Is Jesus 'Nice'?

“Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion." 

"Ooh" said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he - quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"...

"Safe?" said Mr Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”

C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

So, if we are to be like Jesus, we are to be good. However, does that mean we need to be nice?

So, purely from the biblical records that we have, was Jesus nice? 

The word nice is not to be found in the Bible. While both nice and good are positive words, nice focuses on being outwardly (and superficially) pleasant and polite, whereas good runs much deeper, pointing to moral character, real care for people, and inner integrity. 

We know from scripture that Jesus was loving, compassionate, and kind. However, modern definitions of niceness - avoiding conflict, being inoffensive, having a polite demeanour - do not fit with what we know of Jesus. 

Not sure? Why not re-read the Gospel accounts of Jesus with this in mind?

I is for Integrity

As part of the Commissioning section of the event, on Sunday morning, Emily Haigh was ordained and commissioned as a Salvation Army officer. She made a sacred commitment to love God and love others.

What a challenge!

Watch the livestream from the service on TSA's YouTube channel: the link is here.  

No good deed goes unpunished...

The phrase 'No good deed goes unpunished' is a sardonic commentary on the frequency with which acts of kindness backfire on those who offer them. In other words, those who help others are doomed to suffer as a result of their helpfulness. (Wikipedia)

How true. (Me)

Perception - Some Thoughts From This Weekend

A little bit of scene setting. Because of the pandemic, myself and my family are trying to stay safe as much as possible. The current advice is to work from home, so instead of travelling to the office, weekday life is centred at home (with the occasional trip out in the car to run family members around). Apart from a shopping trip on Saturday, we're at home. We're not meeting together at the Corps on Sundays at the moment, so even on Sunday I am usually at home. And that, of course, means that I have lots of extra time on my hands. How best to use that?

I'm catching up on my podcasts; listening to music and to the radio; reading books; binge watching TV and DVD box sets. Pretty much an ideal lifestyle for an introvert.

And of course I am thinking... and blogging!

I run the risk of dwelling on things a little too much ('overthinking') so I'm very cautious when I let my mind wander in this way. I'm also well aware of the influence of the media (TV, radio, social media) who are dedicated to the propagation of one particular way of thinking, or another. Telling us all how to think.

That's why I have been taking another look at my own particular perception of what is happening in the world at the moment. Because I strive to understand, and to make up my own mind on the top news stories.

We are bombarded with opinions from the media. Other people’s experiences about something or other. Sharing our own perception is never easy. 'That's your point of view', they say. 'I have a different one'. Freedom of speech is a valid legal principle. See here. 

During the pandemic, each day blurs into the next, and it seems to me that the news agenda doesn't change - the topics are predictable, and seem always to be the same. No wonder so many switch off - ignore the stories being shared. 'Turn it off; let's see what's on the other channel...'

The top three news stories in the news this very day (apart from the pandemic!) is an ongoing battle concerning questionable integrity in the UK Government; decisions made by an overseas Government about whether to exclude a tennis player from an international tennis tournament; a legal battle in the US involving a member of the Royal Family. They've been the top news stories for about a week now (familiarity breeds contempt)...

Opinions on both sides are shared, and shared again. The media try to explore as many different aspects of each story so that they can share a balanced argument with the general public. Each are other people's perception of the truth. However, they can't all be right. They are often contradictory.

Over the last ten years I have described myself in this blog as a 'seeker after truth'. However, and the $64,000 question is, who decides what is true?

I suppose, I do. 

Finally, a question: what did Jesus mean by the following?

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 14:6 (NIV)

Integrity, And How Not To Lose It

I seem to hear a lot of people talking about integrity at the moment. In our lives, in our church, and particularly at the present time in the political arena. Not surprising, I suppose, that it's at the top of my mind today.

The Hebrew word in the Old Testament which is translated as integrity means “the condition of being without blemish, completeness, perfection, sincerity, soundness, uprightness, wholeness.”

I want a life that features all of these things. However, there is little point of me trying to be what I am not... I know I am imperfect but I try very hard to be true to my beliefs. "Fake it until you make it" just isn't for me. "I will do my best" is more like it.

However, as a society we are frequently confronted by people who claim to be perfect but are quickly found to be seriously flawed. What is worse, this is usually brought to my attention by the popular press who love to find fault in those in leadership or in the public eye. They dig and dig until they find something, and leap upon it to sell papers or lead the next news bulletin. 

That's a terrific reason not to be famous, and not to run for public office. I figure I can do much more good as an unknown that I could ever do as a 'name'...

Here's a few pointers I picked up from the 'net today, while thinking about blogging about this topic...

I should strive to be the same person in front of a crowd as you are behind the scenes. That's a tough one for me as I personally hate crowds... However, I take the good advice. I should be the same in public as I am in private. However,  if you want to see me at my most comfortable, look behind the scenes. I'll be there.

I should take care not to conform. Yep. See Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

I should take frequent opportunity to build my character. Indeed, and this takes time. Endurance builds character (Romans 5:3). And remember, don't seek to compromise your deeply-held values. Anything that is truly a personal value to you should not be compromised just because it's convenient. Which brings us on to the next point..

I should live with honesty and keep your promises. I'd go a step further than that and say 'don't lie to yourself'. Because it's common for altruistic people to go out of your way for others and to neglect themselves. By all means strive to keep your promises, however don't make yourself ill in the process... you are of little use to others if you make yourself ill!

Just my thoughts today.

To thine own self be true

Polonius:
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Farewell, my blessing season this in thee!

Laertes:
Most humbly do I take my leave, my lord.
Hamlet Act 1, scene 3, 78–82

A quote from Shakespeare, there. Never thought I'd end up quoting the Bard in the blog today... but that's what happens when you start mulling over a particular phrase or saying and end up tracing it right back to the source... this follows a period of self-reflection. Did I make the right decision there?

Sure, came the initial answer. Got to be true to yourself, haven't you? Which led me up to this point, and to the realisation that Shakespeare made the character of Polonius a bit of a parody of a character - more the fool than the wise man...

And I keep asking myself the question:  so, then, am I guilty of simply spouting platitudes and glib phrases, or do I actually want to be out there making a difference in this world?

Do I want to be simply true to an altruistic public image, or more that I want to true to who God has made me and wants me to be?

Am I prepared to upset the apple cart?

Are people prepared for the fallout if I start saying things that people won't like?

Y is for Yes

In whatever situation we find ourselves, God expects His children to be straight-forward with their words or actions. We aren't supposed to be 'grey', 'wishy-washy' or 'lukewarm' in what we do or say.

We are supposed to be people who speak plainly and truthfully, a straight-forward answer to a straight-forward question. And we are supposed to act in the same way.

Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.
Matthew 5:37 (ESV)

I is for Integrity

Integrity is defined as: "the quality or state of having strong moral principles; showing honesty and sincerity".

Doing the right thing. Each and every day. Because you want to, not because you want to be seen doing it...

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.
Proverbs 2:6-8

Fake It Until You Make It

Do you know that phrase? Have you ever heard it? Is it true for you?

I hear it a lot in the City of London. I see it a lot, too. Some say that it's all to do with confidence, a form of therapy to assist you in getting on in life. Act like you belong - or like you have some ability that you don’t - and eventually you will figure it out, the doors will open.  An example of a positive feedback loop.

But isn't it all about being someone that you are not? Putting on a mask, trying to project an image of someone who you want to become, but aren't ... yet. Are you lying to the world - or lying to yourself?

I don't want to be 'fake'. I want to be myself - whole, complete, the person I am intended to be by God. Which is not necessarily who I want to be - it's who God wants me to be. Listen to this:

Galatians 6:3 (NIV)
If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.

I don't want to be 'fake'. I want to embrace who my Father in Heaven has made me to be. To be true to myself.

And so, that's more to do with 'faith' than being 'fake'.

It's about trusting God when things aren't going the way you want them to - not covering up and pretending that all is well.

And that's when it comes down to you and God.

If God has called you to do something, you need to be faithful in that. Be faithful in the small things that are open to you.  Trust Him. Give Him everything that you've got and eventually you will make it to the next level; a door will open.

Maintaining Privacy

"A little inaccuracy sometimes saves tons of explanation." - Saki

This blog entry was inspired by a Bible Study session that the Corps offered recently on integrity. And the questions that buzzed around in my head afterwards were simple: should I lie to protect my own privacy? Surely everyone needs the right to privacy?

This has struck a chord with me personally. Yes, I've been teased, even ridiculed, for a couple of the things I have done in recent years. You know, things that were important to me. Friends and colleagues actually called me foolish; family members belittled me for taking a stand; failed to back me up when I stood up to be counted. I've even blogged about it before, here...

So, I must admit, that's why I avoid the criticism. If it's tricky, I don't tell them. Is that telling a lie? I'm simply carrying on doing what I think is right. And if I do deceive, am I doing it for the right reasons - simply trying to protect myself and my family?

So, where do I go from here? OK. I'm told I shouldn't lie - it's far more preferable to simply tell people "I don't want to tell you" when they ask. Or words to that effect. Perhaps I need to start going more public with it, open up, and hang the consequences...

Mmmm ... not sure how that one will go down ...

Matthew 5:14-16 (The Message)
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Leviticus 19:11 (NIV)
Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another.

W W J D ?

We've just started a new series in our House Fellowship on integrity.

Interestingly, we started off the session by asking the question: What Would Jesus Do ?

This phrase (often abbreviated to the acronym WWJD) became popular amongst Christians during the 1990s. It was seen on wristbands, tee shirts, jewellery. It reminded all of us of the need to live out the teachings of Christ; to love sacrificially in the same way as Jesus. Nowadays, the acronym has become a bit of a cliché, probably due to its overuse.

However, the question is still an excellent one. How often do we go through life with our own agenda, not His? How often do we really consider what Jesus might have done? And then, to follow that course of action, no matter what?

I've been quite challenged by this - although I know that Jesus' agenda could possibly get me into a few scrapes! I went and asked Google for a list of things that Jesus did. Here's what it came up with:

1. He prayed regularly, continually

2. He showed love to those shunned by society (those who were unwelcome; unwanted; undesirable)

3. He restored broken lives (physical, financial, spiritual)

4. He confronted hypocrisy, speaking out boldly when something was wrong

5. He taught God's Word, often directing people back to the Word.

6. He served; putting the needs of others above his own.

7. He equipped leaders, identifying and investing in people who could carry on this work.

Here's the full article that I found on the 'net: Click here

Character-building

(ˈkærɪktəbɪldɪŋ)  adjective

that strengthens certain good or useful traits in a person's character especially self-reliance, endurance and courage.

I am reliably informed that certain difficulties in life are good for you. They build character. The process can be painful and may test many areas of your life to breaking point, and even beyond.

The important thing to do in such circumstances is to remain faithful to what you believe, hold on to truth.

Sometimes, you just have to hold on. The difficulties can't last forever.

Romans 5:1-5 (ESV)
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Great Responsibility

Another bizarre train of thought on the way home recently... a question: "How would you react if you suddenly got super powers?" (Not that I am expecting that to suddenly happen, I hasten to add...)

On a good day, of course I'd do the right thing. I'd probably do all I can to save lives, catch crooks, fight for truth and justice, get cats down from tall trees. The usual hero stuff. Make a difference in the world.

But, on a bad day? If I were tetchy and irritable? If the pressures of the day had really got to me? Then I fear that there may be people who would run the risk of getting blasted to kingdom come; zapped off to a remote island; struck down with some bizarre disability.

And that worries me. Because, as well meaning and altruistic as I believe I am, I can still sense that potential within me for chaos, mayhem and sheer self-centredness. If I started manifesting that sort of power, I would need much greater abilities for self-control before I would be safe to leave the house. I would live in fear that my 'dark side' might emerge.

There's a particular episode of 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' that explored this subject well. Check out 'Hide And Q' when it's next on...

A great man once said that "Power corrupts; and absolute power corrupts absolutely". Or, as the legendary Stan Lee once put it, "with great power there comes great responsibility".

As for me, I need to work hard on improving my 'bad days'. I really can't spend all the time locked up at home when there are people that need me... Need to work on this now, before my powers kick in...

Because I can still make a difference in the world, even now. :)

Picking Your Team

In all honesty, I am not a soccer fan. But in recent months I found myself having to give myself a crash course into the fundamentals of managing my own team!

One of the younger members of the office suggested that we should set up our own Fantasy Football League. Each of us could make up a team, form an office league and see how our squads perform. And, impressively, everyone else agreed. A bit of fun to brighten up the winter months...

So, how should I go about picking my team? As intimated earlier, my knowledge of The Beautiful Game is sketchy to say the least. Would I hastily try to digest pages and pages of info about the number of goals each player had scored? Pour over match stats? Pick a team totally at random?

Nope. In a moment of inspiration I picked a whole team of players whose surnames began with 'B'.

And with a mighty fanfare, The 'Banana Splits' made their Fantasy Football debut on Saturday 17th August.

Would my method of team selection be a viable one? We're just starting Week 13 and, out of a league of 10 my team is currently... er... 10th. Oh well...

However, this process has made me think deeper about the tricky task of allocating leadership positions within a small church. Unlike premier league teams with practically unlimited budgets, small fellowships like these attempt to build a great volunteer workforce from a restricted pool of people (namely, Christians who attend that church!). Similarly, in my footballing example, I restricted my choice only to players starting with one particular letter. Does that make my task of winning the league totally impossible? I like to think it wasn't.

In soccer, you need a good goalkeeper; reliable defenders; a versatile midfield line; assertive strikers to score goals. Each have their part to play. Without the right people in key positions in church, Sunday School classes are not taught, planning committees don't function, opportunities are missed. So how can small churches strive to get the right people in the right place?

The ideal candidates in either team should be purpose-driven, not reward-driven. They should not be trying to promote themselves but striving for something higher. This has to be something they are called to do. One writer I read recently said that such people "do not quit, and could not quit if they wanted to." I like that.

Team members should have integrity, not just an image to uphold. That's usually something that you only find out after months or even years of getting to know someone. More than just a good reputation; these people possess a character that speaks volumes about them. They should be committed, not just 'along for the ride'. Can they 'walk the walk'? Are they the genuine article?

Team members should also be compatible. There's no point in selecting a team of high-fliers if they can't work together. They need to fit. By way of example, let me tell you about Vince Lombardi, who was coach to the American Football team, the Green Bay Packers. A different kind of sport from soccer, but one requiring teamwork nonetheless. He once told his team, "In terms of skill and ability, every one of you is easily replaceable; there are plenty of players around with athletic talent to equal yours." He went on to explain that his team had something much more precious; an ability to complement each other. That's the way to turn diversity into unity. Can the team work together? Each team member helping each other to achieve their best so that they can reach their common goal.

Team members also need to be coachable. Just because you aren't doing exactly what you need to, doesn't mean you can't learn how. A good leader will choose individuals who might lack experience but will possess the other attributes - provided that they are willing and able to be trained, nurtured.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (CEV)
We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things. Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer.

Integrity: How Honest Should I Be?

I've blogged quite a bit here in the past about integrity, and following a discussion on the same subject in Bible Study earlier this week, feel challenged to get some further thoughts down in writing.

Now, I've always tried to be as honest as I can be in this blog, but bearing in mind that this is a public forum I have always held back from commenting about things that are a bit too close to home. Really personal stuff, about my family, my work. It's a shame I feel I can't share because that sometimes eats away at me. You can understand that, can't you?

It's funny what the act of writing this blog has taught me. It's revealed and established a strength that I had buried deep within me. Talk to me face to face and I stumble, get tongue-tied. Sit me next to a keyboard and I can write 'till the cows come home - I can emote, compose and rejoice with ease about a variety of topics that interest me.

However, there's a limit. If it's stuff that hurts me, is just a little too personal, or that I find difficult to share, it probably won't get mentioned. It's simply too close to home. Or if I do mention it, it's so heavily encoded that it makes little sense to anyone (except to me and my Lord!). There's an example here.

Anyway, this rambling blog entry eventually leads us to a question, and it's a simple one to ask. I understand that you need to possess integrity, therefore not lie to others. Sure - but what about 'not telling the whole truth'... (Caution: here I'm going to open up a little, be warned. Can't do this face to face, but as it's only you and me, dear reader, that's OK)

It might be something simple, like saying "I'm fine" when people ask how you are. When you are really... not...

It might be something more complex, like remembering the negative reaction you got from people at work when you told them last time all the things you got up to at the weekend - so, you don't stop doing it, but you stop telling them about it...

Even worse, it might be one of those days when you've gone from one voluntary commitment to another without a break; gone without a rest because you want to ensure a particular job gets done. Because without you, it won't get done!

Or when you go out of your way to help out a friend - even though you can't really spare the time. Is that OK?

I think it is - it's going the extra mile (see post here). Because if I told the truth - the whole truth - to family and friends they would try to stop me.

Is that integrity?

Telling The Truth

Why is there such a broad gap in some people's lives between 'telling the truth' and admitting that you've told a lie? I've encountered this in my life in recent weeks and even though I have studied this topic in some detail before, there's seems to be so much more that the Lord wants to show me on the subject!! Because this one doesn't want to go away at the moment...

There seems to be an awful reluctance in people's lives to tell a downright lie. Something ingrained from childhood, perhaps... However, bending the truth - exaggerating one aspect, omitting another - seems to be more acceptable. Half-truths, they call them. Sounds better than lies, doesn't it? And seems to be quite commonplace, it would seem. The challenge is, of course, to do better. To maintain a degree of integrity in your own life. 

It can be tough. I remember times in my life when I was even encouraged to lie, by my elders and betters. I'm ashamed to even recall it. Nowadays I have a very well developed conscience that keeps me awake at night for the slightest mishap or misdemenour that I have let slip in a moment of weakness. I do better - but I'm not there yet.

However, as I always say, "no good deed goes unpunished". There are times when I lose sleep when I have told the truth, when I know that I have done the right thing. I'm up and about, questioning my own motives. My friends and family may even put doubts in my mind. (sigh)

The Lord reminded me today (again!) that we battle against a foe who deals in lies and half-truths. And that this foe is someone who just loves to regroup and attack you again on another front. Yep, I can testify to that. Even that day last week when I spent in bed feeling ill - I ended up feeling guilty for the work that I was missing back at the office! How weird is that?

I'm encouraged today in my studies to keep 'seeking after truth' - something that I always try to do - but to go that little bit further. Just because what you read something that contains a little bit of truth, doesn't mean that the whole thing is true... it might only be a 'half-truth'. Keep searching - keep testing - keep growing.

Identity Checks

This weekend's trip to the ROOTS Conference has proved eye-opening in more ways that one. You see, it was... so different! I wasn't going as a steward this time but as an exhibitor. Normally I drive all the way to Southport; however this year the trip was in Edinburgh, and I was fortunate enough to be given a chance to fly up to the venue. I haven't flown in over a decade...

What tight security! Every aspect of what I had brought with me was scrutinised, and me along with it.

And then there were the identity checks. I needed to prove my very existence, to prove that I was the person I said I was. Could I do so?

The whole issue of 'identity' was therefore in the forefront of my mind all weekend. Who am I? What is my purpose? Am I true to what I say I am? And can I prove it, if challenged to?

The weekend was great (if a little chilly) - but I come away from the weekend better equipped and with a new challenge. To establish and maintain that integrity and to ensure I live a lifestyle to match.

The Pursuit Of Excellence: continued

I've been thinking a little more about that meeting at the weekend on strengthening our faith, in an effect to become more like Jesus (I blogged about this a few days ago).

Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.

There's the word 'excellent' again! It's clear that we should be thinking of 'excellent' things (virtuous, praiseworthy). Because if your mind is full of negatives (criticism of others, your own weaknesses) or wrong thoughts (greed, worry, lust) that's what your life will be filled with... whereas if we want to achieve excellence, we need to think of higher things, better things - excellent things.

One further observation: the word 'think' at the end of the verse implies deep contemplation. Some translations show this as 'meditate'. I like the word 'ponder'. Whatever. Let your mind dwell on it. Get your mindset right!

I came across this quote on the web by D. Martyn Lloyd–Jones on Matthew 6:25-34, where he comments on the subject of faith and thinking:

"Faith, according to our Lord’s teaching in this paragraph, is primarily thinking; and the whole trouble with a man of little faith is that he does not think. He allows circumstances to bludgeon him. That is the real difficulty in life. Life comes to us with a club in its hand and strikes us upon the head, and we become incapable of thought, helpless and defeated. The way to avoid that, according to our Lord, is to think."

The Pursuit Of Excellence

2 Peter 1:5-7 (NIV)

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

Quite a shopping list, eh? These verses were shared during today's meeting - we were reviewing the subject of 'stretching our faith' from this year's Commitment Sunday cards - and there was plenty said during that meeting for me to reflect on this week.

Let's take the word 'goodness' for example: the New Living Translation actually uses the term 'moral excellence'. And, after some further study when I got home, I found a whole host of different words in a variety of scripture translations, all trying to best describe that particular quality:

'virtue' —KJV, NEB, Berkeley

'moral character' —Williams

'manliness' —Helen Montgomery (The Centenary Translation)

'noble character' —Weymouth

'integrity' - God's Word translation

'real goodness of life'—Phillips

It was the word 'excellence' that initially captured my interest. We are often told for our need to strive for excellence in our working lives - so why not in our Christian lives? Actually, the sort of 'excellence' we often look for as Christians is often the same one we seek in our secular lives - a concept all wrapped up in modern day stats, in achieving standards.

After some reflection, I am more drawn to something that is best defined as 'moral character', as we seek to become more and more Christ-like as we follow Him through His teachings.And I like the use of the word 'integrity'... I've blogged on this before. 

Where to start? First thing to have is faith... These things are all built on our faith. 

More later...

Soldiership - part two: Integrity

"I will uphold Christian integrity in every area of my life, allowing nothing in thought, word or deed that is unworthy, unclean, untrue, profane, dishonest or immoral. "

This is where we get down to a particularly challenging aspect of soldiership, which is how your spiritual life fits in with your daily life. In a previous blog I quoted a definition of Integrity as "doing the right thing even though there's nobody looking". This definition has particularly helped me get to grips with this particular aspect. It's easy to keep your commitment sitting in the Hall on a Sunday but not quite so easy late at night at home during the week! Living up to Christian standards every day of the week can be a challenge to any Christian, but it's particularly true of Salvationists who tend to be very visible in their own community (this can be turned to an advantage - more on this later). The secret of success is in personal discipline... which needs to be the subject of a separate blog entry...

It's also very interesting when you dig a little further into this subject, by turning the negatives that we need to avoid into positives that we need to embrace. We need to be pursuing things that have merit, are clean, true, consecrated, honest and moral. For a 'seeker after truth' (as I often style myself) I don't have a problem with pursuing truth - however one person's opinion of 'truth' can be so different from someone else's!! It can be so confusing... wrong can often seem right...

So here's the great challenge - and it's particularly a challenge in the 21st Century! Ask yourself whether each and every aspect of your life fits those positive headings. That TV show - that magazine - that pastime - that regular habit. And if you have difficulty confirming whether that particular thing is true, or clean, or moral - perhaps there's some doubt - then why not take steps to give it up? It could well be leading you away from God - or at least preventing you from following Him to the fullest extent.

Interesting, therefore, to see that this sort of self-examination was encouraged by William Booth for his soldiers ever since the earliest days of the Army. Maintaining Christian integrity is therefore a constant battle for all Christians - but then Salvation soldiers are not afraid of a bit of a battle...

"We are called to take His light
To a world where wrong seems right."
(a line from 'People Need The Lord' by Steve Green)