Integrity in Politics?
In the lead-up to a Federal election, we are becoming more and more focussed on the people who represent us - or aspire to represent us – in federal government. As electors, many of us have a responsibility to carefully evaluate the various candidates, their parties and policies and come to a decision about who we most trust to represent us and our interests well.
What do we base that decision on? Do we just look at the policies put forward? Do we look at a track record of accomplishment? Does character and integrity play a part?
In his article in the West Australian last Saturday, Hugh Mackay raised the issue in his usual thought-provoking way. After describing the recent controversy about comments made (or not made) by the Treasurer about the Prime Minister, Mr Mackay writes:
“Have we reached the situation… where the voters no longer care whether a Federal minister lies or not, as long as their own wellbeing is secure? Is the question of politicians’ personal integrity no longer an issue for us, as long as we’re fed, clothed and housed comfortably?”
It’s a question which is up to us to answer. Certainly, if popular response to the latest scandal involving Kevin Rudd is anything to go by, the answer is “yes”. I am not in any way attacking Mr Rudd for his mistake – if anything, I am commenting on the fact that Mr Rudd is one of the few people who apparently considers that visiting a strip club was a mistake! Comments aired on the Nine Network’s “A Current Affair” programme indicated that most people thought it was nothing to worry about. One interviewee even commented that his only mistake was to admit it to his wife the next day!
It would seem that our society’s traditional Christian values which defined personal integrity have largely been forgotten. We are apparently more concerned with who can deliver the strongest economy with the most personal financial benefits for ourselves. It seems that as a society we value material success more highly than moral or spiritual excellence.
I am reminded of when Jesus appeared to the Apostle John in a vision and gave him a message for a church which was very wealthy, but had lost it’s way morally and spiritually:
You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. [1]
From God’s point of view, success is not measured in economic terms. In fact, material success can be dangerous, because it can lead us to believe that we don’t need God. To pursue material success alone is to settle for less than the abundant life that God promises us.
If we want to experience God’s blessing on us personally and nationally, it requires us to repent, which means to stop heading in one direction and start moving in another one. Jesus is trying to get our attention, will we hear Him and invite Him in to our personal and national life, or will we carry on the way we are going?
Mike Birch
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