This morning along with other councillors and civic guests I attended the Kirkin of the Council at
Dundee Parish Church (St Mary's). I think that it is always worth taking time to reflect on our roles as councillors and what we are trying to achieve. It was good to listen to the Minister, Rev Keith Hall preaching on 'Recognising True Greatness'. He preached on Matthew's Gospel Chapter 23 Versses 1-12. In this passage Jesus warns against those who do not practice what they preach and do not lift a finger to lift the heavy burden on those who carry such a burden. The passage ends 'Anyone who raises himself up will be humbled and anyone who humbles himself will be raised up.' I think that this is an interesting choice, especially as the council guests sat in the Lord Provost's pew. I wonder what Jesus would make of such reserved seats in the temple. It is important though to remember that we are called to serve not to be served and our roles on the council are to make Dundee a better place and hopefully lift the burden from those who are overburdened. It is also clear that we should not be serving on he council looking for glory for ourselves but rather we should be trying to make the city a better place