'The ‘State’ of Christians These Days' by Joel Pridmore

Sunday 9 June 2013

.When I say the state of Christians, I am not talking about the poor fashion choices that have sometimes been considered synonymous with Christianity! I’m not even talking about the problems facing the Church or the poor media image of the Church that are often all too evident – sometimes (sadly) justifiably. In light of this week’s political developments with the same sex marriage bill passing through the House of Lords and Her Majesty the Queen’s alleged undermining of her coronation oath as ‘Defender of the Faith.’ I wonder… Can there be such a thing as a Christian State? If so, is it a good thing? Especially given that I see no political intent in Christ’s life and teaching and the Church (capital C) so often seems to thrive where the culture around is hostile. There is a place where the perfect Christian state exists. In this place, Gods ways are perfectly observed and His will always accomplished. That place is Heaven. We must remember that Heaven is where our true citizenship lies as believers. We can seek to ensure our voice is heard in declaring the truth of God’s words. We can warn the world around us of the dangers of going against the Lord’s ways. But more than this, we must live lives that embody God’s commands as revealed in Christ – Above all, loving God and loving one another. Whether it is by way of politics or by way of simple acts of selfless love, there needs to be more evidence of the Kingdom of God being manifest in our lives and in the communities that we are a part of. "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:20- 21). Lord, we pray You will help us manifest your goodness and Your kingdom as we seek to love you and to love our community.