Thought for the week (we 29th September 2013)

The Political party conferences began last week with the Liberal Democrats meeting in Glasgow.

Labour meets this week in Brighton and the Conservatives bring the season to a close in Manchester next week. The conferences are always arranged to give the impression of party unity and highlight is, of course, the leader’s address.

This is carefully put together and presented with an eye on the TV audience far beyond the conference hall as all leaders know that there’s a lot to win and even more to lose on the hour or so they are on their feet. Then there’s the inevitable standing ovation as the party hails it’s chief and everyone hopes that there’s a few more votes in the bag!

It was Winston Churchill who said that democracy was not perfect but that it was the best we have. Surely he was right, democracy can sometimes be manipulated and yet its essence is the right of every individual, taking all political claims into consideration to freely make their own choice. Churchill was right!

It’s the same as faith is concerned. There is enshrined in God’s Word the freewill to live by faith or not. That’s the personal integrity and freedom which God gives us and in the end the decision is ours in terms of faith and belief.

There is, however, much to help us make that choice. Jesus gave in what is known as the ‘Sermon on the mount’ 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.

Then to make the best decision of all and to believe in the Christ who lived, died and arose from death that ‘whosoever’ believes may not perish but have eternal life! God’s promise and that will never fail!