Way of the World

The Way of the World

A few random thoughts as the year closes.

Reading the newspaper today two things stood out. Not stories themselves as they were all the usual doom and gloom, sensationalist rubbish. No, what stood out was the way in which anything ‘Christian’ is now being ruthlessly persecuted, and the way in which political correctness has perverted public opinion and thinking. However, for whatever reason, the readers letters and comments contained two very telling remarks.

One reader made the observation that “multi-faith outlook” in the United Kingdom usually means “no Christians.”

“Political correctness is the most offensive and socially destructive concept ever devised,” wrote another reader. (Both remarks also reported on Fox News.)

Hmmm powerful comments that give me great hope for our future in that not only are there others who think like me but there are also those still unafraid to help us air our views. Truth be known, I think the vast majority will simply go with whatever flow happens to be in vogue today. There is a huge feeling of apathy right now, full across the Western world. It is a blight that is giving so much of our hard earned freedoms away and one day, people will wake up to the fact that they are no longer free. Unless, of course, we wake up earlier and put a stop to it through the ballot boxes.

Enough politics. A thought for 2013 “If the Holy Spirit withdrew from your Church, would He be missed ?and if yes, how long would it take to notice?” (Bishop David Carr). I know that in our church it might take half an hour but then, we are a Spirit filled and led church and this would be very unusual. At the other end of the spectrum, there are churches that would never notice as they have never experienced His presence anyway. Isn’t that sad?

So I see 2013 as a time for the church to BE the church and not whatever it has become. OF the world but not IN the world. A church that, like Paul, does not seek to preach with fine words but with a demonstration of the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Like St Francis, we need to preach the gospel but only when necessary using words.

It’s a challenge for the whole church. Are you up to it? Is your church up to it? Meet the Lord half way and He will meet you with such power and blessing that you will for ever wonder why you didn’t do it before.