Mal Fletcher considers the need for people's vote to be an informed one.

Mal Fletcher

The EU referendum vote represents the UK's most significant national decision in a generation.

Whatever the outcome, the choice we collectively make on June 23 will have a major impact on the shape of Britain's future for our children and for theirs in turn.

The vote represents a turning point, one way or the other. For a Christian, it should not be primarily an exercise driven by fear, even if that seems to be the focus of political leaders on both sides of the debate.

For us, it is a moment of opportunity and one which we should engage with our eyes wide open, whatever our vote on the day. We should do so not simply for reasons of democratic responsibility - though our right to vote should remain a prized possession. Primarily, we inform ourselves because it is a godly thing to do.

Doubtless, there will be pros and cons with either referendum result. Either way, there are uncertainties for tomorrow. But facing the vote with a fatalistic sigh of resignation, as if our views will not matter, would be an abdication of a God-given responsibility and opportunity.

It would be an abrogation of our calling to be responsible stewards of the freedoms the good Lord has bestowed upon us. This includes the gift of a say in how we are governed - something which is much desired by people living in oppressive states.

It is especially important that leaders sharpen their understanding of the issues involved. We may not have day-to-day contact with the national implications of integration, security, economics and legal systems, as do politicians. But we do serve people and communities which are or will be directly affected by them.

As I have prayerfully considered the implications of the vote, it seems to me that Christian leaders should actively pursue clarity on the referendum issues. I say this for (at least) the following reasons:

1. If we don't have a vision for the future shape of our cities (and nation), someone else's vision of that future will reshape us.

"The best way to predict your future," said Abraham Lincoln, "is to create it." As Christians, we might take this statement only so far. In the end, God is sovereign in human affairs (Psalm 24:1). Yet he has ceded responsibility for much of the course of history into our hands (Psalm 115:16).
There is no room for human complacency when it comes to the future. We are Christ's co-workers (1 Cor. 3:9) and he expects, when he returns, to find active and persistent faith in the earth (Luke 18:8).

2. Prayer is most effective in bringing change when it is combined with human effort.

Some churches are actively engaged in special prayer for the referendum. This is vital, as Jesus taught us to pray "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

Faith without corresponding works, however, is "useless" (James 2:20, NIV). The Lord directs the steps of the "good man" (Ps. 37:23). Being the Great Teacher that he is, he will correct our homework and honour the fact that we've done it - but he won't do our homework for us.

In a national decision as important as the one we face on June 23, every follower of Christ has a little homework to do. I don't think it is a stretch to say that if we're not willing to put in some effort, our prayers for the revealing of the Kingdom will be less effective. Church leaders have a double responsibility to be as informed as they can reasonably be.*