Three things that made me feel sad

Earlier this week I finished reading a book called The Stolen Children. The title refers to all the half caste Indigenous Australian children who were removed, in many cases forcibly, from their families as part of a racist and shameful government policy designed to 'whiten' Australia. You can read my full review of the book here on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3186726-the-stolen-children 

Some of the stories are very upsetting and depressing. My overall feeling was sadness.

In 1989, I joined YWAM (Youth With A Mission) which is an interdenominational Christian missionary organisation. During 12 fantastic months with them, I learned an incredible amount about God and about myself, I had some amazing, once in a lifetime experiences and I met some wonderful, beautiful people from all over the world. I recently learned that one of these inspirational followers of Jesus Christ, no longer considers himself to be a Christian, and has turned his back on his saviour. His is not an isolated case. I have been a Christian for 28 years, and I always will be because I cannot see any purpose in my life, or life in general without Jesus. It saddens me greatly to think that some have turned away from the ultimate source of love, faith and hope.

A fellow Christian recently read my novel, Loathe Your Neighbor, and said that I was not a good person, and could not be a Christian because of what I wrote in my novel. I have met this man once and had a very brief conversation with him, and now he has judged me. I feel sad whenever I encounter such narrow minded, grace deficient thinking. I feel even sadder when I consider how many people are like this.

There is much more to each of these anecdotes. There is always more to the story which is why I try to love and accept people instead of judging them.

P is for Prime Minister

P is for Prime Minister

"‘...The closed door policy that some Australians believe we should adopt with respect to migrants is an intolerable nonsense. Such a policy would have prevented me from coming to Australia as a three year old boy on a boat with my father. I love this country and I want Australians to be magnanimous and compassionate for these are admirable qualities which please God and bring peace. Thank you Australia.’

Spontaneous applause erupted around the gallery as recording devices were discarded on chairs and on the floor. ..He had never felt such unabashed elation, yet he knew, that an incredible amount of hard work was required. The job he believed he was always destined for, was now his to populate and prosper.

When the applause faded, Wittaya left the room, with his two favorite girls by his side. It was only then, in a flash, that an unwelcome intruder crashed into his joy. A fleeting thought of Watheq Abdullah Mishal."  From chapter 34, Ashmore Grief

I recently read a book called In God They Trust written by Roy Williams. In the book, Williams explores the core values and beliefs which underpinned the political careers of Australia’s Prime Minsters. It is essentially an investigation of integrity, and questions whether the practice of a genuine Christian faith is compatible with the execution of the duties of the highest office in the land. The answer to his question is, unsurprisingly, vexed not least because of the problem of accurately defining a Christian.

Is belief in the fundamental doctrines of Christianity sufficient for a person to be called Christian? If you have Christian values and believe in God, does that make you a Christian? If you’re a good person and you go to church, is that enough?

What I will say is that if you call yourself a Christian, you immediately subject yourself to greater scrutiny. More will be expected of you by your family and friends. If you have a public profile, for example as the Prime Minster of Australia, then even more will be required. You will be judged by different standards and the pressure to compromise you values will be intense. In a healthy democracy, politics is, after all, the art of compromise.

Jesus said, “Judge not, lest you be judged yourself.” Today is Good Friday. Easter is a reminder of how much God loves us, and what it cost for us receive the forgiveness of our sins and eternal life. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Joining the Dots

It's a very simple, straighforward activity. You draw a line from the number one to the number two, and then to the number three and so on until you have completed the outline of the mystery shape.When you have joined all the dots in a logical procession, you can answer the question, what is it?

Five days from now the Easter holiday begins. Good Friday commemorates the death of Jesus Christ. Easter Sunday celebrates his resurrection. There is no more holy and significant event for Christians. The historical events of the first Easter continue to have a profound impact on people all over the world. Yet there are many who despite their knowledge of why we celebrate Easter, choose to ignore Jesus Christ, and diligently avoid talking about him or exposing themselves to anything which might actually prove to be good for them, like going to church for example.

Let's join the dots. We need help. God sent help in the form of his son, Jesus Christ. Our biggest problem is sin. Jesus died in order to deal with that problem. Jesus resurrection proves that he is God, and that we can live, both now and always, in the power and grace of God.

Christianity is a force for good in the world. Historically: the advent of public schooling, the establishment of orphanages and hospitals, the abolition of slavery, breakthroughs in science by Christians, the concept of human rights, and equality for women, are directly attributable to the actions of Christians. The Red Cross, The Salvation Army, World Vision, most aged care facilities, foster care, and youth and women's refuges, and countless other acts of charity and generosity all testify to the power of forgiveness and mercy which are central to Christianity.

And yet, there are many who want to ignore or downplay these facts. They will enjoy the long weekend and exchange gifts of chocolate but they will not acknowledge Christ, and I think it is because they are either afraid, blind or just too damn proud. To walk out from the darkness means exposing oneself to the light. To do so will radically change your life. Jesus is the light of the world. All glory and thanks to Him, God in the flesh, who died and rose again, that we may all have our sins forgiven and live in true freedom.

The Need for God

There are numerous misconceptions about Christianity which are held to with religious fervour by members of society. One popular view sees Christianity as a set of restrictive rules and regulations presided over by a cosmic killjoy. In another, a person says they are a Christian because they try to do what is right, and not hurt people. Both of these views should be completely rejected as false by Christians.

Recently I heard a new and interesting theory on what constitutes religion. This young lady, a lapsed Roman Catholic, said to me she believed she was religious, or even Christian in her case, because she sinned and religion depends on sin. She reasoned that if she was not committing any sin, she would have no need to confess and therefore no need of religion.

I told her that I believe religion is based on need and to suit my purpose here, I am referring to both good and bad religion (Jesus talked quite clearly about both). Men have always looked to something or someone bigger and more powerful than themselves for answers, for meaning and direction in their lives. Honest men have always felt and still do feel, overwhelmed at times by the the enormity and complexity of the world around them, and the various problems which have faced them.

Only when a person hits rock bottom, when everything else they have is stripped of value, when they feel lost and realize their desperate need for salvation, will they look up and see their Saviour: Jesus Christ.

I'm not telling you that you have to become a Christian, even though I would like you to, but I am asking you to accept the facts about Christianity. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Christianity is about God's plan to fix this messed up world which is full of broken people. Jesus said that he is the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father except through him. Christianity is about God reaching out to us and saving us from our pride fuelled self destruction. Christianity is all about Jesus Christ and everyone needs a saviour.