I don’t want to say how anyone should vote; it’s one of the greatest things about democracy, that people can vote freely. However, I am opinionated, as friends will know, and my blog shares all aspects of my life, so why not politics? If you don’t want to read it, don’t. It may upset you, or make you feel uncomfortable.
I make no secret that I am a Christian. I believe in Jesus. I believe in the Bible. I believe in truth, justice and hope.
Jesus said, “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Love your neighbour, as yourself. What does that mean? What does it mean to love yourself?
For me, that means wanting the best for my neighbours. In an increasingly globalised world we benefit, as a country and as individuals, in economics, education, equality and information sharing. Social networking has allowed people all over the world to connect, to enlighten others of their plights, and to reconnect with long lost friends and family. We live in an exciting and connected world. So who is our neighbour? As a Christian AND as a believer in connectedness, I see my neighbour as every man, woman and child, wherever they are in the world, whatever their circumstance. As a Christian, I want to see great change happen in this world; I want the best for everyone.
A friend spoke such truth to me when they said:
“This whole referendum perfectly sums up the hashtag #firstworldproblems and is a major distraction to living as a human being in a needy world.”
However emotive that statement might seem, to me, it is true. We live in a devastatingly unequal world, and yet many of the arguments from both camps are based solely on selfish gains. It seems to be all about trying to make a more profitable and easier life for British people… People who already have one of the easiest lives in the world, and definitely one of the richest.
Who is looking at what is best for humanity? What is best for the citizens of European countries less well of and with less freedoms? What is best for influencing change and bringing peace and hope and love to countries outside of Europe? When will humans be human first and nationalistic second?
I believe, if we take the Bible seriously, we must live this out in every aspect of our lives. I have been guilty of thinking selfishly, wondering how the outcome of this referendum will affect the property market and mine and my husband’s mortgage. But it’s time to stop, and to change.
Love God first, and humans second. Anything else is contrary to Jesus’ teaching.
“Love your neighbour. This is the greatest commandment.”
A New Mission 