We count ourselves to be very blessed with our leadership in Saskatchewan. There are a significant number of believers that serve in crucial leadership roles at the legislature. Prayer is a regular occurrence here.
Of course, the challenge of elected office can erode a person’s inner life. Nobody is immune to problems. The time demands of office can pull leaders away from self-care activities like exercise and prayer. There are difficult choices to make that are not obvious or easy. Many leaders feel an emotional weight when pressed for decisions that have long term consequences for society. It also takes strength of character to reject bribe offers and eliminate favouritism.
Imagine if you were in the role of member at a provincial legislature. Although it carries a degree of prestige and status, it also comes with contempt and vitriol from some of the public. Imagine how hard it would be for you to remain magnanimous, stoic, and compassionate while personal attacks are constantantly levelled at you.
The more that I interact with our MLAs here in Saskatchewan, the more I see a desire with many to prioritize spiritual life and relationship with God. That puts them in a good position to tackle the emotional and ethical challenges. Those that pray for our MLA’s contribute a great deal to the integrity of our leaders.
The Fall session of the legislature will run from Oct 19th to Nov 30th, 2016. This session is promising to be quite interesting with the prospect of significant transformational change to our province. This work is set against the backdrop of lower revenues due to low commodity prices. This is not an easy road to travel, so our leaders would definitely ask for your prayers as they contemplate the benefits and consequences of certain initiatives.
Dr. Scott Francis
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