Scripture:'My brothers and sisters,[a] do you with your acts of favouritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, ‘Have a seat here, please’, while to the one who is poor you say, ‘Stand there’, or, ‘Sit at my feet’, have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?' (James 2 1-4) Reflection:Have you ever felt the need to put on a different persona or ‘mask’ when in certain social situations? Or have you equated someones inteligence with the way that they talk? Do you have a ‘telephone’ voice?We all, in one way or another, make judgements about a person based on their appearance, the way they walk or talk, and their social standing.Oh to be like little children - who show no such partiallity, they interact with each other and with adults, just as they are. They don’t ‘dress to impress’ they just live out what Christ is asking us to do - to treat every person with the respect and love which they deserve, allowing people to be who they are born to be - made and loved by God.Lyn Hayes, ALM
Scripture:'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.' (Proverbs 1.7) Reflection:The phrase ‘life-long learners’ is a good way to think about ourselves. As a new academic year begins, it is good to focus our hopes and prayers on teachers and schools, trainers, lecturers and colleges. At the same time, we may remember that everyone at avery age and stage of life still needs better understanding and greater wisdom – and to be open to instruction! David Harmsworth
Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 25th August and for the week ahead: Scripture:'Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.' (Ephesians 6:13-17)Reflection:What warlike imagery is this that St Paul is using? Is Christianity not a religion of peace? In Paul’s own days people would have seen Roman soldiers all the time. Paul is using the soldier’s armour as a metaphor, telling us to be prepared and protected as we go out into the world. The world, as Paul knew only too well, can be a harsh and bruising place. Not everyone wishes us well, not everyone wants to listen to ‘the gospel of peace’.When we meet others, it is important that we exude peace, but also that we have prepared ourselves by being truthful, acting and thinking in a good way, and, as Paul says, carrying the ‘sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God’ (=the Bible). Many people, even those who tick ‘Christian’ or ‘CofE’ on the Census form, do never read the Bible. Maybe it is time for you to dust off your copy from Sunday School, or find a modern translation, and give it a go? It is part of our everyday spiritual armour.Revd Ylva
