A politician worthy of commendation.

It is not often that a member of any parliament stands out, not for their political ambitions and drive; but for something that worth more than such positions. And in the case of Kate Forbes, who is member of SNP, has done just that. let it be known that it is truly a most beautiful thing to see someone stand for their faith in such a climate; where it is filled with rank hypocrisy and easily defined unbelief  in all direction. it is a breath of fresh air to find even just one worthy member. To some this separation of church and state may seem like a noble thing; but in reality it is simply a curse on a large number in society: Christ must have the right to do both and allow their faith to impact how they operate in a political situation. And this is the case with dear sister.

The words of the following quote seem vert apt in this matter:  

The first truth is that the will of God permeates and supersedes every aspect of life. It is God’s will that takes precedence over everything and everyone (Matthew 6:33). God’s plans and purposes are fixed, and His will is inviolable. What He has purposed, He will bring to pass, and no government can thwart His will (Daniel 4:34-35). In fact, it is God who “sets up kings and deposes them” (Daniel 2:21) because “the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone He wishes” (Daniel 4:17). 

It is important that every government is instituted by the Triune God; and that is clear, they are there to do His Will upon earth. What is this will? It is simply to "punish evil doers and praise those who do good." (1 Peter 2:13-17; Romans 13:1-7) These two thing have already been defined by God; and therefore, it is not the governments place to define or redefine any such things. It is simply that they do what God has placed them there for. And this lady recognises this.  

Let us; therefore, take note of something which stand out in this lady's case. 

 

A faith that she hold dear 

A foundation for life is one that marked out by the truth of what the scriptures tells us regarding what it is to be a Christian. And in the following words we have a perfect example of this very fact:

To be straight, I believe in the person of Jesus Christ. I believe that he died for me, he saved me and that my calling is to serve and to love him and to serve and love my neighbours with all my heart and soul and mind and strength. 

This statement, though it is small in content; it is large in truth. And one cannot help but to  feel the spirit of the statement. The one thing that is abundantly clear in this is that this is the most central defining reality in this lady's entire life. And on that basis it is a commendable thing. Take note of the fact that upon stating "I believe in the person of Jesus Christ" in order to stop the confusion of someone saying which Jesus Christ; she goes on to elaborating on this by saying: "he dies for me , he saved my life..." That is a most precious thing. 

 And this basic truth is what drives her to do what she does for other people as we are told. We read on:

So that for me is essential to my being. Politics will pass – I am a person before I was a politician and that person will continue to believe that I am made in the image of God.”

 "The image of God," there is another truth that she believes in and it is something is reflected in how she views life on earth. This is, of course, a biblical truth and reality that is true of every man; women and child. And we read of it it in 26-28 verses of the very first chapter of the very first book of the bible: Genesis. As Christian, this is a vitally important and definitional matter. There are two component: first it reflects (mirrors) God. in that it reveals that man has been granted certain things that true of God. It is one way for us to relate to God in our essential character and being.  Second, it means that we represent God on earth as his ambassadors. And this is just what this lady has been doing as a member of the Scottish parliament. 

 Let us take note of the final statement: 

 Some of them will agree with my politics, others will disagree. Some will agree with my faith, others will disagree.  Politics will pass  I have a duty to represent them, but neither do I want to deceive my constituents and I think being straight with them about my faith, about who I am, about my background is really important.” 

 Much of this state can be put to the side as it is not entirely important at this point. Of course, I agree with the point that "politics will pass" as it is a thing of the earth and as Matthew say "heavens and the earth will pass away; but my word will remain." (saviour's words). However, that does not mean it is not important.  But it does not serve any real point in this matter. so, then, what does serve a point? Well, it is found in her last words: "being straight with my faith"  and then "about who I am."  These statement are the most integral ones. The person she is will only ever be defined by her faith and her relationship to Christ; and then her relationship with her spiritual family. 

A faith that defines her politic

Does faith have a more fuller effect on one's life? Yes. indeed it does. The Christian Faith has always been a force of good for the particular society it has come upon. For example, in the early centuries of the church the faithful Christian devotion to the Lord and the truth to which we have already noted: the image of God. They went out of their way to provide shelter to those who were less fortunate than others; and that was more often unwanted children because the society they in was very hostile towards them (2000 years of Christ's power; vol.1: page 81-83). This is the faith in which this young lady adheres too. And it is the very thing that drives her to  do His will in this particular manner. And we fins the following scriptures to be vital:  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

 

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. (Prov. 3:5-8)

No matter what realm business you find yourself in, the simple message of these verses will always apply. And that applies more strikingly in the realm of politic because politics today is very much anti-Christian in nature; we find that it pro-everything from false religions to abortion. But it has sealed itself to the truth. But as proverbs 4 says regard the righteous' path that it  is light the light of dawn and it will only get brighter (vs 18; paraphrased). And this is just what see in this sister whose faith is clear in all she does as a politician. She may not speak on it much; but her acts speak louder than word considering the context. She trusts in the Lord; and does not lean on her own understanding." (3:5) Her actions meet the requirement of a Christian witness. 

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-15)

How do I go about proving this above claim that she is in line with these above words?  In an interview she goes into the principles that drive her life. what does it mean to love your neighbour? if we go back to the basic commandments which are to love God with all that you are and to love your neighbour as your self."   This harkens back to an earlier state we saw where she spoke of this. We are dealing scriptural principles as found in Matthew 22; Mark 12) How are we apply this second point in an everyday context? that is the thought that she is wrestling with as a politician. In the above words of scripture we get a very practical thought concerning how we are to apply the first 12 verses; that is the beatitudes. The way in which one demonstrates their faith is very important and must never be down played or even pushed aside.

The second of these principles is  "to recognise that she has a higher judge."  And this is the most critical point. She would need to first ask: is what am I doing truly bringing glory to her God? She may be serving her neighbour but is it in a way that God would have her do so. And this is where the next passage comes into focus:

Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;  though they are red like crimson,  they shall become like wool.

 

If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;

 

but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 1:18-20)

It may well be that when you are being judged by other based on what you are trying to achieve; they may think very low in their opinion  regarding you. But is it truly something that needs to be taken on board? Does it need to be something drags you down? The point here is clear: who judgement is more important theirs or Gods. These above verses give his verdict. subjective judgements are not necessarily correct; they may well be self judgements. In other words, it may well be self projection: they are the ones who are doing wrong and are judging you unfairly. think about these words: "if you are willing and obedient you shall eat the good of the land" (vs 19)That should the thing that drives us; and this lady is clear seeing this matter. 

Something of key in all this comes in the 12th chapter of Romans and in the 1st and 2nd verses. We, as Christians, are to give our whole selves up to God for his service. And that our thinking; our actions must never be influenced by worldliness but only by the Spirit of God. He says: "do not be conformed to the pattern of the world; but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (vs. 2)  And this certainly applies in the context of politic: politician can not think in a Christian pattern in one realm; but not in another. We must be in every aspect of life. Or risk being hypocrites. Now let us note the following passage as well:

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favour and good success in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3:3-4)

These words are very import to simply reflect upon.  

 A faith that gives her purpose

Now we can see how her faith is the back-bone of her whole life and existence; it gives her purpose. One can gain great encouragement from many places in scripture where believers were given a position of great importance. Take for example the case of Joseph who we are told:

When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. (Gen. 50:15-21)

God clearly is establishing his purpose in each and every one of us-- whether it is in the church or outside the church; He has His luminaries in every sphere doing his will and bringing Him glory as a result.  And this passage makes this truth clear as day. It is true of this dear sister too. 

This same truth can be found in the life of another saint:

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom; and over them three high officials, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss. Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him. Then these men said, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.” (Dan. 6: 1-5)

Here we see a saint is given a position which is a very important one in that society. Daniel is given a highly honoured position. While it did not last; we do see something very important in this: he proved himself; he distinguished himself from other. And he was rewarded for his effort; and even after this he did not change his religious conviction-- that is very important. 

Even though she did not mention these two cases; i believe i am justified in saying she would find tremendous encouragement in both of these example. Especially Joseph. And in the same way she is an encouragement.