A New Prime Minister

6 September 2022

I am sitting here at my desk this morning looking out on the Antrim Road in Glengormley. This is the place where I live and work. This is the place where I have been given a job to do and responsibilities to attend to.

Later today Liz Truss will arrive in her new home. Downing Street in London. It's always easy to know how someone else should do their job. Living in an open democracy encourages a clamour of comment and analysis; in our media, on social media, and over the kitchen table. I know what I would do if I was the Prime Minister!

But of course the reality is that very few people get to do her job - and the testimony of those who have done it (in the UK or any other country) is that being a national leader is a very very difficult job.

As in all things the Bible orientates those of us who are Christians in what our primary stance is as a new person steps into this role.

In 1 Timothy 2 vs 1-2 we read:

'I urge, then, first of all that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.'

This is where being a Christian starts, in how we think about, comment on, or engage with a new national leader ... first of all we pray. Today, for those of us who are followers of Jesus, that gives us plenty to be getting on with.