It’s a timely question, because this is an election year, and in the next while all parties will be choosing and ranking candidates.

We all have the privilege of voting, and who is in Parliament does help shape our country – for good or for ill.

Regardless of where MPs may sit in the political spectrum, and whether or not they are Christians, we need MPs who are discerning, honest, and respectful, who are not driven by extreme ideologies or vested interests, who are fair-minded and reasonable, who will help protect the environment, who have a love for people of all cultures, and who seek the wellbeing of all (not just some). We need those who understand moral and spiritual issues, who have the courage to think for themselves, and who will resist the pressures towards even more liberal policies in such areas as doctor-assisted suicide, abortion, drugs, marriage, and sexual and gender education. We also need MPs who genuinely respect people of faith, and who will better safeguard freedoms of conscience.

As for Christians, we always need Christian candidates and MPs who hold firmly to God’s truth, have the courage of their convictions, and conduct themselves with much Christian wisdom and grace. We need committed Christian believers across as many political parties as possible, shining the light of Christ in very contested contexts. We need Christians to be active in helping select candidates, and in helping formulate party policies. Pray for those dedicated Christians who are already Members of Parliament. Pray for more to join them, at this year’s election.

Some relevant scriptures:

– ‘Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven’ (Matt. 5:16)

– ‘Open your mouth, judge righteously, plead the cause of the poor and needy’ (Prov. 31:7-8)

– ‘Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect’ (1 Pet. 3:15)

– [Pray for] ‘all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness’ (1 Tim. 2:2)

– Dr Stuart Lange

P.S. For those considering the possible role of Christian political parties in the mix of this year’s election, among other things you may like to consider the analysis offered here by Bob McCoskrie.

Author: Dr Stuart Lange

Dr Stuart Lange is the National Director of the NZCN and is a Senior Research Fellow at Laidlaw College, where he was formerly Vice Principal. Stuart wrote and presented the historical DVD documentary Te Rongopai: 200 years of the Gospel in New Zealand, 1814-2014.