Local Government Elections

DAILY BYTE

Over the course of our devotions this week we have explored that beautiful verse from Micah 6:8, which says that what God requires of us is to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God. Yesterday, we reflected on the capacity of words and teachings to bring life or death.

As we bring these devotions to a close for this week, I’d like us to reflect on these thoughts in the light of the forthcoming local government elections in South Africa next week. (For those who are reading these devotions overseas, my apologies. But these ideas have relevance in any country or context.)

The responsibility in a democratic society to go to the polls to have a say in electing those who will hold public office, is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. I’ve heard a lot of cynical comments about these local government elections that voting won’t make any difference, so why bother? Such comments point to a deep disillusionment in many people that the organs of government have failed them or have become a seedbed of corruption.

Sadly, there is truth in these sentiments. Which is precisely why ordinary citizens need to exercise the responsibility that is theirs to vote – it is one of the ways in which we can give expression to the requirement of God that we “do justice”.

But beyond the casting of our votes next week, we need to hold our leaders accountable to the ways in which they will be doers of justice, lovers of kindness, and people who walk humbly with God.

Corruption. Nepotism. Greed. Discrimination. Favouritism. Putting the interests of profitability before people. Disregarding the needs of the poor. Failure to deliver essential services. The arrogance of power. All these well-known ills that are sadly all-too-common in those who hold public office stand in sharp contrast to the requirements that Micah 6:8 articulates so clearly and simply. When we add to this the way in which words can be used to offer empty promises, cover up wrongdoing, stir-up hatred & animosity, and vilify political opponents – it is clear that those who enter the political arena are especially susceptible to falling short of the mark that God has set for us all.

Which means that in addition to our votes; and our ongoing responsibility to hold our leaders accountable, by speaking out and naming the ways in which they are falling short; what our leaders also need are our prayers. Which may sound trite, but if we really think about it, who can possibly fulfil the high requirements of leadership without the help and grace of God?

So, let us pray for a resolute determination in our leaders to seek to do everything they can to put right the things that are wrong in our society; to be true servant leaders who take the needs of ordinary people seriously, and who respond to those needs with gentleness and kindness; to recognise their ongoing need for God, and the help and guidance that God offers, and to be open to following the path that God directs; and through it all to allow their voice to be one which creates rather than destroys, that speaks words of reconciliation, peace and life.

May God give to us leaders who are being shaped and formed in these sorts of ways.

PRAY AS YOU GO

Gracious God, we pray for the elections next week. We pray that the elections will be peaceful, free and fair. We pray that ordinary citizens will exercise their democratic responsibility and vote with careful thought and consideration. We pray too for every leader who will assume public office as a result of these elections. May the weight of their responsibility press them to their knees O God, that they might seek your face in the ways in which they lead and serve. Bless this nation O God. And pour out your blessing upon all her sons and daughters, but especially the least, the last and the lost. In Jesus’ name. Amen

SCRIPTURE READING

1 Timothy 2:1-2

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”