Faith Matters
Much has been said about the character of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Reviewing some of the many newspaper articles written in recent days, she was described as having a “cheeky sense of humour and a gentle ability to put others at ease.” She was conscientious, hardworking, grounded, and practical. For decades, she was a point of stability and continuity in a rapidly changing world. Whether we favour a republic or are supporters of the monarchy (I don’t want to get into that debate), it’s hard not to respect the dedication and dignity with which the Queen conducted herself over seventy years on the throne.
Perhaps one reason that Australians liked her was that these are qualities that resonate with our psyche. They are things we value in ourselves. But where do they come from? Obviously, her personality was a big contributor. So was her upbringing. But I’ve found it interesting exercise to look back over the speeches given by the Queen each Christmas for many years. While usually very private and reluctant to talk about personal matters, she made a number of small statements that give us an insight into what made her the woman she was.
In 2000, she said, “To many of us our beliefs are of fundamental importance. For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life.” In 2014, she said, “For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none.” And in 2016, “Billions of people now follow Christ’s teaching and find in him the guiding light for their lives. I am one of them because Christ’s example helps me see the value of doing small things with great love, whoever does them and whatever they themselves believe.”
Throughout her life, Queen Elizabeth II found accountability, a framework for life, an inspiration, an anchor, a role model, and an example in Jesus. Jesus said, “I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them” (John 13:15-17). When it comes to living well, faith matters.
Neil Percival
Perhaps one reason that Australians liked her was that these are qualities that resonate with our psyche. They are things we value in ourselves. But where do they come from? Obviously, her personality was a big contributor. So was her upbringing. But I’ve found it interesting exercise to look back over the speeches given by the Queen each Christmas for many years. While usually very private and reluctant to talk about personal matters, she made a number of small statements that give us an insight into what made her the woman she was.
In 2000, she said, “To many of us our beliefs are of fundamental importance. For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life.” In 2014, she said, “For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none.” And in 2016, “Billions of people now follow Christ’s teaching and find in him the guiding light for their lives. I am one of them because Christ’s example helps me see the value of doing small things with great love, whoever does them and whatever they themselves believe.”
Throughout her life, Queen Elizabeth II found accountability, a framework for life, an inspiration, an anchor, a role model, and an example in Jesus. Jesus said, “I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them” (John 13:15-17). When it comes to living well, faith matters.
Neil Percival