At a time of change in the political landscape, what does it mean to be rooted in Christ (Colossians 2.10)?
Context
In a widely ridiculed speech about Brexit, Mr Johnson outlines the importance of a can-do spirit, comparable to that displayed in the quest to put men on the moon.
Responding to the multiple challenges of Brexit will require more than words. It requires character and it is this aspect of the new Prime Minster that some are now questioning.
Leaders may be unfit for purpose but may nevertheless be elected and stay there!
Church leaders have written to Boris Johnson warning that a no-deal Brexit will ‘hit those held back by poverty very hard indeed’. The letter says: ‘At a time when increasing numbers of families have difficulties putting enough food on the table, we believe it is irresponsible to consider a course of action that is expected to make that situation worse.’ The church leaders ask the government to publish evidence of the impact a no-deal Brexit on disadvantaged communities, and invite the prime minister to visit one of many social action projects run by churches to support millions of people who live in poverty. The letter is signed by leaders from the Methodists, the United Reformed church, the Baptists, the Church of Scotland, the Salvation Army, Quakers, and the Scottish Episcopal church.
Reflection
Our attention moves form the extraordinary achievements in space to the ordinary issues and ongoing challenges of our world. In a definitive week for the nation, Boris Johnson became leader of the Conservative party and Prime Minister, chosen for the whole country by an unrepresentative electorate of 160,00 people. Knowing Mr Johnson’s track record, the qualities required of leaders are at the forefront of the news. In the political landscape in which we find ourselves and with the threats that surround us, these questions seem particularly urgent. At times of challenge and change, our stability needs to be in Christ.
What could possibly have made MPs and those with a vote in his own party, vote for someone in full knowledge of all the issues that may make him unfit to lead? Beware of being taken captive by easy answers to complex problems, by facile responses to questions that need deep-rooted wisdom, and by those who tell us what we might like to hear rather than what we need to hear.
It appears that we have become a nation fixated on celebrity and soundbites and that these things drive the popularity of candidates for leadership rather than the more deep-rooted qualities, including wisdom. Where do we find our role models – people who inspire us to navigate the difficult terrain of living Christ-like lives in a challenging world? Rooting ourselves in the word of God and in values and relationships that are kingdom-like means that we will frequently be at odds with a ‘me, me, me’ culture. Christians are urged by Paul not to be blown off-course by the most popular view, but to look always for the wisest. Wisdom is not cheap. It takes time to form and it begins with self-reflection. There is a pressing need for truth telling – but truth often hurts and exposes. Christian people need to find courage to let the truth dwell in us so that we are ready to speak it. At times of challenge our roots in God’s world vision need to be deep.
In the Old Testament reading, Abraham is able to intercede on behalf of the people because he recognises the moment and he knows something of the mind of God. We need to give time and space to being with God on a day to day basis, paying attention to the promptings of God and the needs that call out to us from the world.
This week’s readings also raise the issue of sustenance and nurture. If we are to know the moment when we need to speak out or speak up, then we need our roots in Christ to go down deep – deep into Scripture, deep into prayer, and deep into community. Paul’s writing in Colossians urges Christians to deepen these roots so that they can live out their baptismal calling. Our strength and indeed all that we need is to be found on God’s daily provision for us – our daily bread.
Prayers
As an aid to intercession, present a slideshow interspersing sections of the Lord’s Prayer with images and headlines form this week’s news.
You could use the following in the intercessions, or give print it on cards for people to take home and use in personal prayer during the week.
Gives us this day our daily bread –
when we are hungry and in need;
when we see others in need;
when we are forgetful of our own limits.
Give us our daily bread –
when our nerve fails or our courage deserts us;
when we find ourselves in crisis;
when our ordinary work needs blessing.
Give us our daily bread –
for our world;
for our neighbours;
for ourselves,
that knowing our lives depend on you,
we can find our comfort and our hope
in your generous and loving provision.
Amen.
Questions
- Do we get the leaders we deserve?
- How do we get the leaders that we need? (This applies to our nation, but also to any situation when we look for new leaders).
- How should we pray for our leaders?
All-age activity
Cut out a large human body shape and place it on the floor. Invite people to write on the shape, or onto sticky notes that can be stuck to the shape, words or phrases that describe the qualities they would hope for in a leader. Ask people to offer suggestions for prayer for the leaders of all nations, and draw on this in the intercessions.
Young people
Cut out a large tree using brown paper and place it in the centre of the room. Talk about what it means to be ‘rooted in Christ’, comparing it to the tree, rooted in the ground so that it can take in moisture from the soil, so that it is stable and does not fall over, and so that it can produce leaves, etc. Discuss what ‘qualities’ are produced in or by the tree as it becomes mature and stable – e.g. it can offer shelter; it might produce fruit. Explore comparisons with Christian community – what qualities are produced? Offer the young people sticky notes, cut-out leaf shapes, and pens – and have glue sticks available. Ask them to write people or situations that help them to grow in faith on the notes, and things that are produced from this nurture (love, generosity, etc.) on the leaves. Stick the notes ton the tree trunk and the leaves on the branches.
Diane Craven is a freelance writer and consultant in work with children and young people. She is a Reader in the Church of England.
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