There has been so much talk going on with the election in the UK coming up imminently. Yet there is an election that is on the go all the time not for people to represent a nation but for individuals to represent God on the Earth.

God has made a way for every person on the planet, whether young or old, white, yellow, brown or black to be elected to become a child of God. Jesus has made a wonderful way for the human race as individuals to so trust Him that we can know that we are chosen of God to be all that He intended us to be. Jesus says “I am the way, the truth and the life, no-one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) and he also said “You did not choose me. I chose you and sent you out to produce fruit, the kind of fruit that will last. Then my Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name.” (John 15:16 Contemporary English Version of Bible). We can choose but God elects each one of us even if some don’t take up their positions which is sad.

God has so much to give us individuals, completing out lives by filling up the God shaped hole within each of us, and setting us on a unique course of life using the skills he gives us and actually living like Jesus did. The fruit of His life i.e. His great love – shown in patience, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self-control and humility – can be ours, if we connect with Him by simply praying a prayer of repentance and asking Him to steer our life from then on. Children can do this simple act of trusting God through the ups and downs of life but we adults need to give them the lead.

Paul, the apostle, who himself had a literal Damascus Road experience where Jesus showed Himself to him {who before hated the Christians around him) encouraged other believers (after he had become one himself!) to make their election sure. Peter, the disciple who blundered his way through situations and even denied that he knew Jesus (but who later wept about this and did a round about turn to follow Jesus again) wrote in one of his letters (2Peter) “So then, my brothers, try even harder to make God’s call and his choice of you a permanent experience; if you do so, you will never abandon your faith” (1:10 – Good News Bible). In some other translations Peter writes about making one’s call and election sure and being immersed in God’s word for us (the Bible) is essential for growth and assurance. That’s why we, at Diamond Books, emphasise the importance of encouraging children to not only know about God and His love but also to endeavour to learn God’s words by heart so that they can be a source of help as the years go by. With so much fear and anxiety being experienced by children in our day, these words can be such an anchor for them both now and later.