MP Expenses

Looks like another round of revelations regarding the British Members of Parliament (MPs) expenses has just been released. I don't think I've seen such united disgust at a particular issue (possibly ever) within my countrymen. Whilst I can see that this is indeed a grievous scandal within Westminster, I fear that the MPs were sadly acting as a microcosmic reflection of our society. I know of a lot of people who'll willingly take 'cash in hand' for a piece of work or stretch their company expenses claims that bit further, seeking every possible tax loophole to gain the greatest personal economic benefit and pay the minimum amount in tax. I find it saddening that people and such damning in their judgements of others, yet hesitant to evaluate or be accountable for their own actions.

Being a poor student I can perhaps escape most of the financial aspects of hypocrisy, however I know to my shame I too often take the personal moral high ground over others in my thoughts and actions, wittingly or unwittingly seeking to furnish my own interests. Reading the letter to the Romans this week has thankfully humbled me in this...

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgement on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgement do the same things. Now we know that God's judgement against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgement on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgement? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance? But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgement will be revealed.

Romans chapter 2 verses 1-5