Today, in Surrey (!!), Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary will challenge Health Authorities to move from being complacent about their achievements. Too many hospitals, apparently, are satisfied with reaching targets, and do not aspire to being better that they were. A culture of 'that's good enough' is dangerous. As he will say, 'coasting can kill'.
St. Paul said pretty much the same to his friends in Rome, when thinking about their aspirations in their lives as followers of Jesus.
' Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honouring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.' (Romans 12.9-13)
On every side, Paul tells us that we shouldn't be coasting along, doing just enough to satisfy our own minimum standards. So our love for one another needs to be genuine, and our service of the Lord is to be enthusiastic, rather than dutiful!
This matters because we never know when we may encounter someone who is looking for help and support, a wise word or a friendly hug. If at those moments, we are thoroughly wrapped up in our own lives, and blind to the needs of others, our coasting will kill that opportunity.
So, I pray today that we can be alert, eager, and ready for respond as Jesus would, so that others are blessed and He is glorified.
Best wishes,
Richard
No comments:
Post a Comment