The Best of Times, the Worst of Times

Charles Dickens' novel, The Tale of Two Cities, starts with the famous (very long) sentence 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness', -  and a great many more startling contrasts!

He then states that ordinary life is always full of light and darkness, life and death, summer and winter. But he does tell a great story of courage and sacrifice, in the midst of the terrible things happening in those particular times. 

I know that life for very many in our own church community is very testing at present. For many, there are issues of health and health care, as well as the daily struggles to live for Jesus faithfully, while family members are not supportive. And yet, God is clearly at work, in changing people's lives and bringing more and more people to be part of our worshipping community. It is the best of times and the worst of times.

St. Paul was aware that life was both difficult and wonderful. 'We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.' (2 Corinthians 4.8-10)

Paul goes on to contrast our outward circumstances with what God is doing inside us, for eternity. 'That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.' (2 Corinthians 4.16-18)

So I take heart that God is at work amongst us, and appreciate that we need to draw closer to Him, as we seek to be faithful in these challenging times.

Best wishes,

Richard

Sacrifice

Today is the anniversary of the martyrdom of James Hannington.

He was born in 1847, and in 1884, he was sent by the Church of England as the missionary Bishop of Eastern Equatorial Africa. As he was travelling toward Uganda, he was apprehended by emissaries of King Mwanga. He and his companions were brutally treated and, a week later, on 29 October 1885, most of them were put to death. Hannington's last words were: "Go tell your master that I have purchased the road to Uganda with my blood." 

Hannington knew that his death, and his willing offering of his own blood as a sacrifice, would make it possible for the Gospel of Jesus to be spread to wider audiences.

St. Andrew's has had a link for 25 years with the college named after Bishop Hannington, and we were privileged to have the Revd. Martin Olando, the present Acting Principal with us over our Silver Jubilee weekend. 

Martin has written to say 'As  staff  of  BHI  we  are  encouraged  by Bishop  James  Hannington's  life .  He  made a sacrifice   and we stand  on his shoulders. Sacrifice  is  our driver and  motto  as we  serve at BHI.'

Of course, when Christians think of sacrifice, we go back to what Jesus did for us in dying on the cross. 

But every time we offer our lives as a sacrifice, Jesus is honoured and God is glorified. 

St. Paul wrote to his friends in Rome, to encourage them to live daily as sacrifices. 'And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.' (Romans 12.1-2)

Today, as we remember James Hannington, and his companions being killed in the line of duty and service for Jesus, may we learn to be living and holy sacrifices for Jesus.

Best wishes,

Richard

St. Jude

The storm, named St. Jude, seems to have come and gone through Woking without too much trouble. Not even the apples on our tree have been blown off, though the old roofing felt looks a bit more ripped. Others around the country will have had stronger winds and more damage. 

The Met. Office have done well to warn us all toi expect the worst. As it hasn't turned out as bad as the Great Storm of 1987, they will be pleased to avoid being criticised, which seems to be the name of the game!

But this hurricane, like all hurricanes, has been given a name. This one has been named Jude, and it will be followed, alphabetically with a female K. Do you remember Katrina, that devastated New Orleans?

But who was Jude?

He wrote a brief letter to early Christians, and that is found as the next to last book in the New Testament, just before the Revelation to John. 

Jude was a brother of James, one of the leaders of the Jerusalem Church, and a brother of Jesus. 'This letter is from Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of James.' (Jude 1) (It is Paul who tells us that James was a brother of Jesus. 'The only other apostle I met at that time was James, the Lord’s brother.' (Galatians 1.19))

Jude's aim in writing his letter was to help the growing Christian communities to weather the storms of conflict and heresy that were sweeping through many churches. Rapid growth often results in shallow roots. So Jude's closing words focus our thoughts and praises on God, for God alone can keep us stable in challenging times. 'Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault.  All glory to him who alone is God, our Saviour through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.' (Jude 24-25)

This is a prayer we could use for ourselves and others who are facing a battering in these days. God can keep us from falling, bring us into his presence, without a single fault! That is great news.

Best wishes,

Richard

Are you listening?

Some world leaders are being heard, and don't like it. 

Of course, I am referring to the 'revelations' that the US spying networks have been listening in on mobile phone conversations from German & French leaders. Apparently, everyone at the that level already knows that everyone else is listening. What is annoying them is that people like us now know!

In a culture which is overloaded with media and information, most of us find listening quite difficult. It is very common to see a group of people apparently talking amongst themselves, while actually all are attending to their own mobile phones. Little is really being heard, and people are increasingly deaf to those who are closest.

Jesus constantly focused on our need to listen, and his parables were designed to explore whether or not people could be bothered to work out what he was on about. The start and finish of the Parable of the Sower illustrates the point. '“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed.  . . . . . Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (Mark 4.3, 9)

Taking the time to hear well, to listen and understand, to question and probe, to grow in wisdom, as we try to make sense of life's endless puzzles, is what all of us need to do. Otherwise, we will be like the foolish person in Jesus' parable about the man who ignored what Jesus was saying. '“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the flood-waters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 

But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” (Matthew 7.24-27)

To be wise is to listen to Jesus and follow what He says, and act with obedience. That way we are building for the future, rather than living for the present. That sounds like a good idea!
Best wishes,

Richard

Golden Leaves

Autumn leaves are often most beautiful. 

My blueberry bushes have some wonderfully bright red leaves, while the birch trees have bright yellow ones. It is very interesting to see how green leaves turn brown, orange, red or yellow, as their green pigmentation fades. 

But researchers in Australia have been finding minute quantities of gold particles in the leaves of eucalyptus trees that are growing in regions where there are gold deposits deeply buried. This may make mining for gold much cheaper, as the trees' roots have effectively done the research for the mining engineers.

I find that very interesting. The tree roots show where its roots are located. 

Following my observations yesterday about the dangerous gap between 'name and nature', today, I am thinking about roots and fruit.

When Jesus was highlighting our need to be authentic followers of his, rather than hypocrites, who just played at it, for the sake of appearances, he spoke of the fruit that we produce.  “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.' (Matthew 7.15-20)

But we know that the fruit is determined by the roots, and what sort of water source that bush or tree has. If the roots of our spiritual life are deeply grown into the love of God, then we shall produce his nature in us, as St. Paul prayed. 'Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.' (Ephesians 3.17b)

Where are your roots growing, and what do you your leaves look like? Jesus, I hope!

Best wishes,

Richard

Name or Nature?

Is the Coop Bank a Coop by 'Name or Nature'?

Troubles at the Coop Bank are rumbling on, as they struggle to restore some sort of order, following their failed attempt to absorb hundreds of Lloyds Bank branches.

While they are still called the Cooperative Bank, the truth is that only 30% is owned by their members, and 70% of their backers are hedge fund managers. So the question of whether they are Coop by 'Name or Nature'?

But the Coop Bank is not the only organisation that needs to be asked that question. 

Many might wonder whether some Christian Churches are Christian only in name, or whether they share the same nature as Jesus Christ. And that challenge extends to individuals too.

At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus issues some very stark challenges to people like us, who may use the name without showing the nature. '“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgement day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ (Matthew 7.21-23)

Facing these challenges, it is wonderful to know that by His Spirit, the character of Jesus can be reproduced in us, so that our nature increasingly reflects His. 

St. Paul encouraged his friends with this promise. 'Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.' (Romans 13.14)

So today, all of us can share both the name and nature of Jesus Christ. This will make us glorifying to God, a blessing to others and remind us that we are people in whom a humbling miracle is taking place.

Best wishes,

Richard

Living Faithfully

Isn't life complicated? 

I am often muddled and confused about many matters. 

I want to be as 'green' as possible, but we still own a very old refrigerator, which is probably very inefficient. 

I think it is better to speak to people face to face, but I use electronic ways to communicate very often. 

How can I live faithfully, in the midst of many difficult choices?

These are not new problems, and I have been very encouraged by studying the heroes of faith from the Bible.

Take Noah, for instance. 'It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before.' (Hebrews 11.7a)

Because Noah was committed to living faithfully, and had a desire to keep close to God, he was ready to obey the Lord who spoke to him clearly about the coming flood. The Lord seems to have said "There's a flood coming. Build a big boat, so you can be saved!" It was clear enough for Noah to be able to obey God. Noah's active obedience was evidence that he was living faithfully.

In my complicated life, I can trust the Lord to give me clear enough directions and warnings, so that I too can obey, and so show that I too am living faithfully. I may not have clarity about lost of things - like what shoes to wear today, or whether to drink coffee - but on the important things that the Lord wants me to know about - such as how to treat the people close to me, or what to pray for those in my care - that is where I can aim to be living faithfully this week.

Will you also aim for that?

I hope so.

Best wishes,

Richard

Who said what?

The police are in the dock, again!

When Andrew Mitchell left Downing Street, all those months ago, what did he say to the policemen on duty? And what did the police say, in response, either then or later?

These may seem small issues, but this story, and the ways in which it has been investigated, raises questions of trust in public figures - both politicians and the police. Without that trust in such figures, many aspects of our lives are undermined. 

Much of the character of British life is shaped by our attitudes towards police and politicians. It is striking how relaxed most of our encounters are with the police, and how free we are to meet politicians, both local and national, without security guards and minders making sure who is saying what to whom.

These wholesome features of British life have been highlighted for me in these last days, as I have enjoyed taking Martin Olando to London and Oxford, and during our Jubilee Weekend.

But there is a deeper issue to address. 

Why can people trust what we say, whether we are talking about mundane matters or deeply significant ones? 

Can we be trusted to speak truth to power, and challenge the views of the people we encounter, in order to reveal a deeper truth about the nature of God? 

In the New Testament, we see and hear Jesus amongst people who are often not interested in what he is saying or doing. 

One such story is when Jesus encountered a man who had been born blind, whom he healed. This raised problems for the religious authorities, as the healing took place on a Sabbath. 

Instead of being glad that a man's life had been transformed by Jesus' miraculous intervention, the authorities show themselves to be blind to the deeper truth. ' When Jesus heard what had happened, he found the man and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 

The man answered, “Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him.” 

“You have seen him,” Jesus said, “and he is speaking to you!” 

“Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said. And he worshipped Jesus. 

Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgement—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.” 

Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, “Are you saying we’re blind?” 

“If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,” Jesus replied. “But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.' (John 9.35-41)

Unless we are known to be trustworthy and open about the normal things of life, we will find that people will find it hard to trust us when we talk of more significant issues. As Jesus found, some people will remain blind to that truth, whatever we say.

Best wishes,

Richard

Sowing and Growing

The trees are doing their best to grow the next generation of their species. Acorns and conkers are everywhere, and leaves are on their way to falling, rotting and decay. In the midst of autumnal death, we see the signs of new life awaiting the spring.

Every time we leave one phase of life behind, we reach a new stage, with its challenge and excitement. For St. Andrew's Church, the first 25 years of the building are over, and we look ahead to the next stage, whatever that may hold. The weekend was like a great birthday celebration, but we get back to 'normal' patterns, marked by sowing and growing into the lives of the people and community of Goldsworth Park.

A special feature of this weekend has been the presence of Martin Olando, the Acting Principal from the Bishop Hannington Institute in Mombasa, Kenya. 

As I have listened to him sharing his passion for training pastors for their role in Kenya, I realise that we are doing similar work in the lives of those we encounter. 

But that is no surprise, as we seek to follow the steps of Jesus. As Jesus approached his own arrest, death and burial, he challenged his followers to follow. 'Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honour anyone who serves me.' (John 12.23-26)

The pattern we see in the life of Jesus, which He calls us to follow, is the willing sacrifice of our own desires and habits, for the sake of those who need to know His life in theirs. 

We know that we have benefited because Jesus gave His life for ours. As we learn to sow our lives in the pattern of Jesus, not only will we be changed, but others will grow to know Him too. What a privilege that is!
Best wishes,

Richard

Silver Jubilee Thanksgiving

St. Andrew's Silver Jubilee weekend has been wonderful.

The planning team were supported by plenty of willing volunteers. The weather on Saturday was astonishing. Visitors came from far and near, from the past and the present. The Hog Roast stretched to all who came. The cakes were many and various. And so much more could be said.

As Andy Knowles and others re-told the stories from earlier times, I have realised how much we have for which to thank the Lord.

And being able to recount the goodness of the Lord has reminded me of the privilege it is to be part of our Church.

The prophet Isaiah has a wonderful comment to make as he looks back. 'I will tell of the Lord’s unfailing love. I will praise the Lord for all he has done.

I will rejoice in his great goodness, which he has granted according to his mercy and love. He said, “They are my very own people. Surely they will not betray me again.” 

And he became their Saviour. In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years.' (Isaiah 63.7-9)

Life is tough for many people, for many different reasons. Isolation and loneliness are modern diseases which ravage communities. But many have discovered that God is good and loving, and that there is a community where love and mercy are experienced and known, and where forgiveness and a fresh start are possible.

We may all have our own particular favourite memory from the weekend. I was astonished, yesterday, to see the completed cube of duplo bricks, representing the length, depth, height and width of the love of God, put together by our worshipping community. I shall take picture of it today!Amazing!

Best wishes,

Richard

Who has the Power?

It is said that the Emperor Nero played his violin while he watched all Rome burn. He believed that he had ultimate power, so it didn't matter what happened to his city of empire. 

As Lord Acton observed, 'Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely'.

We are so familiar with the abuse of power in our world, whether it is from the rich and exploiting, or violent and destroying. But is that the end of the story?

Not if you know your Bible well enough to know that God is still on his throne, and in Jesus he has dealt with those who have stolen power. 

The Book of Revelation was written to Christians late in the first Christian century who were experiencing the destructive results of power abuse, mostly from the Roman authorities. But they are reminded that God is still sovereign. '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. Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder.' (Revelation 4.2-5)

This vision of heaven, with the Lord God Almighty on the throne of the universe, will have brought great comfort to struggling Christians. 

The vision develops, when Jesus makes his entry on the scene. '“Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.” 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 5.5-6)

The worship of heaven then takes up a new song. 'And they sang a new song with these words: 

“You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. 

For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. 

And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5.9-10)

Today, in all the mess and muddle of our daily lives, where many things don't work out the way we would want, we need to know that the ultimate power in the universe is held in the nail -pierced hands of Jesus. Knowing that helps me to carry on, trusting Him to make good on every promise.

Best wishes,

Richard

Travel Arrangements

With our Silver Jubilee approaching - tomorrow is the actual 25th Anniversary of the Dedication of St. Andrew's Church - many people are finalising their travel arrangements. Inevitably, some plans are modified or amended, and previous ideas are adjusted.

But we are used to that level of flexibility. My own diary for today has been changed because of changing circumstances.

St. Paul found himself in the middle of a serious misunderstanding with the Christian communities in Corinth, when he changed his travel plans. There were some who were trying to belittle Paul in the eyes and hearts of the many in the church, because they believed that these changes of plan showed that Paul was not to be trusted. 

Paul's response is robust. 'You may be asking why I changed my plan. Do you think I make my plans carelessly? Do you think I am like people of the world who say “Yes” when they really mean “No”? As surely as God is faithful, our word to you does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” (2 Corinthians 1.17-18)

I am struck by Paul's assertion that he isn't fickle and happy to change with the weather. How important it is that Christian people are known to be trustworthy and reliable. Our faithfulness and reliability should be of the same order as God's. Paul is quite aware that people in the world do not live by that standard.

But he goes on to make an astonishing statement about Jesus. 'For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” He is the one whom Silas, Timothy, and I preached to you, and as God’s ultimate “Yes,” he always does what he says. For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.' (2 Corinthians 1.19-20)

Paul sees a direct connection between what he preaches - Jesus - and the way he lives. And then he states that Jesus is the fulfilment of all the Old Testament and its promises for the future blessing of the people of the world. That is a staggering observation!

So, as followers of Jesus, our future destiny determined by Jesus, in whom all God's promises find their fulfilment.

But this has implications for the details of our ordinary lives too. That includes ordinary stuff like our travel arrangements, or the shopping, work, conversations and everything else we might be doing today.

Have a great day!

Best wishes,

Richard

Famous Last Words

When I was much younger, we used to learn the Famous Last Words of assorted people, including Admiral Nelson. Apparently, before he died, he said, "Kiss me, Hardy!" 

In Shakespeare's play of the same name, Julius Caesar died, saying, "Et tu, Brute!", to his oldest friend, Brutus.

I am currently reading a novel in which the hero spends a lot of his time trying to work what his last words should be in order that they become famous.

I was struck by the last words in John's first letter to the community that he pastored, which was around the city of Ephesus. Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.' (1 John 5.21)

Having spent most of the letter addressing the issues of the nature of God and how He loves us, the final warning comes as a bit of a surprise. But on closer thought, this remark takes seriously the astonishing flow of the Bible story, which sees people of all periods of history finding it impossible to keep away from anything that might take God’s place in their hearts.'

Human beings are so easily hooked on something they can see as their latest craze or idol. We so easily become addicted to focusing our attention on stuff or celebrities, or fashions or our own plans and ease. The list is endless.

Hence, the wise old man, who loves his people dearly, ends his letter with this startling warning.

I don't know what habitually replaces God in your affections and desires, but if you are anything like me and the rest of us, you will know where you are vulnerable. 

Like me, therefore, let us choose to have God at the centre of our lives today, and to dethrone all rivals. 

'Down with the idols!' you might want to cry under your breath.

Best wishes,

Richard

The Morning After

Last evening, a dozen members from St. Andrew's joined others in affirming their faith in Jesus publicly, at their Confirmation.

It was a great encouragement to see them do this and to hear words of testimony of how Jesus has brought miraculous change into their lives. 

As with all of us, the task of our being changed isn't over yet, but God is on the case! 

The Bishop reminded us all that disciples of Jesus are called to live their lives for him. Part of that call involves us in seeking to share our faith with others, in order to make further new disciples.

After the exciting public statement of being commitment to Jesus, the morning after feeling may be very different. Life's struggles haven't gone away, and the pressures and problems of modern living will continue to requires attention. How can we cope with these issues? How can we also seek to make disciples while struggling at the same time to cope with our own problems?

Having started out as followers of Jesus, like the early disciples, last night's disciples can take heart from these words from Jesus. 

'Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28.19-20)

In other words, Jesus is going to help us both to love for Him, and to be good advertisements for Him. The infectious attractiveness of Jesus-centred people will have an impact on those who meet them. And every morning after can be the same.

Best wishes,

Richard

New Homes

We all need to live somewhere. 

There doesn't seem to be enough new homes available. Politicians are promoting different ways in which people might find a suitable new home. This issue may become a defining difference in the years ahead.

It is striking that Jesus speaks clearly about where He is going to be at home. 'There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.' (John 14.2-3)

The preparation that is required, so that we can be welcomed into the Father’s home is his sacrificial death on the cross, which will make the way clear for broken people like us to find wholeness and completion.

But that is looking towards eternity.

Jesus also speaks of the way in which He will be at home with us now, as we entrust our lives to Him. 'Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.' (John 14.19-20)

We can understand that Jesus says that He is in his Father - because of their closeness of relationship. 

But when He tells us 'you are in me, and I am in you', this raises our relationship with Him to a different level. 

This means that He has made His new home in us, and we share all of life together.

As I face today's challenges, I am thrilled to know that I am not alone - for my friend Jesus is with me throughout the day.

I hope this brings you encouragement too!
Best wishes,

Richard

The 'Yes-No' Game - the secret of Wisdom

The older ones amongst us may recall the 'Yes-No' game on some TV game show in the black & white days.

But it occurs to me that we all struggle to say 'No!' to some things which we should avoid, and that makes saying 'Yes!' to other things more more difficult. Wise people seem to get it right. In our use of time, getting clogged up with the wrong stuff robs us of the ability to live fruitfully and well. How can we learn?

St. Paul was very clear in his directions to his friends in Ephesus. 'So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.' (Ephesians 5.15-18)

Three times Paul says, 'Don’t'. That is a clear 'No!', and is the mark of the person who is wise. 

There are many proverbs in our culture which tell us the same ting. 'Fools rush in', as the song says, and wonder why things turn out so badly. 'Look before you leap', 'try before you buy', 'count the cost' and so on!

Being wise requires that we act on each of those three 'Don’t' commands.

It takes time and determination to sort out what are the right courses of action. But when we open ourselves to the Spirit's wise and gentle wisdom, we shall find we are changed for the better. And that would be great!
Best wishes,

Richard