England continues to battle the influence of society and the upper classes. I really did not appreciate how ingrained this battle is in the day-to-day life of an Englishman until living in London. In many ways, the influence of the issue and the related battle comes into the everyday life of every person living and working in part of the world.
For example, I ride a train to work in the morning from Walton on Thames to Waterloo. Walton is a wealthy suburb in a relatively exclusive area. Walton also has a large number of expatriates from all over the world. If one looks at the travelers each morning one finds representation from Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Sweden, Germany, France, and the U.S. in good numbers. Traditionally each station will have inspectors checking tickets just to make sure nobody is cheating. I have never seen an inspector at the Walton station. There are train personnel at Waterloo, on the train, and other stations, but never Walton.
Security at corporate office buildings is always tight, especially given the history of IRA terrorist attacks in this city. I have found one exception. I do not need to show my security pass to the senior officer of my office building. In fact, if he knows that I am about to come in he will trigger the door so that it is moving as I arrive.
People in England seem to walk in their place. I do not believe they need to stay there, but everything in society appears to drive them towards a special spot reserved just for them.
As followers of God, I wonder if we know our place. Do we realize the impact of our actions on others? Do our words and decisions make a statement that is consistent with the values we hold? Do we do what is right even when nobody is watching?
Paul's advice is straightforward. “Be a good citizen. All governments are under God.” (Romans 13.1) His rationale is simple. As we live in God's place, we will experience what God offers.
