Dirty politics - can it be different?

Woke up this morning a bit peeved with New Zealand politics and politicians.

At a time when we need unity and encouragement the most it doesn't take long for a crisis to reveal the true hearts of our politicians.  So Jerry Brownlee says most of the heritage building sin Christchurch will have to come down for safety reasons.  Phil Goff attacks the statement as inaccurate and tries to make political gain.

Now I'm not sure what all the issues are in relation to tearing down or strengthening old buildings - and neither do Jerry or Phil - but the small mindedness of political nit picking is disrespectful to the many hurting and broken families in Christchurch and throughout New Zealand.

Phil get a life!

But there is more to this from a biblical point of view.  Dr Lance Wallnau promotes the Seven Mountain Principle - where Christians should rise to the top of the major "influencer" mountains of society, which obviously includes politics.

Now I'm not convinced that this is a valid strategy as a specific focus i.e. lets join forces and make sure a Christian becomes Prime Minister - there are too many failed efforts at this to suggest this is not a good strategy.  Jesus didn't come to overthrow the Roman government but to point to its replacement by a spiritual, heavenly government which we as believers would release.

But God has given each one of us has a calling and a passion.  What if your is in politics.  Ah, now there is a way to make a difference.  God has called us to be salt and light in our spheres of influence.  We don't have to dominate them, but we are commissioned to change them!

This is valid and in fact is our responsibility to bring Gods kingdom into our workplaces.

So this morning I want to encourage those with a calling in politics to rise up and run with your passion. As fellow Christians we should support you in your passion - but where it is from God!

We are called to transform politics, not to be transformed by it!  If we get into politics "in the flesh" because we just want to change things then we will eventually be seduced by it.  Remember "everything born of the flesh gives birth to flesh (Jn3:6) but everything born of the spirit is spirit."

But if we enter politics inspired, lead and empowered by the Spirit, by Gods calling and passion, then we are able to make a difference.

My prayer this morning is: God rise up spirit filled Christians to transform the government of New Zealand, whichever party is in power.  You are the ultimate power and authority - release that God through your people!