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The world we inhabit
March 1, 2007
Dear Friends,
“Someone once said that Christians in the world are
sometimes chameleons, fading into the colour of the
culture, sometimes ostriches with heads in the sand
avoiding all contact, and sometimes porcupines, confronting
with hackles raised. But Daniel chose to understand the
world he was in, to respond with courtesy and friendship to
his captors, but to establish his credentials as a servant
of the living God.” These challenging words were written
by Margaret Killingray as she studied the book of Daniel in
the Old Testament and reflected on our modern world. She
went on to say, “How do we respond to the world we inhabit?
“
Such a question is one that we must constantly face as
Christians and as I read it, I am aware of a number of high
profile issues, as well as the small everyday challenges,
that I face. The recent report from world experts meeting
in Paris about Global Warming, followed by the “How green
is God?” documentary remind us that our attitude to the
environment is a very important matter. On the moral front
the proposals in the Sexual Orientation Legislation have
long reaching implications that could be in conflict with
our Christian views, as highlighted by Christian Adoption
Agencies but dealing with issues that are much wider.
Like Daniel we are called to engage with the world around
us but as Jesus said, we need to be “in the world but not
of the world”. We also need to pray that God will call
more Christians to take on roles of responsibility in local
and national Government and other areas of influence, not
least the media.
Throughout Lent and in the lead up to Easter we focus on
the life and ministry of Jesus and we remember that He
engaged with the issues of His day. He spoke out when there
was a need and pointed others to the Heavenly Father who
desired His Kingdom to come on earth just as it is in
Heaven. Let us make that our prayer this Lent and as we
face the challenges of the twenty-first century.
With warmest Christian Greetings
Kath Pawlett
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