Thought for the week (we 13th May 2013)

The local elections have certainly thrown a spanner in the works of the major political parties.

Nigel Farrage, leader of the UK Independence party has hardly been off the TV screens since the results were declared, and while not winning overall majority UKIP will now have much more say in local councils than ever before.

Despite UKIP being seen by other political leaders as the refuge of the protest vote some Members of Parliament are expressing concern that with the general election just two years away policies must change and soon to get the voters back into the fold. There must also be just that little bit of unease in the minds of Messrs. Cameron, Clegg and Milliband as Mr. Farrage is, for the moment, centre stage in the political arena.

It was Winston Churchill who said that democracy was not perfect but that it was the best available. Surely he was right, as within this system every citizen has the freedom to make their own decisions.

It’s the same as far as faith is concerned. The Bible gives us much evidence of God’s dealing with humankind and from the very beginning there is enshrined in God’s Word the freewill we have to live by faith or not.

That’s the personal integrity and freedom which God gives us. There is, however, much to help us make that choice. A way of life based on love and compassion to others which Jesus spoke of in the Sermon on the Mount; giving us the most powerful and dynamic manifesto on which to base our lives.

Such commands as going the second mile and resisting violence and retribution, of turning the other cheek, loving our enemies and giving to those in need and all grounded in the truth that God is love and who will turn no one away who comes to him.

‘Come; Jesus said ‘Follow me’ – the choice is always ours!