Spirit & Life

“I am much happier having enough than too much. It would so easily distract me from following Jesus”, the pastor reflected. We sat at the edge of the poor village, looking towards to the sea.

“That would be Kofi Annan!” my 8 year old responded, when being asked who they saw as influential leaders. “The (former) Secretary-General of the United Nations.

James is reminding a community to keep on God’s pathway. A good life is reflected in good deeds performed with humility and wisdom.

We are a word driven society. What we say and do has instant impact to those around. Social Media has made this influence even greater.

Prejudice and suspicion haunt humanity. The woman risked serious consequences to be in daylight, without a male companion, because of her deep love for her daughter, and faith in Jesus’ healing. Society feared ‘demons’ or illnesses they did not understand, typically leaving many ostracized. A

Our world has become so fast paced, that too often the time for listening and pondering, before responding, is taken as a sign of weakness.

In ancient times, protective Centurion’s amour was well understood. The significance placed on each article of clothing is very revealing. The belt/truth firmly confines your central axis, horizontally (human world) and vertical (heavenly world).

In his most vulnerable state, Solomon’s dream expressed his true nature. Anxious and overwhelmed, with truth and humility he acknowledged this with God, requesting wisdom to do the mission before him – no bravado, no pretense.

We can live our life controlled by competition, abuse of power, coercion, unforgiving and taxing expectations, and self-centered gain, influenced by the fear of never being good enough, fast enough, canny enough, or worthwhile.

God’s call to humanity has been consistent since the genesis of time. Live your life through love of God and love of neighbour, understanding that we are a diverse bunch, each offering gifts that are unique, and part of the whole of God’s realm.