Are you protecting your mind?

Mark Bridger, convicted of killing 5 year old April Jones yesterday, enjoyed watching child pornography on his computer. It is claimed that this poisoned his mind and shaped his behaviour. So Government advisors and others are calling on search engines, such as Google, to make it much more difficult to access to such dangerous material. 

This response, opposed by those who want everyone to have free access to all sorts of material, indicates that many experts in the field believe that what we watch affects how we behave. 

It is striking that advertisers know that this is the case. That is why they produce behaviour-changing adverts, to entice us into wanting things.

We all know that in many simple ways our own lives are shaped by the programmes that we watch, or the materials that we read. 

The question is whether we are taking any action to protect our own minds.

Obviously, St. Paul was not aware of the internet, but in some ways, things have not changed that much. So he advised his friends in Philippi to take care of their minds. 'And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.' (Philippians 4.8-9)

Each of us has the privilege and responsibility of managing the state of our own minds. We all know that what we think about affects how we behave. To keep healthy on the inside requires drastic action. But the benefits are wonderful.

Best wishes,

Richard

On top of the world

60 years ago today, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, his Sherpa guide, became the first people successfully to ascend and descend Mount Everest. Because I was too young at the time to know that this had happened (and we were living in Japan), it was not until I was about 6, when we returned to England, that I learned of this achievement. But when I did learn about it, I was very excited.

These days, hundreds make the journey to the top of the world and back. In the light of this anniversary, efforts are being made to clean up the Base Camp, and to preserve the pristine beauty of the mountain peak.

For most people in today's world, there is no prospect of being able to go on such an expedition. The cost and the physical demands of such a trip, let alone the time required to prepare for it and then make the ascent, all conspire together to making this impossible. 

St. Paul describes another astonishing conquest, when he is writing to his friends in Rome. Having listed a catalogue of difficulties and problems, Paul speak of the reality for Christians.

'Overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.' (Romans 8.37-39)

Today, we may face a selection of Paul's menu of difficulties. But the 'on top of the world' reality is that overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 

When climbers train for their challenge, they have to learn to trust their equipment, and use it the way it was designed to help them. That takes time and practice.

For followers of Jesus, as we remember the reality that overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us, we too must train ourselves to live to keep trusting Jesus to make a moment-by-moment difference in our experience. Today, we can live knowing that nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Best wishes,

Richard

Ready for Action

Foreign Ministers from the European Union have been discussing whether or not to provide military weapons for those fighting against the Assad regime in Syria's terrible civil war.

The argument used by William Hague, the British Foreign Minister, has been that the enemies of the regime have had every form of modern weaponry used against them, and they are unable to meet fire with fire. In this appallingly complex theatre of war, this question has been much debated, particularly in light of the approaching 'Peace Conference' next month.

However, a limited agreement has been reached, so that some weapons may be made available to some of those fighting against the Assad regime. It is believed by some, at least, that the balance of power may change, as the rebels are now equipped to be ready for action.

While we all need to pray for God to show mercy to all the peoples of Syria, we may be either hopeful or despairing about this latest turn of events.

This terrible civil war reminds me that followers of Jesus Christ are all involved in a relentless battle, of a different sort, in our desire to live effective Christian lives. 

St. Paul tells his friends in Ephesus what we are all facing. 'For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.' (Ephesians 6.12)

It is important that we accept both sides of this statement. First, our enemies are not people (flesh-and-blood enemies). This should stop us taking on a personal persecution complex. 

But we do have real and vicious enemies who operate in the unseen world of evil spirits, that Jesus warned his disciples about. '“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22.31-32) 

It is wonderful that Jesus prays for us, so that we may be strengthened to be ready for action, when the battle is raging. 

In order to help his friends in Corinth, St. Paul describes his own 'ready for action' approach to his ministry and mission. 'We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.' (2 Corinthians 10.3-4)

Today, we all need to take hold of God's weapons so that we may be strong to stand against the spiritual enemies we encounter. That means, in practice, we must take time to pray for God's help, moment by moment, and have our minds filled with God's word and wisdom, so that we can discern what to think, and how to react to the changes and challenges of this day. Then we shall be ready for action.

Best wishes,

Richard

Religious Freedom

The brutal attack on a British soldier by two Muslim extremists in Woolwich on Wednesday has sent shock waves throughout our nation. 

Already, organisations such as Woking People of Faith, representing many faith groups, have produced their statements condemning this violence. This indicates that diverse communities can live together in a society which values religious freedom.

On the other side, both the English Defence League have also had their worst fears confirmed, and the leader of the now banned, al-Muhajiroun organisation, Anjem Choudary, has failed to condemn the violence of the two suspects.

Religious freedom presupposes that people are free to practice their religion without being harassed and attacked by people with different views. 

But religious freedom does not assume that everyone believes that all religions are equally true or valid. 

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I have often told by my Muslim friends that they wish that I would become a Muslim. I respond by saying that I wish they would all become followers of Jesus. We remain friends, deeply committed to our different faiths.

Jesus was quite clear that not all choices are good for us. 'The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.' (John 10.10)

One sad feature of the events on Wednesday is that Michael Adebolajo has been described as coming from a devout Christian family. Choosing to leave behind such a heritage has consequences which are serious, even when it doesn't hit the headlines. In response to these events, may we all be Christ-like in our generosity to those who have not yet discovered the 'rich and satisfying life' that Jesus is offering.

Best wishes,

Richard

The State of Nature

A "stocktake" of UK nature suggests 60% of animal and plant species have declined in the past 50 years - and one in 10 could end up disappearing.
For the first time, 25 wildlife organisations - from the RSPB to the British Lichen Society - have collated assessments of 3,148 species. 

The State of Nature report offers clues to the fate of the UK's 59,000 species.
Many of us, living in urban or suburban environments may not be aware of this decline. And then it seems, as with many other environmental issues, such as climate change or water quality, that as individuals we can do very much to make a difference.
As followers of Jesus Christ, should we be concerned?
From the start of Genesis, human beings, made in the image of God, share our Creator's task of caring for His creation. 'Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” (Genesis 1.28)
Instead of taking care of creation, people all over the world have destroyed and pillaged the good world made for us.
It seems to me that while, individually, we may not be very interested in birds, badgers, bats or beetles as individual sections of the big picture, all of us should seek to be informed and active in seeking to support those experts and activists who do make it their business to conserve and protect the precious wildlife of our countryside. 

Our own quality of health seems to be linked to the quality of the life of our natural world.

Best wishes,
Richard

The Longest Word!

I recall, as a child, being told that the longest word in the English language was 'antidisestablishmentarianism'. 

At the time, and for many years, I had no idea what it meant. 

Then, when I began to understand something of the links in England between the Church of England and the Crown, I recall having theoretical debates with friends about the benefits and costs of these 'establishment' links.

Having been ordained as a minister of religion (what it says on my Passport) in the Church of England, since 1978 (35 years and counting!), and having spent all of that time in local parish ministry, I now find myself wondering whether these links can be sustained.

The votes in the House of Commons yesterday and today may have far reaching consequences for the Church of England in particular. The divisions in the Conservative Party may be matched by divisions within the Church of England over this issue, but the status quo is not likely to be either comfortable or possible. How might we respond?
Jesus was confronted with similar, though different, issues. The question he faced was financial rather than social, but the consequences were again far reaching. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you speak and teach what is right and are not influenced by what others think. You teach the way of God truthfully. Now tell us—is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” He saw through their trickery and said,  “Show me a Roman coin. Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” (Luke 20.21-25)

I continue to pray that our elected and unelected leaders will be wise, for the sake of all in our nation. And while I accept that not everyone holds to be true about marriage what I hold to be true, I believe that giving to God what belongs to God is the best option in all circumstances.

Do contact our MP, Jonathan Lord, to encourage him to continue in his stance against this legislation. jonathan.lord.mp@parliament.uk

Best wishes,

Richard

Freedom to speak

Today, in Parliament in Westminster, there will be further discussion and debate about the Government's contentious proposal to change the definition of marriage to include same gender couples. This has been a hotly debated and argued issue, which in itself has raised many other issues. 

On the one side is the case for equality before the law for all people. 

This equality argument is assumed to be superior to all other rights, whether they are the rights of conscience or right to freedom to practice one's religion without hindrance. 

What do I think? Am I free to speak my mind, whether or not what I say may offend others?

St. Paul reminds his Christian friends in what is modern south-east Turkey about the centrality of freedom in Christian living. 'It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.' (Galatians 5.1) This freedom from having to be under a legalistic regime, with respect to my relationship with God, is an essential benefit for followers of Jesus.

But this freedom is not a freedom to do anything that might be attractive or appealing. It is not a freedom to live contrary to the revealed will of God. It is not a freedom to please myself. 

So Paul has to state the limits to this freedom, won for us by Jesus' dying for us. 'For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.' (Galatians 5.13-15)

Does loving my neighbour mean that I accept that every lifestyle choice is good? It most certainly does not. 

God's ideal for all sorts of people is that we choose to live within the safety margins he has set, is all aspects of our lives. For that reason, and many others, I strongly oppose the Government's desire to change the definition of marriage. 

Some may be offended by my views, but I defend my right to have the freedom to speak.

Best wishes,

Richard

Behind the Scenes

When we get glimpses of what is going on, behind the scenes, in government, or the financial sector, or amongst oil companies fixing prices, we are mostly shocked. On the outside, people seem good and trustworthy, and then scandals emerge about expenses, and other unexpected activities.

Lord Acton's famous dictum, 'Power tends to corrupt and absolute power tends to corrupt absolutely' - appears more true with every turning year.

So it is startlingly encouraging when we look behind the scenes in the Book of Revelation.

'Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow.' (Revelation 4.1-3)

While John is enduring the results of Roman injustice and tyranny, exiled on the island of Patmos, he sees that the true ruler of the world is God, full of mercy and glory. As John looks further, he sees Jesus, and this changes everything. 'Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders.' (Revelation 5.6). And the worship of all heaven is taken up with praise. ' And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: “Blessing and honour and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” (Revelation 5.13)

Whatever is happening in our world today, we also need to know that behind the scenes is God, revealed to us in Jesus, whose purposes are good and merciful to all He has made. As we live today, knowing this, we can be peaceful and purposeful in all that we seek to do.

Best wishes,

Richard

Productive Waiting

Have you heard people, in the supermarket queue, tutting and huffing, as they wonder how long they will have to wait? 

Their impatience seems to be messing with their mind. 

When we are stuck and having to wait, or when things don't work out as quickly as we might hope, how might we use the time well?

I love the story, from Acts 1, that I referred to yesterday. 

Jesus had spoken his disciples, ' ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.' (Acts 1.4). But how did they fill that waiting time? Did they play Scrabble, or watch a DVD? Or go out together? 

The story is instructive. 'Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying. They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them. “Brothers and sisters,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David.' (Acts 1.12-16)

As well as praying together (always a good thing to do!), Peter and the others were concerned to make sense of their recent past, which included the arrest, death and resurrection of Jesus. Instead of pooling their ignorance, or speculating, Channel 4 style, they looked in the Scriptures, and acted accordingly.

When we have 'time on our hands', or are forced to wait for something to happen, we would do well to invest that time, whether short or long, in focusing on 'what is God teaching me?' sorts of questions. 

Facing difficult issues, it is always better to be God-focused than problem-focused. Time is well spent when we learn the skill of productive waiting, for the Lord knows what we need to learn, and we can trust Him.

Best wishes,

Richard

Patient Waiting?

Most of us find waiting difficult. 

In our busy culture, we think of waiting as wasted time.

Think of the times when we have to 'wait in' for a delivery to be made, or for the washing machine engineer to visit. We mostly get frustrated and fed up!

And while we understand that children look for instant gratification - 'I want it and I want it NOW!', said Verruca Salt in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" - adults are supposed to value 'delayed gratification'!

The Bible is clear that waiting for God to fulfil his promises is a normal part of faithful living. 'Once when Jesus was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptised with water, but in just a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit. You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1.4-5, 8)

Jesus clearly told his disciples that they had to wait for God's timing. Without the patient and faithful waiting, they would never have had the Spirit's enabling power to carry out their mission and ministry.

For ourselves, in this period between Ascension & Pentecost, we are reminded that we cannot hurry God's timing. We would do well to learn to be patient and faithful in our waiting. The first disciples spent these 10 days in prayer and Bible study together. Their time was well spent!
Best wishes,

Richard

Job Done!

Yesterday was Ascension Day, 40 days after Easter, when Jesus' first disciples saw him with their own eyes ascend to heaven, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. 'Jesus was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him.' (Acts 1.9)

Reflecting on the purposes of God through the ages, the writer to the Hebrews observed, 'Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.' (Hebrews 1.1-2) Jesus comes to us as God's final and definitive word, making clear what had previously been suggested, and finishing the work begun by so many others before him. 

In particular, only Jesus has been able to deal with the problem of the human heart, which is of course the heart of the human problem. 'When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honour at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.' (Hebrews 1.3b)

The writer makes much, elsewhere in his letter, of the fact that Jesus has sat down in heaven, because his work of providing forgiveness for guilty consciences has been completed. 

In the Ascension of Jesus, our weak and broken humanity is taken into the very presence of God himself, and we find acceptance and welcome, because of the self-sacrifice of Jesus. 

He has sat down, because the job has been done! We can therefore live today, with our burdens lifted and our destiny secured. As the old hymn says, 'Hallelujah! What a Saviour!'

Best wishes,

Richard