The cry is for Auckland to be a world class-city that draws people to experience its lifestyle, natural beauty, caring community and all the attractions it sports. Huge progress has been made in infrastructure, development and making Auckland a city to be proud of.

But the heart of a city resonates from its people and so it is encouraging to read that Auckland Mayor, Len Brown, like his predecessor, makes time to meet regularly with the Church leaders of his city. He says it “provides me with sustenance and a reflective time that feeds the soul”. How precious is time set aside to meditate and pray; time to recognise that life consists of more than bricks and mortar, busyness and business, and sports and entertainment. To recognise the spiritual dimension that consciously, or unconsciously we all crave.

For all the outward appearance, we do not need to look far to see the ripples below the surface and see the drunken louts on Queen Street, the areas of the city it is best to avoid, the violence, the disillusioned teenagers, the struggling families, those trapped in addiction and despondency. There certainly are desperate needs to be met and the churches are committed to meeting these needs. Our hearts cry out on behalf of people in need, and church agencies set an example in getting alongside them. It seems what the Church does is shut the door after the horse has bolted. Far more needs to be done to change the heart and attitude of society.

The Mayor has huge responsibility to carry. For him, not only the realities of life we all face but also the hurly burley of political maneouvering, the polished art of compromise and the need to cut deals are very real. It is our privilege to encourage and support him. The instructions are simple and clear. “Honour those in authority and pray for them constantly.”

This does not mean, of course, that we should not express the concerns, ideas or the values we espouse. As good citizens, to do less would be criminal, but as Christians we respond to a higher power. Our desire is to express things with God’s wisdom, knowing that when we follow his purposes he never disadvantages anyone, he has our good and the good of our city at heart. How refreshing this should be for those in authority who face a constant line of people preying on them to get for themselves, by any means possible, what they want, demand or think they deserve.