Bee Trouble

The bees, bugs and birds are in trouble. And this disaster may stretch to affecting our food and our lives.

As we know, the weather in the UK has been cold and wet for the last two springs at least. This has wiped out 1/3 of the bee population and many other flying insects and assorted bugs. And this has had a knock on effect on the bird populations. And if the bees are not around to pollinate flowers and food crops, what will we eat?

Hence the Government's important study being launched today into what might be done to reverse this terrible trend. 

But a parallel disaster lurks in the realm of our spiritual health. 

Just as bad weather affects the health of bees, which then affects the growth of plants, so relentless busyness (the equivalent of a cold and wet spring) means that we do not have the time to nurture our own relationship with Jesus throughout the week. 

If our faith is not pollinated by prayer and reflection - if we do not take time to keep putting Jesus at the centre of the direction and decisions in our lives - then we will wither and die spiritually. 

It doesn't happen immediately, but by slow and steady decline.

The writer to the Hebrews had some challenging advice. 'Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.' (Hebrews 10.23-25)

The tendency to drift is always present. But we can help one another by encouragement and challenge. Are you up for this?

For myself, I know that I have to keep putting first things first, otherwise my own spiritual life will wear. 

Just as our cars keep needing fuel and attention from the garage people, so our spiritual lives demand attention. 

Have you give yourself a 'spiritual MOT' recently? What action will you take to ensure that your live with Jesus is healthy and growing? If you need to talk to someone, please get in touch.

Best wishes,

Richard