Rev. William Down last Sunday. As a matter of public interest, we print it in its entirety.

In St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans, chapter 13 and verse 1, we read this: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.'' The theme of the prayer and readings for today is "People in positions of authority''. The prayer for today asks God to govern the hearts and minds of those in authority.

The first reading, from the Book of Daniel, was the dramatic story of the downfall of the arrogant and foolish King Belshazzar of Babylon.

The second, from The Acts of the Apostles, was the story of St. Paul being very properly protected by Festus, a newly appointed, just, and conscientious Roman Governor.

The theme, "People in positions of authority'' is very appropriate for us here, as we prepare for an election.

When we think about elections all sorts of pictures flash through our minds.

We think about candidates canvassing for votes; politicians of different persuasions slanging each other unmercifully; members of Government stoutly defending their record; Opposition members fiercely attacking them; wild, extravagant promises being made; party political debates on TV and radio; media commentators confidently telling us who is going to win, and by how much; public election rallies; and wholesale rubbishing of opponents. All this is part of an election scene. By the time the day of the election comes round, most of us want to get it over and get on with living! Beware of treating elections lightly! Think about what is at stake. Ask yourself what politics is really about.

Think about the role politics plays in your life. Think about the role it ought to play. Ask yourself what sort of person you want to represent you in Parliament. Ask yourself where God comes into politics. Work out for yourself where you stand.

Let's think together about some of these issues for a few minutes. First, let's be clear what we mean by the word "politics''.

Politics is the process of governing people and nations. It is the civilian side of government as opposed to the military side. It is about making laws which affect people's lives, and about making far-reaching decisions about what is in their best interests. It is about our elected representatives coming to a majority view about what is best for us. It is about the exchange of views, the to and fro of debate, and the heated arguments which are all part of the process.

At its best politics is lively, stimulating, robust, and healthy. It brings out depth of thought, skill in presenting arguments persuasively, a high level of debate, a rich variety of views, and strongly held convictions. At its worst it is pigheaded, uninformed, rude, ignorant, arrogant, and self-centred.

It is more concerned with clinging on to power and privilege than with serving people.

Politics is about the whole process of government. Next: some people say that the political arena is no place for a Christian; that it is impossible for Christians to be involved in party political activity, and still retain their integrity; and that God is excluded from political life.

That has to be wrong.

Politics is about making decisions here on earth which affect God's world. The welfare of God's people is what politicians are concerned with every day. The proper and responsible use of our freedom of choice and action is vital. It is quite clear, therefore, that as God's servants committed Christians should be involved right at the heart of the process.

Christian politicians have a responsibility to apply their Christian principles to decision making. They have a duty to state plainly that this is God's world in which we are living, and that God cares profoundly about it.

And they are called to show the dignity, the courtesy, the firmness, and the graciousness which Jesus showed.

Christians have a vital role to play in politics.

Next: we need to be clear that the calling to hold office in government is honourable, important and worthy.

The Bible is quite uncompromising about this.

The Old Testament teaches that it is God who calls people to positions of leadership, responsibility, and authority. Remember how Saul, and then David, were called to be kings of Israel. They were God's choice.

In the New Testament Jesus spoke specifically about this to the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate. Pilate had asked Him: "Do you refuse to speak to me? Surely you know that I have authority to release you, and authority to crucify you.'' Jesus replied: "You would have no power at all over me, if it had not been granted to you from above.'' St. Paul expanded on this in the 13th chapter of his letter to the Church in Rome. "There is no authority,'' he wrote, "but by act of God; the existing authorities are instituted by Him. They are God's agents working for your good. The authorities are in God's service, and to these duties they devote their energies.

St. Paul had no cause to love the authorities of his day. He knew at first hand the humiliations and indignities of house arrest. He had experienced the squalor of jails. He had suffered a lot at the hands of some people in authority. But he was clear in his own mind that it is God who calls people to take office.

St. Peter wrote in similar vein. He refers to the Christian's obligation to "submit to every human institution for the sake of the Lord, whether to the sovereign as supreme, or to the governor as his deputy, for the punishment of criminals and the commendation of these who do right.'' The calling to hold office in government comes from God.

Next: in a country where governments are elected democratically, we should consider carefully what sort of person or persons we are electing to represent us and govern us.

To the Christian the criteria are clear.

We should vote for people who have high standards; people whose integrity in business, in their personal affairs, and in their family life is plain for all to see; people who are concerned for the welfare of the individual as well as for the community; people who have a vision of what our country and the world could be like, and the energy and enthusiasm to turn dreams into reality; people who respect the dignity and value of every human being; people who are prepared to read, study, and discuss, so as to be informed; people of courage and determination, who won't give up or give in; and people prepared to give themselves freely for others.

Pray for our politicians From Page 16 We want people of sound principles to represent us.

Let me summarise what I have said so far.

Politics is the process of governing people and nations. Christians should not shrink from taking their place in the political arena. Holding office in government is a calling which comes from God Himself, and the people we elect to represent us should be persons of high calibre.

Now I want to talk about our attitudes towards people in authority. The Bible is perfectly clear about this.

Jesus told us to respect earthly authority. "Give to Caesar what is due to Caesar,'' He said, in answer to a question; "and give to God what is due to God.'' In other words, get your priorities right! Pay earthly rulers what it is their right to demand. Give God the love and respect and service which is due to Him.

St. Paul spelled it out, too. "Every person must submit to the supreme authorities,'' he wrote. "Anyone who rebels against authority is resisting a divine institution, and those who so resist have themselves to thank for the punishment they will receive.'' We obey the authorities because of our Christian commitment, not because we are afraid of them.

And St. Peter wrote: "Give due honour to everyone: love to the brotherhood, reverence to God, honour to the sovereign.'' My last point is a word of caution.

We need to remind ourselves frequently that every leader, every person in a position of authority, is very human. They are as subject to temptation and mistakes as we are. Sometimes the temptations can seem irresistible. The course of history is liberally sprinkled with instances of leading people falling from grace in moments of weakness. Kings, Queens, Presidents, Congressmen, Members of Parliament, leaders of nations, Bishops and other clergy, teachers, bankers, social workers -- none are immune from temptation.

Any of us can fall.

As Christians we have a duty to pray, and pray regularly, for our leaders. "I urge,'' wrote St. Paul, "that requests, prayers intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.'' Don't rubbish our politicians -- pray for them! Let us pray: Almighty Father, Whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of all: govern the hearts and minds of those in authority, and bring the families of the nations, divided and torn apart by the ravages of sin, to be subject to his just and gentle rule; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.