Church Bulletin
The world looked on with great interest as Britons went to the polls over their position in the EU. Throughout the day I checked regularly to see how it was progressing. The early thought was that the “remain” camp would win. Then things began to turn. By late afternoon it was apparent that a divorce was unfolding. Britain was going to sever ties with Europe. It was surprising to discover a few days after voting that many (supposedly) who had opted to leave regretted their decision. Somewhere in the region of two million signatures had been compiled calling for a second referendum. The complaint was that they didn’t really understand the ramifications. Some also said they had been led by false information.
It reminds us of the importance of thinking carefully when we make decisions. Who had the voting public been listening to when they went to the polls; did they weigh up the arguments of both sides; what were the governing factors in each one’s personal decision – economic, social, political, moral, or perhaps something else? Decisions come with consequences – sometimes very serious consequences. For those who now want a second referendum, it may say more about them than it does the process.
The Bible warns us of the danger of acting hastily without sufficient information. Prov 19:2, “Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, and he sins who hastens with his feet.” The Bible similarly tells us that we ought not to make promises without first understanding what we are committing to. It is too easy to speak in haste and then go back on our word. If we don’t take our word seriously we easily fall into dishonesty. Psalm 15:1–5, “Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?………… He who swears to his own hurt and does not change. Matt 5:37, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’”I trust as we went to the polls yesterday we did so prayerfully and thoughtfully being guided scripturally. No doubt many here like their British counterparts voted on a whim, influenced by everyone from popstars to talk show hosts.
Let us not succumb to the apathy and dishonesty of the age but consider carefully the ramifications of our word when we give it and our decisions when we make them.
Andrew