When appearances deceive

The 2014 football World Cup is well underway.  (Those few words will entice a yawn from some and perhaps an increased level of engagement from others - if my wife, Sue, has started reading this blog she probably stopped after that first sentence!)  Perhaps not altogether surprisingly, England lost their first match to Italy, though if the truth be known they did put on a reasonably good performance.  Hope is still alive for England's further progression in the competition, with two more group games to play; we shall see!

One of the talking points in the lead-up to the England v Italy match was the fact that the game would be played in the north of Brazil, at Manaus.  There was some concern about whether the relatively high temperatures and humidity of northern Brazil might have an adverse effect on the team's performance.  In reality the players coped reasonably well, although a few did suffer from cramp late in the match.  As the game drew nearer, the focus of concern switched to the state of the playing surface.  Apparently the pitch has been fed with too much fertiliser, causing a swathe of dark patches where the grass had been burnt.  It certainly didn't appear to be a pitch which was likely to be conducive to good football.

This led to perhaps the most comedic moment of the World Cup so far when some workmen were pictured apparently spraying the pitch with green paint to improve its appearance!

By the time kick-off arrived, the pitch certainly had a much improved appearance, though I'm not convinced that making it look better helped the players play any better.  I'm sure they would have been very upset if they got paint on their expensive designer boots!

There seems to be something in our human nature which encourages us to try and cover things up.  If someone asks us how we are, we might reply, "fine, thanks", when underneath we're feeling anything but fine.  If we've done something which we knew was wrong or would cause hurt in some way to others, we might try and cover it up in the hope that no-one finds out about it.  There are lots of ways in which we can be tempted to cover things up, and this doesn't just apply to individuals.  The Freedom of Information Act created a public "right of access" to information held by public authorities, information which in some cases might otherwise have been kept under cover.

In this regard, one of the most startling, and perhaps unnerving, things Jesus said to his disciples was, 'There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.'  (Luke 12:2&3).  It's not a clear cut black-and white issue, but maybe there are times when we need to avoid the "cover it up" approach, and be more honest and open.  Certainly Jesus' words give plenty of food for thought!

Missing out on the essentials?

Junk mail is one of the facts of modern life.  Most of ours finds its way very quickly into the recycling box (so it can return some day as a different piece of junk mail, perhaps!)   Sometimes we may give the item a cursory glance, especially if Sue gets to it first!  One particular item arrived last week, and on the way to the bin I noticed with some interest the strap-line on the cover, "Essential items at everyday low prices"

Well, I thought, if they really are essential items I'd better have a look!  I soon discovered that items classed as essential are such things as laptops, LED Smart TVs, fridge freezers, a number of other electrical goods, various items of furniture and other sundry items.  So does this mean that anyone without these items if somehow incomplete?

Of course I recognise that most, if not all, of the items named would be regarded by many on the UK as fairly important, if not essential.  Yet I have a nagging feeling that this leaflet is a symptom or example of the materialistic culture in which we now live.  And so many have discovered to their cost that however many "things" they possess, ultimately these possessions don't bring lasting satisfaction.

Many years ago I heard a story about a man who decided to visit a missionary who was living and working in a very remote part of the world, in a situation which lacked many of the creature comforts which people in the West often take for granted.  When the visitor arrived at his destination, he was show around the very basic accommodation by the missionary, who said, "If there's anything you need, let me know, and I'll show you how to manage without it!"

Perhaps surprisingly (or perhaps not), Jesus seems to have spoken quite a bit about wealth and possessions.  For example, he warned, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’

Many people think that that Bible tells us that money is the root of all evil.  In fact that isn't what the Bible teaches.  What St Paul actually wrote to Timothy is, 'the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.'  If we allow money or possessions to become a controlling passion, we are in great danger of missing out on true life as God intended it for us.  As Jesus himself challengingly asks, 'What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

The leaflet did find its way to the bin.  On this occasion I think that we can manage without one or two "essentials!"

Confessions of an Ikea hater

They say that confession is good for the soul.  I am not sure, however, that confessing that I hate the Ikea brand will win me a lot of friends, because the company's popularity in the UK continues to grow (UK sales in 2013 were nearing £1.3bn).  Perhaps "hate" is too strong a word, but there is no doubt that there are elements of Ikea which I heartily dislike.

I'm not quite sure why, but I don't find most of their products very stimulating or attractive; they just don't appeal to my taste.  To be honest, we did buy a small Christmas lamp from Ikea recently, but I certainly wouldn't cry if I never owned another Ikea item in my life.  I do understand that many people do like Ikea, and that's fine.  But there is one thing about Ikea which really winds me up, and that is how their stores are laid out.

Last Friday Sue and I travelled up to Ikea Nottingham, as Sue wanted to buy some mugs for church.  I do admit that their cafe facilities are very good, and we really enjoyed tucking into our very reasonably priced full English breakfast!  Then came the immensely frustrating part of the Ikea experience.  We made our way to the area were the products are kept.  In most stores you can locate the product you want and then head for the payment area.  Not at Ikea, oh no!  There is a laid-out route to follow, with arrows on the ground to tell you which direction to go.  I felt like a mouse caught in a cruel experiment, walking slowly along a designated pathway along with hundreds of other mice!  When eventually we got to the check-out area, we faced long queues before eventually escaping into the fresh air. 

Of course it's good sales technique from Ikea, and no doubt many people, as they tread the designated route, put various items into their trolleys which they never intended to buy.  But I still heartily dislike it.  On reflection, maybe next time it would be better if Sue does her shopping while I have breakfast?

As I was on the Ikea "conveyor belt" I sought to stifle my growing frustration by trying to think of a "moral of the story", an element of the experience which I could relate to matters of faith (always a good challenge for a preacher!)   Perhaps not the greatest illustration ever, but I think that maybe the experience could be related to how, in the Christian life, we will sometimes face difficult or frustrating times (Jesus never promised that the life of following him would be easy - quite the reverse!)  But in those times, we need to remember why we are on the journey, and keep focussed on the goal. In the end, Sue and I did get some mugs which will come in very handy at church.  No pain, no gain?

Who do you live to please?

One of my favourite genres of books is biography; I love to read about people’s lives and experiences.  Often there are lessons to be learned and challenges and inspiration to be received.  Two such books which I have read recently are the autobiographies of journalist turned climber Rebecca Stephens (who became the first British woman to conquer Everest) and the late MP Jack Ashley, who managed to overcome the shock of becoming totally deaf to continue his much respected career in Parliament.

Part of my role as a church minister is to visit people, and I enjoy the times when those I visit recollect memories from their lives.  Every human life is unique, and over the years, as I have listened to people talking about some of their experiences, I have often thought to myself, “this would make a great autobiography!”  Whenever I mention this thought to the person concerned, the most common answer is, “Oh, no one would want to read about my life.”  Sadly, many people seem to place a rather low value on their life and accomplishments.

On a related topic, some time ago I came across a book written by Stephen Colby, called Principle-Centred Leadership.  In the book he suggests that a person can determine their purpose in life by focussing on the end of their life. He suggests imagining being a guest at one’s own funeral service, together with four people who are familiar with your life.  Imagine that at your funeral service there is, for example, someone from your family, from your church, from your job and also a close friend.  Ask yourself what you would want them to say.  Colby suggests you can determine your purpose in life by wanting to achieve during your lifetime what you would want them to say about you at your funeral.

On the face of it, that sounds reasonable.   The problem with it is that what really matters most in life is not what other people say about us, but what God will say about us. We all need to ask ourselves a vital question: Is my life’s purpose going to be determined by what others may think of me or what God thinks of me?  In other words, who do I most want to please?  The answer to such questions will have a profound impact on our lives.

The apostle Paul urges, ‘find out what pleases the Lord’ (Ephesians 5:10).  Living our lives to please God may not always please those closest to us, nor is it always easy, but it is always the best thing to do.

Henry Lyte, Abide With Me, and the F.A. Cup Final

Saturday 17 May 2014 was a momentous day which will live long in the memories of all fans of Hull City Football Club.  Although the club was founded in 1904, it had never managed over all those years to reach an F.A. Cup Final – until this year!  As a life-long supporter of the team, I was disappointed not to be able to be at Wembley for the occasion, though I did watch the match live on TV.  It was a great match, full of emotion, which ultimately ended in what can be called “glorious defeat”.

I regularly receive e-mails and other comments from fellow City supporters, and I was fascinated by the fact that several mentioned the tradition (dating back to 1927) of singing “Abide with me” in the build-up to F.A. Cup Finals.  I wonder how many know the background to the famous hymn?

The writer was Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847).  He did not have an easy life.  In his childhood, Henry’s father abandoned the family, and Henry’s loving mother passed away soon afterwards.  A kindly church minister named Robert Burrows took Henry in and put him through school.  Henry experienced ill-health for much of his life, though over the years he came to know people who inspired and deepened his own Christian faith.  He and his wife Anna pastored a church in Brixham, Devon, for over 20 years.  By careful management of household expenses, she saved enough money to send Henry to warmer France and Italy by himself every winter.

In 1844, Henry was diagnosed with Tuberculosis. Over the next 3 years his physical condition deteriorated until, finally, on September 4, 1847, at the age of 54, he stood in the pulpit for the last time to deliver his farewell message.   He reminded his hearers that we must all die, and that those who trust in Christ are prepared to face death. "I stand here among you today, as alive from the dead, if I may hope to impress it upon you, and induce you to prepare for that solemn hour which must come to all, by a timely acquaintance with the death of Christ."

That same afternoon, after taking a walk on the beach, Henry retired to his room. He emerged about an hour later with a written copy of Abide With Me. He left soon after for a trip to Italy, to get away from the cold, damp coastal weather.  A few days later, while resting in a hotel on the French Riviera, Henry went home to be with Jesus. A fellow clergyman who was with Henry during his final hours reported that Henry's last words were: “Peace! Joy!”

Abide With Me was put to music, and made its debut at Henry's memorial service.  Its timeless words still carry immense meaning for today.

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
change and decay in all around I see;
O thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need thy presence every passing hour.
What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who, like thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless;
ills have no weight, and tears not bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if thou abide with me.

Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes;
shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

I wonder what Henry Lyte would think of his hymn being sung at an F.A. Cup Final!  Perhaps he would hope and pray that those who were present would hear and comprehend the true significance of his words.

Testing the boundaries

One of my favourite roles in life is that of being a grandad.  It is less than two and a half years since Max, our first grandchild, arrived on the scene.  Since then Beth, Ben and James have joined the family.  I'm sure that most grandparents believe that their grandchildren are special, and ours certainly are!  It is a joy to spend time with our three grandsons and our granddaughter, although I now understand what other grandparents have said to me over the years about the relief of not having to look after grandchildren full time.  Young children can be quite a handful at times, and I am full of admiration for our grandchildren's parents as they handle their parental responsibilities!

Bringing up children is both one of life's greatest joys and one of life's most awesome responsibilities.  All the evidence suggests that the influences in a child's early years have a lasting effect on the individual's future life in so many different aspects.  Without doubt parental input into a child's life has tremendous influence.  There is a verse in the Biblical book of Proverbs which states, 'Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it' (Proverbs 22:6).  Of course that is not a 'law', and sometimes as children develop into young adulthood they may chose a different way from that of their parents.  However, I believe that it is an important principle.  How a child is brought up is bound to have an influence in later life, to a greater or lesser degree.

I have been fascinated to see how our grandchildren are developing in character and in other ways.  After the very early days when a baby is totally dependent on their parents for everything, the child begins to embrace a level of independence.  Then comes the time when they begin to test the boundaries of parental guidance.  Certainly both Max and Beth are at that stage!  Most of the time they do as their parents tell them, but on occasions they decide that they know better and overstep the mark.

A really important aspect of parenthood is to teach a child that some behaviour is acceptable and some is not; to help the child understand that there are defined boundaries of acceptable behaviour and that if they overstep the mark there are consequences to be faced.  That task is, of course, easier said than done!  Sue and I feel so tremendously blessed that despite our far from perfect parental skills our three children have become amazing adults of whom we are tremendously proud.  It is our prayer that all our grandchildren will grow and develop in similar ways.

It is of great encouragement to me to realise that as we pray for our children and grandchildren, God understands.  After all, God is the loving parent of us all.  He, too, sets boundaries and directions for people to live by and follow.  He also clearly sets out the consequences of not walking in his way.  But he gives us the gift of free will: we can choose to walk in God's way or we can decide that we know better.  A cursory glance around today's world will enable us to see the consequences of choosing 'our way.'

There have been plenty of times in my own life when I have thought (to my cost) that I knew better than God.  As we grow in maturity in our relationship with God we come to understand that he really does want the very best for us and that he does indeed know best.  I pray that our wonderful grandchildren come to discover that truth for themselves, and that in the meantime they realise that (at least most of the time) their parents know best, too!

Lessons from my laptop

Over recent weeks I have noticed that my laptop has been getting slower and slower in responding to commands.  The screen has been regularly 'freezing' for short periods, which can be a little frustrating when I am trying to get some work done.  It has seemed particularly slow at getting going when I first turn it on in the morning.  Perhaps, like human beings, as computers age they find mornings increasingly difficult?

I am far from being a computer boffin.  In fact, my relationship with my laptop is rather like the relationship I have with my car.  I have learned how to drive them and make them do what I want them to do, but I have little or no idea how they work or what to do if something goes wrong.  I decided to discover what I could do to try and solve the issue, and came across a helpful YouTube clip which gave a couple of pieces of advice, both of which I have tried, with encouraging results.  As I have reflected on the two actions which were suggested, my 'preacher's mind' soon worked out how both can be applied to the Christian life!

The first piece of advice was to run a programme called 'Disc Cleanup.'  This programme identifies files which are no longer of any use but which are still being stored on the system, and then gives you the opportunity to remove them, freeing up space.  In effect, I suppose, it's like going through one's filing cabinet and getting rid of all the old paperwork which is out of date or irrelevant.  Relating that to the Christian life, a passage in the New Testament book of Hebrews came to mind: 'let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.'  In the life of following Jesus we are called to be single-minded and devoted to living life in God's way.  There is always the danger that some elements of our lives might divert is from our purpose, clog up the system, and slow us down in 'running the race.'

The second programme which was suggested was the Disc Defragmenter.  As I understand it, over time various pieces of data get spread out over the hard drive (the data stored becomes fragmented).  When this happens, it takes much longer to read the data.  I guess that it's like having a book where the pages are in random order.  It would be rather frustrating and time-consuming to have to be constantly searching through the book to find the next page!  The Defragmenter programme sorts out all the various data files into an order, so that individual files can be much more easily accessed.  Not only that, but it moves all the files to one part of the disc, thus creating a much larger area of free space for future use.

What is clear is that fragmentation slows down the whole system.   Yesterday evening I attended a meeting at one of my churches, the purpose of which was to talk about our relationships with other churches in the local area and ask how we might be able to work together more effectively.  I began our time together by reading some words of Jesus from Matthew's gospel, 'Any town or family that divides itself into groups which fight each other will fall apart.'  If as followers of Jesus we allow ourselves to become fragmented, not only do we deny our calling to be 'one in Christ Jesus', but we also undermine our witness to our community, and will certainly not be as fruitful in God's service as we could be.  We see in society and the world around us the terrible consequences of fragmentation and division.  Our call as followers of Jesus is to 'love one another' and to demonstrate that unity in diversity really is possible.

Apologies to my computer literate friends if I have made any technical errors in my descriptions above (perhaps ignorance really is bliss!)





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