Keep Calm and Give Thanks in Election Season

As we approach the coming general election here in Aotearoa New Zealand, let’s do our best to keep things in proportion and remember how well off we really are. A mindset of gratitude helps everyone find peace.

I suggest this because even though we’re voting as citizens of New Zealand, Christians are actually heavenly citizens of all the earth, and we’re a global family before we are individual national peoples.

When we think about countries like Niger, Yemen, Afghanistan or Ukraine, it might prompt us to give thanks to God that we are very fortunate here, and inspire us to channel some of our political zeal to serve and support ministries that are benefiting those less fortunate nations.

When we consider our New Zealand well-being and give thanks for genuine democracy, it might help us manage our anxiety over the state of the world, and to consider others’ needs as well as our own.

We don’t need a miracle in New Zealand when we’re searching for a carpark, we just need a space in a street. Ukrainians need miracles to get across the street when missiles are flying over the neighbourhood.

And we’re not actually being persecuted because we might have different ideas about pronouns, but our Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan are being persecuted because they have different ideas about God.

As we approach the election, let’s remember how blessed we are and keep a sense of our global citizenship. It might help us to stay calm, peaceful and compassionate.

God bless New Zealand.

“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.“

1 Thessalonians 5:12-18

Kia kaha, Matt