Tips for Life
By Alan Bailey
I think it is fair to say that life can be described as a struggle. Survival seems to be the name of the game. People appear to look after themselves as best they can, leaving everyone else to find their own way.
Protecting oneself and one’s belongings is all important, for theft and violence abound. So, many barricade themselves in, to keep the world around them out.
We can’t live in isolation
This retreat into privacy fails to see the bigger picture. We depend on others. We need politicians to run the place, police to keep order, teachers to educate our children, doctors and nurses to tend to our health. The fact that we hear so many complaints about services shows our dependence on them. The media tells us of tradesmen who take others down, priests who go bad, police who are corrupt, banks that won’t listen and solicitors who rob widows.
There is another side
We shouldn’t completely despair of society despite the negative things we see or experience. We should nevertheless be thankfully aware of the great amount of honesty, goodwill and sacrificial service that exist today. Have great admiration for those who care for the aged and infirm. Remember the many workers who dedicate their lives to helping the hard-up and those who have been struck with tragedy. Note how people respond to flood and fire disasters, giving of themselves to battle against the odds.
Something for us all
In a world of need, we must ask ourselves ‘What am I doing about it?’ There is always something we can do for someone else. When we see the opportunity, it is up to us to spring into action. Our self-centred world needs a good dose of generosity of spirit.
Best of all
There are many of us who enjoy another dimension. We are able to say “My Father watches over me,” which means that we know God as our Guardian, Provider, Friend, Ruler, Lover and much more. Think about the care Jesus displayed when He was here. He took notice of people others overlooked. He had love enough to go round for even the most unlovely. He pointed everyone to faith in Himself and His Father. This is life as it should be.
In the light of what Jesus did in dying in our place for our sin and shortcoming, we cannot question God’s commitment to us.
We can know Him. He is just one earnest prayer away. “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6.). Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will fi nd rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:28-30). ■