Canada has spoken. Quite loudly actually. 71% of voters
determined that there should be a change in leadership and Justin Trudeau will
become our 23rd Prime Minister.
Mr. Trudeau won on the backs of middle-income wage earners.
The majority of New Canadians were favourable to the
Liberals as well, applauding his immigration and foreign affairs policy.
Younger Canadians voted Liberal more than any other party as
well.
Yet the one group that has been his largest detractors has
been Christians, which is really not surprising since Trudeau was very clear
throughout his campaign that those who held traditional Christian beliefs need
not apply into his Liberal party. You
catch more flies with honey, but maybe Christians were not flies he was worried
about catching. The results of the vote seem to affirm that.
So now Christendom in Canada is left to respond to what has
happened. Currently we’ve seen people very upset, threatening to leave the
country. There’s a fear that the tide has turned and all the things that have
made this country one of, if not THE best place in the world to live, will
suddenly come crashing down all around us. Seems somewhat fatalistic. We feel
attacked, slapped in the face, so our natural response it to slap back or to run
away. I seem to recall Jesus saying something about holding your ground and
turning the other cheek in preparation to be slapped again (Matthew 5:39 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A39&version=NIV)
Many seem to be confused as to how rational educated people
can think differently than they do. Most of these people were born in this
country, own a house, and have a Christian background. That doesn’t describe
95% of people in my neighbourhood who were not born here, may or may not have
their own home and were not raised in Christianity The outrage over the thought
that that people with vastly different perspectives may differ politically
actually seems outrages to me
I’ve even noticed a
number of usually verbal people go radio dark: unable to say something nice so
maybe just choosing not to say anything at all. A noble response in most cases,
but I just can’t shake the feeling that this is a chance for the church to be
the church.
Jesus was very politically vocal.
- He told
people to honour government and honour God at the same time. Even when those
two arena’s were in opposition Mat 22:21
- He told
us to pray for our leaders, so we can live peaceful lives that are marked by
godliness (1 Tim 2: 1-2)
- Jesus was
bold enough to say that even the Roman leaders were in place because God allowed them. (John 19:10-11)
So to the Canadian Christian.
No you probably would not have chosen a leader that excludes
your faith and morals from his party.
Yes you have a “right” to voice your displeasure. This is
what makes our country great.
However beyond your right, you have a call. A call from God
to love those who don’t love you. To pray for those in charge over you. To pray
for those who persecute you. To live as light and hope in a world that doesn’t
know there is hope beyond this world.
No one will come to know Jesus because we argued strong
politics at them.
Cutting sarcasm is not found in love.
Thank you Mr. Trudeau for offering yourself up to lead our
great country. I have nothing but love and honour for you. I will commit to
pray for you. I hope that one day there is room for Christ in your party and in
your heart.
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