Psychologist Anna Ponnudurai reflects on how Scripture and neuroscience intersect.

Registered psychologist Anna Ponnudurai says the Bible’s description of the human mind is both poetic and profoundly accurate.

Referring to Psalm 139:14, Anna explains that our brains are “fearfully and wonderfully made”.

“It’s just a beautiful passage in the Bible about how our brains are so connected and created,” Anna said.

“It was designed by God and it’s the organ of thought, emotion and decision making. So it’s God’s incredible design for relationship and growth, really.”

Throughout Scripture, the importance of the mind is repeated. Anna points to Romans 12:2, which speaks about the renewing of the mind.

This ability of the brain to change is known as neuroplasticity. While it begins in childhood, it continues into adulthood. But Anna is clear – change takes time.

“That takes a lot of time. It takes a lot of effort. It takes a lot of practice,” she said.

“What we really ruminate on, what we think about, really matters. We actually have a lot more power over our thoughts, over our behaviour than we realise.”

Anna believes that, with intentional effort, we can learn to shape our thinking.

“Yes, we do have the power to control our thoughts,” she said.

The Bible also urges believers to guard what enters their hearts and minds. Anna says this wisdom is highly relevant in today’s world.

For those wanting a practical starting point, Anna offers a simple reflection exercise.

“Every time you think of something, every time you hear something, ask: Is that thought real? And what do I want to do with that?”

It’s a small but powerful question – one that reflects both biblical wisdom and modern neuroscience.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope 103.2. Chris is the host of Hope Drive, bringing light, uplifting stories and thoughtful conversation to listeners every afternoon. Chris initially studied science before diving into an IT career before following his life-long passion (talking!) and joining the Hope team.

Feature image: Canva

God is up to something in our world. Have you noticed?

Every day the headlines bring another exposure: hidden abuse, financial corruption, and insidious cover-ups. Sin is being uncovered across the globe, and we are confronted almost daily with humanity’s frailty.

The Epstein files are one recent example. Politicians, business leaders and members of royalty have been named in connection with the abuse of young women and children. Where wealth and status once offered a shield from scrutiny, perpetrators are now being called to account.

We saw it in the #MeToo movement — a tidal wave of women courageously naming abuse by powerful men. Entire systems of entrenched misogyny are now beginning to crumble.

We’ve seen it in the exposure of institutional child sexual abuse. In Australia, the 2013 Royal Commission revealed horrific patterns of systemic failure, with trauma still reverberating through families and generations.

We’ve seen it with the violent mistreatment of indigenous peoples in our colonial past. In Australia we’ve realised that as we’ve studied the travesties in Europe, we’ve omitted the atrocities against the Aborigines and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our own land.

We’ve even seen it in the Church. Pastors and leaders who once enjoyed global accolades have suddenly been exposed for abusing wealth and position in the name of God.

It’s shocking. It’s humiliating. It’s ugly. Our trust in leadership has been broken, our role models smashed. We’ve found ourselves disillusioned by the disturbing mismatch between public image and the private character of those we once looked up to.

But in the midst of the darkness, can you see the Holy Spirit at work?

The Holy Spirit is a Truth Teller

Jesus said that one of the roles of the Spirit is to convict us of sin and lead us into truth (John 16:3,8). The Holy Spirit is a truth-teller, exposing lies and deceit so that freedom can be found. The author of Hebrews describes the Spirit’s revelation as a “double-edged sword.” Piercingly accurate, it separates truth from the false, penetrating our thoughts and attitudes so that everything is “uncovered and laid bare.” (Heb. 4:12,13) Truth-telling is a work of God.

For all the grief of exposure, there is an upside.

The sins now being uncovered are not new. Adultery, hypocrisy, abuse of power and exploitation of the vulnerable are age-old symptoms of the human condition. What is new is the willingness to confront them. For generations, society has looked the other way. We’ve denied, deflected and protected the status quo. Leaders in the media, business, politics and the church have all been complicit.

But now, we’re opening our eyes and having the courage to see it.

For it does take courage… to keep the lights on when we want to close our eyes. To sit with the ugliness of sin instead of reaching for fig leaves. No wonder we deny it, deflect it and cover it up. We’d rather walk on by, circle round the pretence and maintain the status quo. We all do it. Who wants the toxicity of our hearts to be seen? Who wants the masks of pretence to be removed? Like the accused standing in the dock, we hang our heads, pick up fig leaves and cover our shame. Yet, the Spirit comes like fire, seeking to burn away what is false (Heb. 12:29) – not to destroy but to purify.

The Gift of Truth

We must not miss this moment. For without truth, there can be no grace.

Indeed, truth is a gift of God – first for the victims; for the protection and the healing of the women, the children, the indigenous, the poor and the vulnerable. Trauma cannot be fully healed without first being acknowledged.

But truth is also a gift for the perpetrators; for the freedom and redemption of the Epsteins, the abusers and those confined to prison cells. Restoration cannot be received where sin is denied. God’s conviction is not condemnation; it is an invitation to freedom (John 8:32).

This is the ultimate aim of our sovereign Truth-teller – freedom through grace.

What About Us?

As we watch truth surface at a societal level, we must ask what God is doing within us.

Macro exposure invites micro reflection. As we witness truth-telling around us, we’re invited to see it in our own hearts. We must take the log out of our own eye even as we see the speck in others (Matt. 7:3). Where is the Holy Spirit shining a light in my own heart? Where is God inviting deeper honesty?

It may not be as serious as an extra-marital affair or criminal activity. It may simply be that subtle exaggeration, a quiet resentment, a sideways comment, the need to protect image, the instinct to hide weakness. The same Spirit exposing corruption in systems uncovers hidden motives within us.

As we read the headlines, can we also read our hearts? This cultural moment is not only a reckoning; it is an invitation. Truth sets us free – but only if we are willing to see it.

Article supplied with thanks to God Conversations.

About the Author: Tania Harris is a pastor, speaker, author and the founder of God Conversations.

Feature image: Canva

Dreams are so bizarre. Our minds have these entire experiences that are worked out while we sleep, consolidating memories, processing the day and sometimes, giving us what feels like divine insight into the challenges of our waking hours.

But how do we distinguish between regular brain function and spiritual revelation?

For most of her life, media entrepreneur and filmmaker Paige Collins thought her vivid dreams were just part of how her mind worked.

“I dream almost every night,” Paige said.

“That’s been a very normal thing for me my entire life.”

Everything shifted about eight years ago, when she woke from a dream to the sound of her own voice praying.

“I was asking God to give me an interpretation for what it was that I had just dreamed [and] that was the moment that I realised my dreams might not just be mind-clutter,” Paige said.

That moment marked the beginning of what Paige now calls being “a God dreamer.” Before then, she hadn’t considered dreams as spiritual.

“I grew up in the church, but I didn’t grow up in a church community that really emphasised the supernatural,” Paige said.

“He’s going to give people business [ideas in dreams], he’s going to give them creative works, he’s going to speak into our personal lives as well as our professional lives in this way.

“I feel very strongly about that. And if we’re not listening, we might miss some things.”

Since Paige began journalling her dreams and praying through them, “God just began to take me through a season of training in my own dream language” using scripture as an anchor.

“God speaks in dreams throughout scripture,” Paige said.

“He gives warnings [and] He gives really beautiful prophetic images.”

Having that Biblical grounding is vital, so you know it’s God shaping how you interpret the dream.

“We have to allow the Lord to bring the ultimate revelation and clarity,” Paige said.

“We don’t need to jump to conclusions.”

Over time, Paige believes God teaches each person how He communicates with them, revealing things about calling and destiny, but also personal wellbeing.

“There are very personal conversations happening between us and Him,” Paige said.

“Some of the most important dreams in my life, although they were a bit uncomfortable, brought about healing.

“They showed me unknown things I needed to deal with, and I think anything that’s going to lead me into intimacy with the Lord is something I want to say yes to.”

Paige Collins’ Awaken Dream Journal is out now.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

About the Author: Laura Bennett is a media professional, broadcaster and writer from Sydney, Australia.

Feature image: Supplied

Many of us have a solid theological understanding of the difference between living “by law” and living “by the Spirit.” We know Paul’s words to the Galatians: “If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law” (Galatians 5:18, NIV).

But what does that look like in practice? Research suggests we are not entirely sure. From the perspective of those outside the church, Christian communities are often described as judgmental, shame-filled, and legalistic. For a faith that champions grace and the finished work of Christ, we need to be honest: we are not always doing this well.

So where do we get it wrong? And how do we cultivate churches that are genuinely led by the Spirit and facilitate true transformation?

To answer these questions, we start by looking more closely at the way the Spirit works in an individual’s life. Greg’s testimony provides a compelling example.

The Painful Grip of Pornography

Greg decided to follow Jesus as a young man. His life changed dramatically, yet one area remained untouched: pornography. The addiction began at thirteen, when his father left Playboy and Penthouse magazines openly around the house- on the coffee table, the kitchen bench, always within reach. Curiosity became habit, and by sixteen there was no turning back. In a pre-internet age, Greg’s home became a popular hangout for hormone-fuelled teenage friends.

After becoming a Christian, Greg resolved to stop. Each morning he tried to avert his eyes. After school he focused on textbooks instead of glossy centrefolds. But every Sunday night he found himself at the altar in shame-filled repentance. His church emphasised strict rule-keeping; one failure meant you needed to be “saved” all over again.

“I’m sorry, God. I’ll never do it again.”

Prayer brought brief relief and renewed resolve. But by midweek Greg’s willpower weakened. A “sin binge” followed, escalating toward the weekend, until he returned once more to the altar the following Sunday. Back and forth. Week after week. Greg was exhausted, saturated with guilt and shame.

After two years, Greg finally gave up. One Sunday night, he refused to go forward.

In the church carpark afterward, he erupted in anger toward God. “I can’t do this anymore! You gave me these hormones. You gave me this father. And now you’re going to condemn me because I can’t live by your rules? I’m done.”

His friend tried to calm him. “We must be missing something.”

In frustration, Greg grabbed his Bible and tossed it onto the boot of his car. It fell open to Romans. One verse caught his eye: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Greg froze. Is that what we’re missing?

But if there is no condemnation, why do I feel buried under it?

A Different Kind of Centrefold

Weeks later, God spoke again through a vivid inner vision. Greg saw a Penthouse centrefold with two women posed provocatively. As he watched, the image distorted. Their bodies became covered in filth, decay, and sores. Maggots crawled across their skin and their faces twisted in terror. In the background he heard a girl screaming.

In an instant, the image lost its appeal.

Greg was confronted with the reality of an industry that dehumanises women and profits from exploitation, often involving children. He realised that every “yes” to porn was a silent consent to that system. When he objectified women, he participated in their degradation.

From that moment on, porn lost its grip. When temptation arose, the imagery repulsed him. The lust faded, and then disappeared.

Greg was free.

Failure of the Law

Greg’s story reveals two approaches to change. Can you see the difference?

We understand where Greg’s church was coming from. We want lives transformed. We know God is holy and we are called to be holy. So we establish rules and reinforce them. We preach sermons that set the bar high and equate holiness with moral compliance.

And for a time, it appears to work. Sheer willpower motivated by law got Greg as far as Wednesday before he collapsed back into shame.

Yet Paul tells us that living by the law leads to death. Greg experienced its fruit every Sunday night.

Though well intentioned, the church had created a culture that produced the opposite effect of what they desired. Rather than setting Greg free, it bound him up more with its guilt and shame, spiralling him into a sin binge he couldn’t break free of. The only way to preserve his mental health was to walk away.

A Shift from the Inside Out

Thank God for the intervention of the Spirit!

It was the Spirit who reassured Greg that there was no condemnation. No threats. No punishment. Grace alone was on offer.

Then the Spirit led him to a higher way- the way of love. Instead of focusing on behaviour, the Spirit addressed Greg’s heart. Love became the appeal to change. There was no shaming, only revelation. Greg saw the destructive reality behind the sin and was moved to run from it. Condemnation had driven him backward; love propelled him forward.

The difference lies in the motivation. Law relies on external factors- shame and the avoidance of punishment. Fear becomes the key driver. In contrast, the Spirit relies on internal drivers- love and freedom. As Ezekiel promised, the Spirit gives us a new heart and moves us to follow God’s ways (Ezekiel 36:27). One produces behaviour modification; the other produces heart transformation.

The Spirit-Led Church

Greg’s story illustrates the difference between living under the law and living by the Spirit. The law produced striving, shame, and condemnation. The Spirit brought truth, transformation, and freedom. The law can modify behaviour for a time, but it cannot produce lasting change. The Spirit alone transforms from the inside out.

This understanding reorients our role as ministry leaders. Our task is not to police behaviour, but to facilitate the work of the Spirit in people’s lives. We create space for the Spirit to speak. We encourage people to listen and respond. We pray for conviction and guidance—and then we watch as the Spirit does the work only God can do.

Article supplied with thanks to God Conversations.

About the Author: Tania Harris is a pastor, speaker, author and the founder of God Conversations.

Feature image: Canva

Not all images work. I wasn’t at all sure that this one would. The speaker was likening life to an egg – not a hard boiled one, long dead and simply waiting to be eaten, but one of those with a fledgling chick inside.

As the young bird attempts to come out, it pecks away at the shell from the inside. Recognising how tough the task is, you might well be tempted to lend a hand and give the shell a little tap to break it open and hasten the birds release. Apparently that’s a big no no. If you do, you have almost certainly sealed the chicks fate. There is something about it breaking free from its shell that gives it the strength needed to survive. Short circuit the struggle, and you leave it vulnerable, even doomed.

The Preacher’s Take

I’ve been a preacher long enough to know that the illustration could be developed in numerous ways. I leant in to see what this preacher (who was relatively new to preaching) would make of it.

“Life,” he said, “is like an egg. You often feel trapped by it, and there are things that hold you back. It’s the shell that surrounds you. You worry about what others think of you, and their opinions matter too much. You can’t stretch out and truly be yourself. You’ve got to do the work on the inside. As you change internally, you get the strength to peck away at what initially seems like an insurmountable barrier. As you grown inwardly, you get stronger, until the day comes when you are strong enough to break free from the shell holding you back. That’s how you step into life.”

Short Cuts and Their Cost

“However,” he added, “some of us look for short cuts. We welcome a bit of extra help from outside, but in doing so, we give away too much. Instead of smashing our barriers, they smash us.”

The key application point then followed. “Do the inner work you need to enable you to smash through life’s barriers. Once you have done that, you are free to live the life you have been called to – unafraid of public opinion and the forces calling you to be less than you should.”

The Half-Truth Problem

It was a fair point, and I’m definitely in favour of people doing the hard inner work that brings deep change. Short cuts usually backfire, and years later we often lament not laying an adequate foundation for what we didn’t anticipate would lie ahead.

So do the hard inner work you need to, for it will indeed produce a rich harvest over time.

For all that, I found myself wanting to push back. Not that sermons really allow you to do that. The average preacher does not welcome congregants jumping up and saying, “I hardly think so,” and I am also acutely aware of the homely wisdom that it is “Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!”

It isn’t that I thought what the preacher said was wrong, simply that it was only a half truth – and you probably know the follow up to that… “when a half truth is made out to be the whole truth it becomes an untruth.”

Two Missing Words

Does it all depend upon me? Can I really do all the hard inner work required to transform me? Don’t others contribute to my formation, and doesn’t the Bible speak about the fruit of the Spirit, rather than the fruit of my incredibly hard work (Gal 5:22-23). I think the illustration missed two important words – community and grace.

Community, because the Bible is filled with “one another” verses. Coming from the Greek word allelon (one another, each other, mutually), it pops up about 100 times in scripture: Love one another, forgive one another, teach one another, care for one another, bear with one another, do not lie to one another – to name a few.

Grace, because that’s the heart of the Christian message. Actually I don’t save myself, I do need forgiveness, I can’t make it on my own.

A Better Ending to the Point

Is this a petty “so there” squabble? Clever me. Point scored!

Not really.

By all means, be all you can be, strive to be the best version of yourself that you can, do what it takes to build inner resilience. And as you walk that worthy road, you will realise (again and again and again) how often we need one another, and how constantly we need the grace of God.

May God give you (and me) the blessing of rich community, and the deepest awareness of grace, as we walk the worthiest of routes…

Article supplied with thanks to Brian Harris.

About the Author: Brian is a speaker, teacher, leader, writer, author and respected theologian who is founding director of the AVENIR Leadership Institute, fostering leaders who will make a positive impact on the world.

Feature image: Canva

I often wonder when people truly know they are Christians. Many recall a moment of conversion. But for me, it wasn’t obvious.

Crossing into faith feels like crossing a border. Sometimes you see it clearly. Other times, you don’t notice it at all.

For me, I first knew I was a Christian when it actually cost me something.

When I was 17, I was obsessed with basketball. I competed across the state and came second. Afterward, I got an opportunity to train with the Wildcats’ coach.

I remember the call: “Great to have you here. Show up Sunday at 10:00.” Something inside me froze. It felt like a choice between basketball and Jesus.

I chose Jesus. It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t glamorous. But that decision marked another step toward following Him.

If you’re unsure whether you are a Christian, try this test: When has faith cost you something? Does it still?

Faith always costs something. Yet despite the cost, it’s worth it. For me, those moments of choice showed me what it really means to follow Jesus.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva

I don’t know what you think of the new fad of bringing old authors to life. It’s pretty widespread, and you can now read new Poirot or Miss Marple mysteries written not by Agatha Christie but by her fans, or dive into a new Ian Fleming novel (Anthony Horowitz of Foyle’s War fame is taking this on) or read a fresh take on Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes.

Some fictional characters are able to capture the imagination of multiple generations, and become a permanent fixture in our collective consciousness – after all, most of us have heard of James Bond or Poirot or Sherlock’s Dr Watson – even though their original creators are long dead.

True, not everyone appreciates the changes! My wonderful wife Rosemary is amongst them, and when we watch the Marple TV series there are frequent outbursts of “that’s outrageous” as she notes how the revised interpretation deviates from the original. Having said that, we both agree that Marple: 12 New Stories – by 12 different authors, is well worth the read.

Why this start? 

I’ve often reflected on how remarkable the Bible’s ongoing popularity is. After all, it is a book that was written over a period of about 1600 years, by around 40 different authors (none of whom realised where their writing would land up) and completed almost 2000 years ago. Who would pay attention to it today – other than for a handful of scholars interested in antiquity? Yet it is comfortably the worlds all time best seller (to say nothing of the hundred of millions of free copies that have been given away). Why is it still so popular?

There are many different answers. 

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks in his excellent book Morality notes that the ancient Rabbis spoke of the “70 different faces of the text” and argued that you hadn’t understood a biblical passage until you had considered at least 70 different possible meanings (or faces) for each account. It’s a fascinating insight, and one which I increasingly appreciate. Indeed, when you next read a passage from the Bible instead of saying “Hmmm, now let me remember, what is it that this passage means,” why not ask, “What is it that I have not noticed in this passage before?” I’ve been reading the Bible for well over 50 years and am stunned at how often I have a fresh answer to that question.

Another is that the Bible claims that its writing was inspired by God, or as 2 Tim 3:16 puts it, “All scripture is God-breathed…” Now given that’s a claim the Bible makes for itself I understand that some will view the claim with more than a little scepticism – in much the same way as we don’t take the promotional claims of most books seriously. But this one is worth deep thought, not so much because the claim is made, but because the history of the Bible demonstrates that at least at some level, it must be true. At the very, very least it is an inspired text in the way that Shakespeare and Dickens are inspired (they have inspired multiple generations and the genius of their writing is widely recognised) – but dig a little deeper and I think you will conclude that it is more than just that kind of inspiration. This is a book that has changed the world – and that is not hyperbole. Be it the 10 commandments, or the Sermon on the Mount, or Paul’s teaching about love in 1 Cor 13, or the story of David up against Goliath, or the Parable of the Good Samaritan, and you realise that these passages have shaped the way we view reality and how we treat one another. I think the impact statement of the Bible on the world is enough evidence to suggest that its claim to be God-breathed is “probably true” – to cite part of the title of my book on apologetics.

Now I know that some will object to these comments and quickly remind us of the more blood thirsty passages in the Bible. The Bible is an adult book, and as we read it we make choices about how we will interpret it. There are indeed 70 different faces to every text, but not each face is as good as the others. Some interpretations favour a dangerous face, or an oppressive face, and we must learn to see beyond them. I aim for a Christological reading of the text – in other words one which reads the overall biblical text in the light of the story of Jesus. The question to ask is: In the light of Jesus, how should this passage now be understood?

Not only is the Bible God inspired, but it is Spirit illuminated. Having inspired the writing of the Bible, the Spirit helps us to interpret it. In very practical ways the Spirit draws our attention to passages that are relevant to our situation. Ps 119 spends most of its 176 verses extolling the value of Scripture. A repeated refrain is that it gives light to us, most famously in v105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path.” When I read this book, I get light for the path I must travel, I am guided on the steps I should take.

I could go on, but my hope is not that you would read my words today, but that if you have let your reading of Scripture fade, you would read it in a fresh new way – asking to see things you have not noticed before, confident that it speaks in hopeful new ways to ever changing circumstances. And so that I don’t just say this – let me point you to Psalm 3, which I have been contemplating recently. It was written by David when he was facing a situation that seemed near impossible. It speaks of the God who is our shield (v3), the reason we can sleep deeply (v5) and our deliverer (v8). Here it is:

Psalm 3

1 Lord, how many are my foes!

    How many rise up against me!

2 Many are saying of me,

    “God will not deliver him.”

3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me,

    my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

4 I call out to the Lord,

    and he answers me from his holy mountain.

5 I lie down and sleep;

    I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.

6 I will not fear though tens of thousands

    assail me on every side.

7 Arise, Lord!

    Deliver me, my God!

Strike all my enemies on the jaw;

    break the teeth of the wicked.

8 From the Lord comes deliverance.

    May your blessing be on your people.

Article supplied with thanks to Brian Harris.

About the Author: Brian is a speaker, teacher, leader, writer, author and respected theologian who is founding director of the AVENIR Leadership Institute, fostering leaders who will make a positive impact on the world.

Feature image: Canva

I’ve always been intrigued by Jesus’ instruction, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one” (Matt 5:37).

It’s refreshingly simple, and an invitation to engage in straightforward speech and make promises that can be trusted. If I say ‘Yes, I will do that’ I should do it. If I need to add 25 qualifiers (provided the weather is good, or I don’t get a better offer, or…), I am in real danger of becoming untrustworthy – someone whose word never means anything more than “perhaps”.

What Jesus Isn’t Saying

Now there are things that I don’t think Jesus means when he says this. I don’t think it is a prohibition on curiosity (“don’t ask me why, I have already said no”). Nor do I think it is glorifying monosyllabic communication, where we refuse to allow others to understand our way of thinking and we keep them at arms length – simply cutting them off with a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’.

Context: Oaths, Evasion, and Speech that Reveals

When understanding any passage of Scripture, context is important. In this instance it is Jesus warning against making oaths that look good, but which you are unlikely to keep (Matt 5:33-37). Jesus was beyond exasperated at the practice of making promises which could be easily broken – often by appealing to some supposedly noble cause that was simply an escape route from responsibility. His point is simple. Speech is supposed to reveal, not conceal. Beware those whose words have hidden meanings, or who use noble words to gloss over deep wrongs. Speech should accurately reflect your intentions, and if it does not, it “comes from the evil one”.

Now many may think this is a not very subtle jab at politicians who use thousands of words to say nothing, or to hide the real issues. The old joke goes, “How do you know when a politician is lying?” Answer: “Their lips are moving.” Ouch. Yes, that is the kind of situation Jesus is trying to avoid – let ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ – Let ‘No’ be ‘No’.

Values as the Anchor of Clear Decisions

A while back someone did something to me that was clearly wrong. An indignant and well meaning friend immediately dived in with some advice on how I should retaliate.

“No – no I’m not going to do that,” I replied.

“But why not?” he asked. “In the circumstances it’s a relatively mild response. You can’t just let them get away with it.”

I paused for a moment, considered his view, and then said again. “No – no I’m not going to do that.”

“But why not?” he asked again.

I paused and thought some more, and then said, “Because I wouldn’t be me if I did that. It’s just not who I am. And just because someone else behaved badly doesn’t mean I should as well.”

“Hmmm. perhaps,” he replied, clearly not fully convinced.

I think ‘No’ is ‘No’ and ‘Yes’ is ‘Yes’ when our values guide our decisions. And Jesus (as always) is right; anything more in those circumstances comes from the evil one. Saying more feeds the temptation to back away from who we are and what our commitments are, especially if holding to our yes or no has become a little difficult.

Now naturally I am not pushing for the dangerous or the reckless. Just because you said ‘Yes’ to a husband who beats and torments you, does not mean that you are forever saddled with that tragic ‘Yes’. Sometimes our ‘Yes’ must turn into the firmest ‘No’. Sometimes…

A Practical Invitation: Review Your Recent “Yes” and “No”

So why this post? I don’t think we are at risk of failing to realise that there are times when ‘yes’ can (and should) become ‘no’. I think the greater risk is that we are forgetting that words are not meant to be twisted. That promises should be linked to values. That if we need endless words and explanations to justify a decision, it’s usually a warning that the decision is poor.

Why not think over 4 or 5 recent decisions that you have made? What led you to decide as you did? Was it for purely pragmatic reasons. If so, pragmatism might be an adequate reason for those decisions to change. But which of your decisions flowed directly from your values? Ah… this is where the amber warning light starts to flash. When pragmatism steers you away from your value based decisions ask yourself, “At what point do I stop becoming me. Because if I no longer hold to my values, who am I?”

And why not aim for a week where ‘Yes’ is ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ is ‘No’ – and you delight in the simplicity and responsibility of this…

Article supplied with thanks to Brian Harris.

About the Author: Brian is a speaker, teacher, leader, writer, author and respected theologian who is founding director of the AVENIR Leadership Institute, fostering leaders who will make a positive impact on the world.

Feature image: Canva

He had expressed his Christian faith simply: “I am trying to follow the words, the works and the way of Jesus.”

I thought it a helpful summary of what it means to be a Christian, or as the term was originally understood – one who follows the Christ. While it is disarmingly simple (and great for those in favour of alliteration) there is more to it than first meets the eye.

While it might not sound very radical to say that the Christian faith revolves around Jesus, in practice, it is very radical – especially when its the words and the works and the way of Jesus that we commit ourselves to.

The Words of Jesus

Consider the words of Jesus. There is nothing status quo about them. They are penetrating, uncompromising and deeply prophetic. People often found them offensive, and I don’t mean mildly offensive, but offensive enough to get Him crucified.

To insist that we love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matt 5:44), or that we shouldn’t store up treasures on earth (Matt 6:19) or that we must not worry (Matt 6:25) and that we refrain from judging others (Matt 7:1) – well I don’t know if any of those come naturally to you, but they certainly don’t to me.

Or what do you make of his redefinition of family – that those who did the will of God are “my brother and sister and mother” (Matt 12:50). Even more challenging is Jesus’ insistence that anyone who wants to follow him must take up their cross to do so (Matt 16:24). And those are just a few verses from Matthew. Throw in the instructions from Mark, Luke and John and it becomes ever clearer that Jesus didn’t imagine that his average follower would live a comfortable lifestyle with endless coffees, crumpets and cream.

The Works of Jesus

Then there are the works of Jesus. They range – there are many miraculous healings, encounters with the demonic, thousands are fed, weather patterns are changed, tables in the temple are overturned, the dead are raised.

Jesus also interacts with unlikely characters – tax collectors, prostitutes, and those on the fringes. He also converses with those deeply entrenched in the religious and political structure of his day. Those conversations were usually challenging. Overall there were many discussions and lots of teaching.

Is teaching a “work”? Well, when you are engaging in the near impossible task of changing people’s thoughts and attitudes it is… very hard work, and at times extremely dangerous work. It led to a fair amount of travel – on foot and sometimes to less hostile environments (well, less hostile at the start).

In Luke 4:18-19 Jesus defines his work in terms used in Isa 61:1-2: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” Interestingly he omits part of Isaiah’s prophecy, deleting from Isaiah’s Messianic job description the task of proclaiming “the year of vengeance of our God.”

Doing the Works of Jesus Today

What does this mean for the works we should do? Perhaps it is best to remember Jesus’ teaching in Matt 25:31-46 when Jesus announces that when we invite the stranger in, or clothe the naked, or look after the sick, or visit the prisoner, we do it for Him.

He goes further, provocatively suggesting that in some way he is that stranger, that sick person, the one who has no clothes, or the one who is in prison. Given this startling teaching it is hard to see how someone could claim to be doing the works of Jesus if acts of compassion don’t appear high on the list of activities.

The Way of Jesus

Then there is the way of Jesus. It’s an upside down way. According to Jesus, the first will be last (Matt 20:16), those who seek to find their life lose it, while those willing to lose their life find it (Matt 16:25). Those who seek the Kingdom of God before anything else find that they get everything else (Matt 6:33).

It’s a world where leaders are servants and the well being of the other rather than their own, is the motivator (Matt 20:26). It’s a step by step way. Though I’m in favour of careful and thoughtful planning, in many ways Jesus’ ministry was one of wandering around and responding to things that happened.

He doesn’t wake up and announce a to do list where the agenda for the day is to heal 4 blind people, 2 lepers and to confront 5 religious leaders. He elects to visit various places and on the way sees many things… What he sees calls a response from him. He interacts deeply with all that happens along the way. Perhaps we should as well…

Following to the Cross

What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus – a Christian? Yes, it is true that it means that we follow the words, works and way of Jesus… But oh my, how much easier to say those three ‘w’ words, than to actually have our agenda shaped by them.

Somedays we follow a little more closely than others – on too many days, we follow not at all. Perhaps that is why the following we do comes out to a Cross – where there is forgiveness and mercy and the challenge to follow the words, works and way of the crucified, risen Messiah.

Article supplied with thanks to Brian Harris.

About the Author: Brian is a speaker, teacher, leader, writer, author and respected theologian who is founding director of the AVENIR Leadership Institute, fostering leaders who will make a positive impact on the world.

Feature image: Canva

I don’t know if you enjoy the Peanuts cartoon characters but in one memorable sketch the ever philosophical Linus bursts out: “I love humanity – its people I can’t stand.”

Love is so much easier when it’s theoretical. And there are indeed some extraordinary visions of what love is.

A Breathtaking Portrait of Love

St Paul’s portrait in 1 Cor 13 is breathtaking. Do you remember this part of it: “Love is patient and kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud… love keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth… love never fails…“ Beautiful – truly beautiful – a gorgeous passage to read at weddings – but what does it mean in practice?

Love in Action: The Upper Room

If you want to see love in action, turn to John 13:1-17. Jesus and his disciples have arrived at the room where they will eat their last meal together before Jesus’ crucifixion. Usually before a meal of this significance there would be a servant present who would wash the dust from each person’s feet. After all, this was a dusty climate and people wore open sandals – yes the disciples feet were dirty, and that didn’t seem right when they were sitting down to a sacred Passover meal together. So in the absence of a servant, the unacknowledged question was: Who will do the footwashing?

The Awkward Silence—and Jesus’ Stunning Choice

Clearly it would be the lowest of the disciples – but who was that? No one wanted to acknowledge their lowly status, so an awkward turning a blind eye takes place. It’s as though by mutual consent the disciples agree to say nothing about their dusty feet. And then love in action takes place… Jesus stands up, removes his outer garment, drapes a towel around himself, pours a bowl of water, and systematically works his way around the room washing each of their feet. It is simultaneously profoundly moving and beautiful, while also being deeply uncomfortable. Why is it Jesus who is doing this menial task?

Peter expresses the awkwardness of the group. “No, no” he objects. “You will never wash my feet.” But Jesus replies that unless he allows him to, he will no longer be part of the band of disciples. “If that’s the case” Peter blurts out, then wash my hands and head as well. Jesus looks at him in bemusement…Effectively he say “Don’t be silly. I’m only cleaning what needs cleaning. Love is not theoretical. It is established in moments like these. It’s down to earth. It isn’t about position, or how dignified you are or aren’t – it’s about doing what is needed. And at the moment in this room there were a dozen set of feet that needed cleaning, so that’s what I am doing.”

I’m old enough to remember the 1964 version of My Fair Lady where an exasperated Eliza Dolittle – absolutely frustrated at the non stop talk of love expressed by her suitor Freddie, bursts out: 

Words words, I’m so sick of words 

Don’t talk of stars 

Burning above; 

If you’re in love, 

Show me! 

Show me….

Three Layers of Meaning

For all that, the exchange between Jesus and Peter establishes three points. At level one, there were feet needing to be cleaned – so Jesus did that. At level two, there are always menial practical things to be done, and none of his disciples should consider themselves too high and mighty to do them. Jesus reminds them that he has set an example for them. They should do comparable things. And then at the third level, this was a symbol of the cleansing the disciples would receive through the Cross of Jesus – and remember the crucifixion was about a dozen hours away. The weight of sin would be washed away through the blood and death of Jesus – it’s a profound mystery, but deeply true. This is love – love in action.

The Question We Can’t Dodge

So here’s the question? What does love in action look like for you? No theoretical answers wanted. Sorry, “I love humanity, it’s people I can’t stand” won’t hack it. But eyes open to the footwashing needed… eyes open that lead to ears listening and to feet moving and to hands doing… yeah, that kind of love is Jesus kind of love. And when things go badly wrong, it’s a love that makes forgiveness possible. That kind of love, is love in action.

Article supplied with thanks to Brian Harris.

About the Author: Brian is a speaker, teacher, leader, writer, author and respected theologian who is founding director of the AVENIR Leadership Institute, fostering leaders who will make a positive impact on the world.

Feature image: Canva