Thought for the week (we 21st September 2014)

Tomorrow the people of Scotland will make the decision whether to remain part of the United Kingdom or to become an independent country with all the constitutional and governmental change such a decision will make.

According to the latest polls it’s still on a knife edge and the result could go either way. On the other hand the vast majority of the rest of the UK would like to see Scotland remain part of the union with several thousand coming together in Trafalgar Square earlier this week to try and persuade the undecided and even those in ‘Yes’ camp to change their minds.

One thing’s for sure time is running out and those who intend to vote will have to make up their minds even if it’s in the privacy if the polling booth. The rest of us will have to wait in anticipation and whatever the result respect and accept the decision this great people will have made.

Whatever happens by Friday morning there’s going to be the celebrations of victory in the winning camp and equally great disappointed in the other. It will be essential then that the winning side show a sense of magnanimity to the other and seek to work together for the good of all. The last thing that Scotland needs as they enter a new chapter in their history is for any disharmony or recriminations to have any place in their future.

Jesus said ‘Give to Caesar that what is Caesar’s, and to God that which is God’s’ We are called to be good citizens and to work together with those of all political opinion following the Golden rule to love the Lord God and our neighbour as we love ourselves. Loving ourselves is far from self seeking and selfish but everything to do with the integrity and freedom we have as God’s children.

We wish the people of Scotland all wisdom and strength as they make this once in a lifetime decision and pray that peace and harmony will follow whatever the result.