Election Results!

Well, the votes have been cast - and counted (apart from those in N.Ireland)- and there are a number of significant changes in the political landscape of the UK, especially that of Scotland!  The Scottish National Party have achieved a result that even they, in their wildest dreams, would not have considered possible.  It's a result, indeed, that the current voting procedure was specifically introduced, by the then governing Labour Party, to ensure that it would never come about.  So much for Labour's "forward planning"!

I didn't give the SNP my personal vote on either the Constituency, or the List, ballot forms. However, it would be churlish of anyone not to congratulate Alex Salmond and the Party on their overwhelming success.

Having said that, there are other things that need to be said.  First of all, although Mr Salmond is unlikely to read this blog, I hope that someone close to him counsels him with regard to the old adage "Pride comes before a fall"!  It would be sad, indeed, if the SNP were to, in any way, abuse their newly obtained position of political power.  To be fair, the words that I have, so far, heard Mr Salmond speak would indicate that he plans to continue, as far as possible, with 'consensus politics'.  That, I believe, will be for the good of Scotland.

Another thing that needs to be said is that, according to the inspired words of the apostle, Paul, "Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.  So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.  For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you.  The authorities are God's servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God's servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.  So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do.  Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honour to those who are in authority." (Rom 13:1-7; NLT).

What this means is that for the disciple of Jesus, at least, not having voted for the SNP is no ground for not accepting the temporal (civil) authority that they now have.  Further, we are to pray for those who have this temporal authority over us.  "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.  Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.  This is good and pleases God our Saviour, Who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth." (I Tim 2:1-4; NLT).

The next five years (if the Rapture is delayed) may be more than a little interesting within Scotland! 

Elsewhere, the story is less exciting, although it is the Lib-Dems who appear to have suffered most at the hands of the electorate.  I understand that, in a Coalition, there must be a measure of 'give-and-take'.  However, the real lesson may be that not only the Lib-Dems ought to be careful as to what they promise in the campaigning prior to an election.  Perhaps Mr Clegg isn't the only one who should take heed to the words of James "... let your yes be yes, and your no be no ..." (James 5:12).  In other words, be dependable!

Sadly, the majority of those who voted in the referendum listened to, and swallowed, the blatant untruths put about by the 'No' campaign.  This, I suspect, means that there will be no further opportunity to gain a fairer voting system for Westminster elections in the foreseeable future.