European Union Referendum 

The approaching EU Referendum on 23 June 2016 is exercising most people.  Should we vote to stay in the EU or should we vote to exit the EU?  As Christians, we desire to make a godly and informed decision.  We need to be informed about the matter, but most of all, we need to be like the children of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what …to do.  Let us seek God for how we should vote.  

The first question to be asked is ‘What are the implications of the EU Referendum? To have some basic information regarding the points for and against, here is a brief summation as given in the Economist.  More detailed information is available from the Government which is for staying in and other groups that believe an exit is the best choice.

IN                                                           OUT

TRADE
Britain avoids exports tariffs and red tape,             Britain will negotiate a new EU relationship
important as 45% of British exports go to             without being bound by EU law.  It can
the  EU.  As a member, Britain can obtain               secure trade deals with other important
trade terms because of the EU’s size.                    countries such as China, India and America.

EU BUDGET
Britain pays the EU £340 a year per household,      Britain can stop sending  £350m, equivalent
compared with an estimated £3,000 yearly            to half England’s schools budget, to Brussels
benefit of membership. In or out, payment is          every week.  This money could be spent on
needed to access the single market.                       Scientific research and new industries.

REGULATION
Most EU regulation collapses 28 national                Leaving will return control over areas like
standards into one European standard,                  employment law and health and safety.
reducing red tape and benefiting business.              Measures that a recent Business for Britain
In, Britain can fight for better regulation.                 Poll found businesses favoured.

IMMIGRATION    
Leaving doesn’t mean reduced immigration.           Britain can change the “expensive
Countries that trade with the EU from                    and out-of control” system that offers an
outside have higher rates of immigration,               open door to the EU and blocks non-EU
including from EU countries, than Britain.                immigrants who could contribute to the UK.

INFLUENCE
At international summits, Britain is                         Britain has little influence within the EU
represented twice – by the foreign secretary         From outside, it can retake seats on
and the EU high representative.  Co-operation       international institutions and be a stronger
has helped fight Ebola and piracy in Africa              influence for free trade and co-operation.

Let us pray for:-
Godly wisdom. Proverbs 8 v 14: Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.   Let us pray that the Lord will give us wisdom to choose as He leads us and not according to our own inclination.  There are times when we cannot see the end result as we undertake to do what the Lord directs us to do.  This is when we put our faith and trust in our Lord for His wisdom.

Wise Counsellors.  Proverbs 15 v 11: Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counsellors they are established.   In the middle of many voices that speak for and against staying in the EU or exiting the EU, we need to seek God’s voice.  

A renewed Mind.  Many decisions we take are influenced by our own understanding.  Romans 12:2 tells us we need to be transformed by the renewing of our mind, that we may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.  With a right spirit let us pray, think and finally vote according to God’s Kingdom purposes.

God’s Sovereignty over the nations is unquestioned but He has given to mankind the stewardship of the world in general and to each nation their part in particular. Psalm 115 v 16: The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S; But the earth He has given to the children of men.  This is our responsibility to be good stewards, to listen to our Sovereign Lord and to do as He says.

Good relationships.  Whatever the decision when the referendum is taken, we need to ask God to help the nation to maintain good relationships with national neighbours.  Apart from our personal responsibility to live in peace, there is a large portion of the responsibility of the politicians.  In the words of 1 Timothy 2 v 1-4:  we are exhorted to pray first of all for those in authority. Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Finally, let us recognise that everyone who is eligible to vote has a responsibility to do so.  In the words of Ezra 10 v 4: Arise, for this matter is your responsibility ….be of good courage and do it.