Working with the chain gang!

For most of us the 'chain gang' is a group of prisoners chained together to perform various tasks outside the prison walls. What many people don't know is that the local dignitaries within British town councils, like Mayors, are also part of a 'chain gang' too. This time though  the chains are of a golden colour and denote membership of a very privileged group within a town's community.

There are a number of thoughts surrounding the existence of the latter. The majority appear to see the wearer of a chain of office as being the 'first citizen' of the town, a sort of nobility conferred on the incumbent of the office by the town in recognition of their service to that place. This is not a bad take on the role of Mayor for indeed there has, generally, been commitment and service to the place where they serve. To recognise and honour this is both fitting and right, although the mayor is perhaps more accurately 'primus inter pares', that is 'first amongst equals'.

There is a potential problem apparent in that some clergy have Jesus telling those who wear their chains that they are not only the first citizen but that they would, as a result of the wearing of such adornments, hear Jesus one day applauding them with the, "Well done my good and faithful servant," speech'. Sorry people, I have to stop the party and just point out that you can wear whatever you wish but unless you know Jesus first hand then when you get to meet Him, and believe me, we all will, all you'll hear Him say is, "Who?" Doesn't matter what rank you've held, how many people have honoured you or what you've got after your name, the reality is that if you don't know Him then he isn't going to know you when the final parade takes place. We need to make sure that we don't strive so much for things in this life that get rusty, tarnished or stolen that we find ourselves excluded in the place that lies ahead of us.

I really enjoyed the fact that there were really ordinary people wearing chains where I was last night, shows that, regardless of social class or education, people can make a difference and can 'get on'. There were also the, "I'm obviously much better than you," types too! The presence of aloofness and decorum can probably be explained by the political party subscribed to and here's the good news (well, not really): Hell, like membership of the chain gang, is open to people of all political persuasions and social standings, all of whom think they're doing the 'right thing'. Not only that, but just like the place I found myself last night, it's full of really nice people and they probably have Jive Bunny being sung there too! So, be warned.

A fun note this evening came when a member of the German twinned-town contingent at the dinner won the raffle and chose the canteen of cutlery. Sadly though I fear that she might have a few problems if she takes them on the flight home (best take her shoes off as well ;-)).

Pax