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I wonder what your view is about expenses paid to Members of Parliament? By now many of you will have read the newspapers or seen the reports on TV. MP’s have been claiming expenses for such diverse items as chandeliers, swimming pool maintenance and horse manure. All of this at the tax payers expense.

In the vast majority of cases they have not broken the rules but simply used the flexibility within the legislation to suit their own purposes. Despite this there has understandably been a public outcry and the confidence of the public in their elected representatives, if polls are to be believed, has dropped to an all time low.

All of this is a significant blow to democracy and will in my view have serious implications. Those aged under 25 are already difficult to engage in the democratic process and as disillusionment spreads at the speed of Swine Flu things are likely to get worse.

I must admit to having had moments of righteous indignation as I have heard of one politician after another ripping Jo(e) Public off. But then as I have reflected other thoughts have come to mind as well.

What does the New Testament teach about government and about our responsibility to pray for those in authority?

Do I sometimes keep within the letter of the law but not its spirit?

I will let you decide for yourself about the question of government and our responsibility. You might like to read Romans 13:1-7. Be sure it will have you beg more questions.

As to the second question, I must confess that like the Pharisees of old I am quite skilled at pushing the boundaries of Gods commandments to the edge without actually crossing them. I can also slip in to a dualistic mindset which allows me to justify certain encroachments and not others in to the land of disobedience.

Twyford Avenue near where I live has a 20 MPH speed limit which I never keep. But there again I do drive down there slower than most others. Oh dear there I go again.

Many of these MP’s have done wrong and it is a serious business. Something must be done. On the other hand it is also true that throwing stones in glass houses is stupid also. Perhaps Jesus was alluding to this kind of thing when he said “remove the log from your own eye before you try to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.” No wonder Jesus is the wisdom of God!

Blessings,

Mark

Wonderful news: Jos Melluish is making excellent progress and talking, eating and moving limbs. Just last weekend many feared the worse but he has suddenly made exceptional progress. Praise God!

Here are links to the Oaktree Logos:

Oaktree Logo Full on White

Oaktree Logo Full Transparent

Oaktree Logo Full No Text on White

Oaktree Logo Full No TEXT Transparent

Oaktree Logo Full No Acton Transparent

Oaktree Logo Full No Acton on White

colour palette

This is the original leaf we scanned before any treatment was applied.