Have you read the story of how Nathanael, an exemplary orthodox Israelite from the town of Cana, was introduced to Jesus by Philip of Bethsaida, and became another of Christ’s disciples? It is recorded in John Chapter 1 verses 43 to 50.
Nathanael, also known as Bartholomew, was never in in the limelight, but he will be remembered forever for receiving the highest compliment Jesus ever paid. Before they even met, Jesus famously declared of Nathanael, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit” (KJV – no guile). A good reputation is invaluable and often precedes formal acquaintance.
Scott Morrison’s belatedly admitted this week in the lead-up to the May 21 2022 federal election, that he had been “a bit of a bulldozer” in his term of office as Prime Minister. It was a statement he really had to make, to mitigate accusations of bullying by his own party that have been the basis for the chorus of criticism he has been receiving.
But his somewhat cheerful confession of fault, and promise to be more empathetic if re-elected, lacked genuine conviction. For more than three years the electorate has been able to make their own judgment of his leadership skills. As a result, many may be skeptical of his willingness and ability for the character make-over that would improve his likeability, without excessively diminishing his hold over the Coalition party.
Could any politician with scruples to try and emulate Nathanael’s approach in the cut and thrust world of politics and power, succeed? Possibly not, but this is the kind of person for whom I would prefer to vote. Let us cherish democratic changes in government to limit the sense of entitlement that so often goes with extended incumbency.
If we are not vigilant, more and more countries, whether Democracies or Autocracies, will be ruled by the rich and powerful (Plutocracies), lacking in the constraint of common decency.
This Everyday Australian 