A new year begins – and what does it have in store? We can all make the fabled New Year Resolutions, but mostly they become our wishful thinking.
In the Scriptures, there is a most apt word for the time:- James 1:19-22 19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
There are some things we can resolve to do and be this year, while chaos, angers and hatreds and crises surround us. Be loving and kind to others, even if they treat you badly, without allowing them the space to continue to act in that way. Nothing is so bad that getting angry about it can’t make it worse. Resolve not to be critical and abusive of others, especially using the protective shield of internet, but rather seek to be peacemakers and peacekeepers. Our freedom to speak out opinion is under huge threat by those who seek to control through fear. When we are afraid to speak truth because of fear of reprisal, fear of loss, fear of reputation – we have given away our freedom. The choice of each one of us is to do what is good and loving, to make it a year we can rejoice in. Let’s be doers of goodness, doers of kindness, doers of strength and truth in the face of lies and bullies.
Happy New Year to all the doers!
Rev Iain Murray – Church of the Living God, Westbury, at the Laverton
