A Reading
You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden… let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5: 14,16)
A Thought
Car tyres need to be changed as they become worn. When replacing tyres, I try to match tyre brands/treads on the same axle. It makes me feel that the car looks smarter!
This was the starting position last week when our service mechanic advised that a new tyre was needed. At our usual tyre garage I asked for a replacement Avon. ‘Not available anywhere, Sir, but we recommend brand X as an alternative’. When I collected the car, the new tyre looked noticeably different from all the other tyres, so I queried why.
It was pointed out to me that the remaining Avon tyre is actually the odd tyre, because all the others are now ‘mud and snow’ tyres. After considering the relative importance of ‘safe’ tyres rather than ‘matching’ tyres, I drove away with the new tyre.
On a daily basis we are tempted to match the behaviour and values of those around us. Fine foods, new cars, exotic holidays call to us through adverts on the television and internet. But these pleasures are transient and do not satisfy our hunger for meaning in life.
Christians have a different perspective on life. We are called to follow a more enduring behaviour of love and service to others. With a belief in the works of the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit we understand our place in the world and our destiny beyond. We can withstand being different from others because we know that we have a more important quality of life.
Just like my new tyre.
A prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to remain faithful through the storms of life,
to keep my focus on you,
and to follow your purpose for my life.
Amen