News Letter – March 2008
Dear Friends,
In recent years, a fascinating school of thought has evolved around what is known as “chaos theory”. I do not claim to understand what this really is (although I have seen my fair share of chaos!) – but I believe the idea is that something as tiny as a butterfly flapping its wings in Australia could have far-reaching consequences thousands of miles away in Europe. A pebble falling into an oasis in the Sahara desert could ultimately have an effect on the condition of the Arctic ice-sheet. I do know that one car braking suddenly on the M25 can lead to a traffic jam five miles back! Everything is connected to everything else, according to this theory – hence “chaos”, since there are no neat, simple causes and effects to anything.
How true all this is remains to be seen, but it is certainly true that our actions and our words can have consequences far greater than we may imagine. An angry word, an error of judgement, a hasty decision, a moment of carelessness can set in motion a disastrous chain of cause and effect. Before we act, we need to think about where our action may lead. Before we speak, we need to weigh our words carefully, and consider how others may hear them. The Bible warns us about the dangers of an unguarded tongue (James 3). Above all, we need to think through our response to God – to listen to what he says to us – to be careful about how we obey …or disobey his commandments; and we need to consider the consequences of how we live in relation to God.
Lent gives us a wonderful opportunity to pause, and reflect on what we do, and why. This year, Lent seems to have come particularly early – no sooner has Christmas been packed away, in fact, but we are already planning for Holy Week and Easter (which falls on March 23rd this year).
I hope, however, that we will not rush on to get to Easter, but will use this season of Lent wisely, to consider the consequences of our lives. What effect do we really have on the world, or on those around us? Do we really make a difference for God? What impact do we have on our families, our neighbours, our colleagues at work, our friends?
And when we think of our ministry as a Church fellowship, what are the chief priorities that God wants us to focus on? Clearly, we cant do everything – but what few things should we be trying to do well?
Make good use of Lent as a time for taking stock and looking ahead. Then walk on – to the pain of Good Friday, and the joy of Resurrection Day. Soon enough we shall be proclaiming, “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!”
With best wishes, Stephen.
