Isn't she lovely? But why?

Yesterday's Service of Thanksgiving for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee at St. Paul's Cathedral was a fitting climax to the 4 special days of celebration. It provided an opportunity for Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, to point out how much our Queen's life has been shaped by her Chrostian faith, which has been actively involved in all that she has done. It made me think about the ways we all can be shaped by following Jesus in practice.

Those who planned the content of that service had David Cameron reading (very well!) from Paul's stirring words in Romans 12. He read verses 1-18, but I am just quoting the start. '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)

St. Paul sees that we must engage our minds, so that God changes the way we think about how we should live. Instead of just copying the patterns of life seen all too often around us - selfish, greedy, aggressive, loud and unkind - we are to make a daily sacrifice of our bodies and our lives, making a difference in whatever way is possible.

The activities which have already happened during HOPE week have demonstrated much of this different way of living. I am so glad to belong to a church which is making such a difference. 

Today, we can all live in a way which points to the life-transforming difference that God's love and mercy has made in our lives. What a privilege!

Best wishes,

Richard