalm 82:3-4)                          

"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow." (Isaiah 1:17)

As the People of God, we need to pursue our passion for LEADERSHIP with every Party...

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."  (1 Timothy 2:1-4)