Freedom is not necessarily free
I am an evangelical Christian and have been, (I am coming up 70), for most of my life. Yes, the kind that is referred to as “a motley crew” protesting in Wellington right now.
So, if we are “brothers and sisters in Christ” and we hear from the same God, then I ask myself, why do I have such repulsion and almost embarrassment for what is happening in front of Parliament buildings here in our lovely country of New Zealand?
The protesters call for freedom when illegally parked vehicles are cluttering up the streets making normal activities impossible, business owners are in tears with one pub owner opposite Parliament having 60 squatters up his supply lane. And what about the University young president explaining that studies have been stopped because of abuse and fear for student’s safety? Generally, the people of Wellington are having their lives seriously disrupted. So, what about their freedom?
Essentially, I think it’s not fair when you’re impinging on others’ freedoms as they are by blocking roads and making it difficult to get to and from work. Then there are others, wielding signs of love and unity, but telling journalists at the same time, they should be executed. A message scrawled in chalk on Parliament’s forecourt reads, “Hang ’em high,” next to a smiley face.
Don’t get me wrong. People have a right to protest in a way that doesn’t breech the freedom of others just as much as New Zealanders have the right to be vaccinated, and the right to be kept as safe as possible in a pandemic – and that’s what the vast majority of New Zealanders are focussed on and doing.”
Every day, my Facebook is bombarded with live posts from Parliament grounds, anti-mandates, anti vac, and anti-Government posts. Fortunately, they have subsided recently as Facebook has shut most of them down, and the contributors have moved to other social media mediums. It has been a relief, I must say. Didn’t we all have a democratic vote in 2020, and do we not have another opportunity to vote for our government in 2023? Isn’t that the freedom that was once fought and won for all New Zealanders?
I even had scripture slung at me saying that, “So because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth (meaning God),” as if it is my duty to God (or He won’t be happy with me) to be part of the lawlessness too! I wouldn’t have a bar of it, and the God I know is a God of love, not a God of fear.
I had my jabs as part of supporting “Team New Zealand.” I believe that Parliament has done its very best to ensure we are all kept safe, and as an evangelical Christian, I applaud that.
So, my Christian duty is to do what my Bible tells me. PRAY for those in authority. We don’t hear about the fantastic Christians who have set up intercessory groups around New Zealand in the news media, who have amassed thousands of us to do what we are called to do. Pray for our nation, our government, and those in authority in our land. People like Alfred and Moka Ngaro, beautiful people who love God and really care. The Government and the world need all the prayer it can get right now.
So, I am left with a question. Is this protest, anti-mandate anti-vac, anti-mask, etc., causing a division in the Church? I would hope not.
Verna
See Verna’s memoir, The Invisible Sentence, or learn more at vernamcfelin.com
Verna McFelin, MNZM is an Author, Christian, and Founder of Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou, that supports the children and families of prisoners in New Zealand. She was the Chief Executive for 32 years. She has a strong sense of justice and love toward all people.