Today’s Scripture Reading (November 8, 2019): Ecclesiastes 8
Last
month, Canada voted in what turned out to be a very divisive election and one
that created pain in many living or concerned about the northern nation. I know
that I mentally and emotionally experienced pain as the leader of Quebec, a Canadian
Province, declared that he was not interested in supporting the national dream.
He would support anything he felt would benefit the province of Quebec, and
nothing else. His words have caused a chain reaction through the resource-rich
Western provinces of the nation. And I fear that the Eastern Provinces do not
understand the level of anger that currently exists in the West. “Wexit” has
been trending on social media ever since the election. It represents a compelling
desire of at least three provinces – Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta – and
possibly one Territory –The Northwest Territory – to leave the nation. What
Western residents want the East, and maybe especially Quebec, to understand is
that there is a genuine feeling of cultural isolation and rejection that is being
felt in the Western provinces. And if Quebec is not even willing to try to
strengthen the Federal experiment, then why should the Western Provinces being
willing to support Eastern Canada and Quebec. Maybe Canada should dissolve into
a group of sovereign regions that take care of their own concerns first, as
Quebec has declared that they will do, and come together only on issues where
there is a shared benefit to all the regions involved.
The
reality that cannot be missed by the Eastern half of the vast country is that the
chances at this moment of the West breaking with the nation is about the same,
and maybe even a little higher, than the chances of Quebec leaving
confederation. This has not always been the case. In the past, Western
Separation has been seen as a threat with no possible follow-through, while
Quebec Separation has always been a very real possibility. But in the last few
years, things in the resource-rich West have changed. This is the new reality.
I am
noticing on social media that there has been an increase in the number of
Christians supporting and promoting “Wexit.” And again, I understand the angst.
And yet, there is also a spiritual tradition that we are the ones who work
peacefully for change from within the system. Whether you are a Canadian
Westerner, an American Never-Trumper, an American Trump supporter promising
revolution if the President is removed from office, or a supporter or opponent
of “Brexit” in the United Kingdom (this list could be endless), as Christians, we
are the ones who work peacefully for change from within the system, not because
the political power is right, but because we are obedient to God and believe that
ultimately God is in control. I understand that, at times, that is hard, but
obedience is seldom easy.
And
while the Teacher is not always right, here he seems to be. Paul picks up the
same theme in his letter to the Romans. “Let
everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority
except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been
established by God … It is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only
because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience (Romans 13:1,
5). We are to work within the system wherever possible to bring about good. And
by doing so, we will remain in a position of influence within our political
systems.
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes
9
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