In or Out? It’s your motives that really count!

I was reluctant to add anything into the information swamp that has become the EU referendum debate.  Not because I don’t think it’s important to share information and opinions, which may shape the way people vote, but mainly because I have very little to add to the already busy debate. I’m not really connected into the political, economical, social and global issues at play in this vote, which will shape the future of our nation, Europe and possibly the globe for the next generation.

There is one thing however that I do feel passionate about. Whichever side you’re leaning towards, whether you’re a passionate leaver or EU enthusiast, a reluctant remainer or unsettled outer, I do believe that as followers of Christ, each of us must check our motives for which way we decide to vote.  At the risk of being highly criticised, I would even go as far as to say, perhaps the Lord cares more about the motives behind your vote, than whichever way your vote falls. I mean, would any of us be bold enough to actually say Jesus would vote remain or leave?  What we do know is that He would certainly have an interest in the heart behind your vote!

Here are a few things that I would highlight as checks for your own heart-

1) It’s not all about you
It has really amazed and saddened me, to see how much of the press and promotion for the whole EU debate, has been about promoting self. The sad part is politicians know how we tick! They know that most of us want life to be better for ourselves. Whether it’s a stronger economy, more jobs, better prospects, immigration control, etc etc, the benefit to ‘me’ is the central point.  ‘Your life will be better if….(fill in the blank)’. The problem for a Christian is that Jesus taught us to prefer others, to live self sacrificial lives, that it is better to ‘give than receive.’ So we cannot be driven simply by what benefits us. Now I’m not saying this is easy, just that we have to check our hearts, as we listen to the arguments made on both sides.  We must ensure that we think of those who have less than us, whether in Britain, Europe or indeed the world.  For a follower of Jesus, it really isn’t all about you!

2) Jesus came for the world

I love Britain.  I feel blessed and extremely privileged to live in an amazing country that has democratic government, laws that protect the poor and vulnerable, amazing charities, companies, systems and structures that allow us to live in relative peace and security.  It’s amazing.  However Jesus is not British! He loves Britain, but does not favour us over other countries.  The only nation that God gave special blessing was Israel, and this was in order that through them He might bless all people on earth (Genesis 12 v 3).  Remember the famous verse? God so loved THE WORLD that He gave…(John 3 v 16).  The Psalms speak of Jesus’ inheritance being ‘the nations’ (Psalm 2).  I remember someone once saying that anything short of a global perspective is too small for Jesus.  He loves the world, and any motives for voting cannot simply be about Britain, it must be with the motivation to make the world a better place, whether that’s whilst being inside or outside of the EU.

3) Be passionate about prayer as well as opinions!

I know this an obvious one, but I do believe that prayer counts more than opinions. We live in an opinionated society, you’ve only got to log on Facebook or Twitter to see passionate opinions about everything, from how to make a cup of tea, to football, to celebrity, etc.  And on one level this is great, we live in a society that values free speech, and individual views. However, I do think this sometimes goes too far.  We become the uneducated commentators on everything we hear about.  I mean let’s be honest, what do I really know about economic policy or criminal law or the other hot topics.  It’s important that people are held to account, but do we really have to have an opinion on everything?  And has our self arrogance grown to such a level, that I believe my opinion counts more than someone who has spent their life studying, working or specialising in a certain field?  Anyway, the point here is less about the problem with opinions and more about the promise of answered prayer.  The Bible promises that God answers prayer and He also instructs us to pray for those who lead us, including secular government (1 Tim 2).  So perhaps it’s better to spend a little more time on ours knees than on our Twitter feed.

I’m sure there are lots more things to think about as the EU referendum date draws to its final days.  However, I would simply like to encourage you, as a follower of Jesus, yes to cast a vote, yes to go with whichever side you feel is the right side to go with, but most importantly to bring your motives before your God.  Ask Him to forgive the sin that is there, and lead you to a vote, with a heart that above all else glorifies your Father in heaven. Because whether you are in or out, perhaps it’s your motives that really count.