Westbury Churches Together

Choices New

With the end of January 2025, and although the year is established, it is a good time to review life and make good choices and goals. 

In the UK today, many aspects of our way of life have been under threat for a while. Once a tolerant nation, we have been invaded by intolerance. Once prospering and leading the way in innovation and entrepreneurship, our education and apprenticeship have been weakened by removing moral principles of integrity and hard work, with erosion of history and identity. 

The bedrock of society, the nuclear family, has been sidelined so much it is difficult to have any influence on the generations of the future.

But we should never lose sight of the hope we have in the truth of Jesus Christ, and the God of love. God does not impose His will on us, unlike other religions. Instead He offers a choice – to follow His way, of peace, love, freedom of choice, harmony and self-control – and enjoy His presence always, not that there are no troubles, but that He gives strength and capacity to overcome them; or to go our own way, and put Him out of our lives, and fight our own battles. 

God is love, and He loves us so much that He will allow us that freedom to choose – but also when we find we have made a bad mistake and find our way back to Him, He lovingly forgives. 

To understand such love is beyond our understanding – even His disciples when told to forgive so much said help! Increase our faith (that is, understanding the love and power of God).

So, as we look into this year, there are going to be challenges – relationships, sickness, poverty, despair, crime and violence may reach out to engulf us – but in God there is hope, there is life in abundance in the sure knowledge of His grace to overcome every challenge. 

The choices we make can be our own, or in seeking God’s Kingdom first, the choices can be inspired by God in us to have wisdom, innovation, loving kindness and prospering of our soul and spirit.

It is a great time to walk closely with our Creator, and to see what amazing things He has done, is doing and will do.

We only have to ask.

Revd Iain Murray –  Church of the Living God, Westbury