This year, the Bayside Church family is reading through Acts and the epistles, guided by my devotional book FRESH. In the past week, we’ve been reading Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonian church, and a verse jumped out to me that I’ll discuss in this blog:

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: Mind your business—MYOB.

Good Ambition

In much of the New Testament, ambition has negative connotations, usually labelled selfish ambition. But here, Paul uses the word positively, encouraging these Christians to strive to outdo each other as who shall have the honour of being the most peaceable member of the church community.

The Thessalonian Christians showed love to others but weren’t always getting it right. Some were overly caring and meddlesome, giving unsolicited advice, forcing their opinions on others, and trying to control others’ actions. Have you ever encountered someone like that? Are you that person? I have learned to ask people if they would like my advice or help. I no longer presume.

Busybodies

In my decades as a Christian and a pastor, I’ve encountered far too many busybodies—interfering, nosy, and gossipy individuals who meddle uninvited in the lives of others. Bayside Church has suffered more from such people than any other immoral behaviour.

Peter also cautioned the church community against behaving this way: If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer, thief, or any other type of criminal, or even as a meddler. It’s quite striking that Peter includes busybodies and gossipmongers alongside criminals.

Over Caring

Then, some people are overbearing because of being overcaring. They are the “How are you really” crowd. They ask you how you are, and you tell them you’re fine—because you are. But they really, really want to care, so they must dig a little deeper. How are you really?

I am not suggesting that we shouldn’t ask follow-up questions or show genuine interest in others; however, we need to be cautious to ensure that our caring doesn’t become interference. I’ve met people who gather information about others by asking numerous questions and then using that knowledge to assert power. They influence people to be vulnerable to satisfy their own need for self-importance.

Paul tells the Thessalonian Christians that being meddlesome and interfering is not how God has taught us to love one another: Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: to mind your own business—MYOB.

Quotes

Solomon wrote much about this in his wisdom collection, Proverbs. He dramatically stated: Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own. It’s a powerful picture that meddling will ultimately cause YOU harm.

I love this anonymous quote: “Never worry about what I’m doing. Only worry about why you’re worried about what I’m doing.” Please reflect on that statement, especially if you’re one of those followers of Jesus who’s constantly venting about other people on social media. Why are you so worried about them? What does this say about you?

Irish Biblical scholar Alec Motyer, author of The Message of James, wrote: “A fig must have a fig tree as its source, a grape can only come from a vine, an olive from an olive tree; salt water has a salt source; sweet water a sweet source; bitter words a bitter heart; critical words a critical spirit; defamatory, unloving speech issues from a heart where the love of Jesus is a stranger.” (P. 127).

A Painful Lesson

A man was walking past a school, and all the kids shouted, ’13….13….13.’

The fence was too high to see over, but he saw a little gap in the planks, so he looked through to see what was happening, and someone poked him in the eye with a stick!

Then they all started shouting ’14….14….14!

MYOB

Scripture teaches us to concentrate on our own concerns without interfering in the affairs of others. It encourages us to uphold a strong work ethic in a meaningful occupation, motivating us to work diligently, rest adequately, and enjoy leisure. It inspires us to gather with fellow believers and share our lives, but refrain from meddling. It prompts us to sustain prayer, Bible reading, and study habits, all while nurturing genuine and practical care for those less fortunate than ourselves.

And so, make it your ambition to live quietly and peacefully, and to mind your own affairs and work with your hands, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders [exhibiting good character, personal integrity, and moral courage worthy of the respect of the outside world], and be dependent on no one and in need of nothing [be self-supporting]. MYOB.

We preachers bear an enormous responsibility for the care and spiritual welfare of the people we teach and guide. This burden gripped me as a young pastor and has never left.

My Responsibility

Paul the apostle instructed the young men Titus and Timothy to “encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” And “Watch your life and doctrine closely.” Each preacher must ensure their teaching is accurate, helpful, and sound because “the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” I have sadly watched the fulfilment of Paul’s words through the multiplicity of YouTube clips, podcasts, and online preachers who operate with little or no accountability.

A verse in James has remained at the forefront of my mind for decades: “Not many of you should become teachers…because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” I take James’ advice seriously. There will come a day when I—and every other preacher—will stand before God to give an account of my life and what and how I built into others’ lives through my preaching. It’s a sobering thought.

Your Responsibility

But you also have a responsibility:

Every Christian should examine what they hear by doing their own study.

We need to listen to a sermon with an open mind. We must resist being cynical—where nothing is right—or gullible—where nothing is wrong. Paul wrote, “Test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.” In other words, swallow the meat but spit out the bones!

A Bad Example

On Paul’s second church planting trip, he, Silas and Timothy arrived in Thessalonica, Macedonia’s largest port. As was his custom, Paul headed to the synagogue to announce the gospel to Jewish people and God-fearing Gentiles. Some believed Paul’s words, but others were jealous and caused a riot that threatened his life, so “as soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea.” These people rejected what they heard before they had done their own study. They set a bad example, which is then contrasted with the good one.

A Good Example

On arriving in Berea, they went to the Jewish synagogue. Now, see how Luke describes the people there: “The Berean Jews were of more noble character (fair and open-minded) than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

The Bereans received Paul’s message with readiness, not bias, prejudice, or preconceived ideas like the Thessalonians. They were humble enough to be told something new and open enough to re-examine their beliefs even though Paul’s teachings challenged their former views.

The Bereans carefully investigated the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true. They undoubtedly did this together, reading, discussing, and maybe debating. I encourage you to do likewise. The result of their open-minded, humble inquiry led them to faith in Jesus. Let’s be like that!

Question

Every time I teach the Scriptures—whether through a sermon, blog, or podcast—I do so as someone who has trained extensively and studied diligently for many decades. However, that doesn’t mean I know everything. It doesn’t mean I’m infallible. It doesn’t imply that I am always right or suggest that I never change my mind.

I encourage you to search the Scriptures and question what you hear (from me and others). The Bible is not just a book of answers; it was written to provoke questions. Scripture should never be used to shut down a discussion. It should be used to generate debate.

Be Curious

As you read and study scripture, what questions can you ask about the text or story? Christians should consider how the text points to or reflects Jesus. How does it draw me into a closer relationship with Jesus? Does this verse or story also align with what I know about Jesus?

Other questions could include:

  1. Why do you think the people acted in the way they did?
  2. How would you suggest they behave?
  3. How would you respond in similar circumstances?
  4. Were they good people who responded poorly because of experienced trauma?
  5. What would Jesus do?

A question has power that surpasses the answer. Exploring the Bible and God is supposed to be healthy engagement that, if done with respect, leads to growth. As Jacob wrestled with God, Christians should grapple with God and scripture. The Bible permits us to search and question.

A Western Problem

This approach to the Bible might be counterintuitive to those raised in a Western context. But the Bible is an Eastern book that reflects our messy life experiences. Its pages contain stories, songs, proverbs, and precepts that resonate with everything we face. The Bible has done its job if our discussions cause powerful positive change.

This can sometimes make us uncomfortable as if we’re adrift and unsure of our beliefs. To conclude, I want to provide you with an anchor point. Whenever I have doubts, confusion, or unanswered questions, I always turn to Jesus’ simplicity—who He is, what He did, what He’s doing, and what He will do!

Keep Faith Simple

Jesus teaches us to become like little children who never lose their childlike qualities even as they mature. The Bible is exceptional and life-changing but sometimes puzzling. When I’m confused, I return to simplicity, which is beautifully illustrated in the story of Karl Barth, the greatest Protestant theologian of the twentieth century who was deeply familiar with the complexities of scripture.

When Barth was at Rockefeller Chapel on the campus of the University of Chicago during his U.S. lecture tour in 1962, a student asked him during a Q&A session if he could summarise his entire life’s work in theology in a single sentence. Barth responded, “Yes, I can. In the words of a song I learned at my mother’s knee: ‘Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.'”

 

Christie and I just finished watching the Apple Cider Vinegar series on Netflix. Many people were discussing it, and we found the story intriguing. If you plan to see it, be warned that the six episodes contain strong, coarse language and disturbing themes, including stillbirth, terminal illness, and drug use.

The timing of the series couldn’t be better. With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. poised to assume one of the world’s most influential health positions, it is a stark reminder that wellness quackery remains alive and well. We must be cautious and discerning in our approach to health and wellness, especially considering current popular trends.

Truth/Fiction

The series is an excellent Aussie production about wellness guru Belle Gibson, who claimed: “She treated her own cancer solely through nutritious meals and alternative medicine and how she built a successful lifestyle brand around the lie.”

While that part of the story is authentic, the series employs believable fiction to convey its message. American actor Kaitlyn Rochelle Dever plays Belle Gibson and perfectly captures the Aussie accent. The rest of the cast consists mainly of outstanding Australian actors.

My Story

I am not writing this blog as a cynic. I have used natural therapies for decades and continue to do so. My GP employs a combination of medical and alternative remedies. In my blog, I discussed one example of this: “Help! I need to lose weight.”

I’ve always had an interest in health, diet, exercise, and well-being. Until the age of 21, I explored various New Age teachings. After dedicating my life to Jesus, I prioritised holistic health—mind, spirit, and body. However, I have also witnessed some misuse of these principles that led to premature death. Christians should exercise wisdom in all areas of life, and achieving a balance in health practices is essential.

Hyper Faith

Many years ago, a lovely couple joined Bayside Church. They’d moved from interstate because the wife had cancer and needed to be closer to her treatment. They’d been part of a Word of Faith church where the pastor recommended healing prayer rather than medical treatment.

By the time they moved to Melbourne, the cancer had progressed and eventually became untreatable. We held 24-hour prayers for her, and many people fasted. Sadly, this precious woman passed away. If she had adhered to medical advice, she might have fully recovered, but instead, she received poor guidance from her pastor.

I attended a Word of Faith church in Perth for several years. Churches like this have much to offer, but an overemphasis on the Christian’s divine right to physical health and prosperity can be dangerous. Word of Faith teaching often leads to disappointment (when God doesn’t come through) and blame (if it’s not God’s fault, then it must be yours). Be cautious of any Christian who advises you to ignore medical advice or to discontinue medications. For more on this, listen to my teaching series, Ending the Confusion about Healing.

Divine Healing

My previous comments are not meant to discredit supernatural healing. I have experienced God’s intervention several times when I was unwell. I have prayed for people and seen them healed—including from cancer. I have also prayed for people who continue to suffer or pass away.

Healing is a complex subject and certainly not equivalent to salvation. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,” but not everyone who prays for healing—or is prayed for—will experience healing. Christians must learn to distinguish between the temporal and the eternal. Concerning our bodies, Scripture states, “Outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

Temple Care

Our body’s limited lifespan should not be an excuse for neglecting it. Paul wrote: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you.” Reflect on that. Our bodies are temples of God’s Spirit. How well are you caring for your temple?

It concerns me when Christians overemphasise their spiritual life at the expense of their physical health. I’ve observed Jesus’ followers at fellowship lunches and in conference green rooms shovel large quantities of processed “food” into their mouths with little regard for the consequences.

As I mentioned in the blog, “Help! I need to lose weight,” I neglected my health during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to my becoming pre-diabetic. My doctor prescribed medication for this, but it served as a wake-up call to return to healthy eating and exercise, allowing me to enjoy the resulting weight loss. I lost 17 kilos, my pre-diabetic status reversed, and I was taken off the medication.

How many physical conditions and illnesses stem from poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, and excess weight? I do not imply that these factors cause all illnesses, but I am fascinated by how our bodies—our temples—respond to care.

Big Pharma

During the pandemic, we heard people refer to Big Pharma in a derogatory manner. When I first encountered the term, I thought they were talking about a tall man working on the land. The expression originated in the 1990s and has come to imply that pharmaceutical companies have a sinister agenda focused on keeping the population ill and dependent on their drugs. “They” know there’s a better way, but “they” conceal it from you because they are profiting. It’s the David and Goliath story revisited. We’re the little guy standing up to big brother.

This blog is not about defending the medicinal sector. Like many other businesses and organisations (churches included), I recognise that the pharmaceutical industry has been responsible for abuses. Numerous TV series have aimed to expose its corruption.

But let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Many medicines are derived from plants (such as aspirin, penicillin, and powerful painkillers like OxyContin, morphine, and codeine) and animals (including blood thinners, antidiabetics, and anaesthetics). I believe God created these things for our benefit. Over the centuries, astute individuals have discovered treatments that cure illnesses and alleviate human suffering. Many benefits remain undiscovered. It’s like a divine treasure hunt that will lead to more cures in the future.

Last year (2024), the Australian pharmaceutical market was valued at AUD 20.84 billion. In a decade, it is expected to exceed AUD 40 billion. The global pharmaceutical market was estimated at US$1.5 trillion in 2023 and is projected to double by 2034. This is a significant industry, but so is the dietary supplements sector, which was valued at nearly US$200 billion last year. Vitamins make up the lion’s share of this industry, many of which are unnecessary in a healthy diet. They essentially result in very expensive urine.

A Call to Wisdom

God’s people are called to live according to wisdom. James wrote, “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” A wise person will remain open to reason about their spiritual and physical well-being.

I encourage you to eat healthily and exercise regularly. To age well, include cardio, stretching, and resistance training in your weekly routine. If you’re unwell, seek medical help and request prayer, pastoral care, or counselling.

Listen to experts. If you’re uncertain about treatment, seek a second opinion. Don’t confuse a Google search with genuine research. Visit your GP for regular check-ups. Never stop taking prescribed medications without consulting your doctor. Steer clear of wellness influencers and anyone offering simple solutions to complex issues. For example, research suggests that social media posts about cancer contain up to 80 per cent misinformation.

Finally, connect with others. Engaging in a supportive church community and volunteering are excellent ways to promote well-being. Regarding apple cider vinegar, there is limited evidence for its benefits, but it is generally safe when used properly.

Matthew’s gospel recounts one of Jesus’ parables about a landowner who hires workers at different times throughout the day—early in the morning, at 9:00 AM, Midday, 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

At the end of each day, he paid all the workers the same wage, regardless of how long they had worked. Those who worked the longest complained, but the landowner responded that he was being fair and generous, as they had all agreed on the wage.

Focus

The parable, often titled ‘The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard,’ actually centres on the vineyard’s owner. It could be aptly named ‘The Parable of the Compassionate Employer.’ This man exemplifies incredible grace, compassion, and sensitivity for the unemployed. Though kind and generous, his actions are misunderstood, a common plight of the benevolent.

I think of the many times I’ve seen labourers on the roadside in developing countries. These men are desperate to work and don’t know from one day to the next whether they’ll be successful. Imagine the humiliation and uncertainty:

Will I get any work today?

Will I be able to feed my wife and kids?

Will I return home broke and ashamed to the hungry faces of my family?

Many of these blokes linger by the roadside, clinging to hope. In our tale, those who stick around are ultimately rewarded.

Courage

In the first century, labourers worked twelve hours, and the daily rate was a denarius. Today, a denarius would be worth about $60. Those employed at sunrise (6:00 AM) would work hard throughout the heat of the day, hoping they’d be hired for a second day or longer.

The landowner made four additional trips to the marketplace to reward the raw courage of those who remained hopeful for work. Most labourers would leave by noon, but these workers stayed eager and ready. They were not among those who gave up. Their courage in uncertainty is a testament to the human spirit. The owner doesn’t offer them charity; he’s interested in providing a hand-up, not a handout.

The Payout

By day’s end, there were five groups of workers. Only Group One had a verbal contract: “He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.” Groups two, three, and four had a promise: “I will pay you whatever is right.” Group 5 was only offered work with no mention of pay.

When evening came, the vineyard owner told his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’

Why does the master instruct the foreman to pay the last first? Because if he’d done it the other way around, no one would have complained. Everyone would have been happy. So, why deliberately upset people? Read on …

Rising Anger

Imagine the increasing irritation of group one as people who had worked for only an hour or a few hours were paid a denarius. Group One hoped they’d be paid more, but they all received the same.

Jesus’ parable does not focus on equal pay for equal work. This story concerns the overpaid, not the underpaid—and no one is underpaid. Jesus told this parable to teach people about God’s amazing grace, which is resented by those who feel that they have earned their way to more.

The complaint from group one reveals the deep prejudice in their hearts: you have made them equal to us. Their words resonate with the same intensity as those of the older brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, who couldn’t stand the overwhelming grace bestowed by the loving father on his wayward son.

Judas showed a similar attitude when Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. “Why this waste?” exclaimed Judas, the treasurer, the thief. Unfortunately, some people find grace infuriating, and those who have experienced it are often the worst at sharing it with others.

The Take-Home Truth

Jesus shared this parable to illustrate his statement, ‘But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.’ In Jesus’ time, some viewed themselves as the first because they were respectable, pious, and spiritual. Then, Jesus came along and associated with tax collectors, sinners, and other ‘undesirables’ who had been ostracised from Israel’s religious community. He extended precisely the same level of grace to them, teaching that these people were equal to the in-crowd, a message that still resonates today.

Jesus extended precisely the same level of grace to them. His parable taught that these people were equal to the in-crowd, and the in-crowd didn’t like it.

Nothing’s Changed

Have you come across Christians like this? — good, Jesus-loving folks who find it overwhelming when the amazing grace they’ve received is also offered to those they consider unworthy. The same words resonate throughout two thousand years of church history: “You have made them equal to us.” And Jesus replies, “Yes, that’s right. I have.”

In God’s eyes, everyone IS equal to you – get used to it!

As we in Australia watch from a distance as people’s equal rights are wound back in the USA, we wonder if this could also happen here. The answer is yes. Already, years of work towards racial and gender equality have been wound back. Equality is under attack for people of colour, women, gay and transgender people, prisoners, and immigrants. The next four years could be simply awful for people in these and other minority groups.

Christlike?

What also concerns me is seeing and hearing fellow Christians cheering this on. Sometimes, I wonder if we follow a different Jesus or read the same gospels.

Let’s be clear: we lose nothing when others are made equal to us. We don’t surrender our rights and privileges—we share them. In Jesus’ parable, those who worked all day didn’t miss out—they received everything promised, and justice was served. The Compassionate Employer enabled each man to provide for his family and make them proud. He instilled self-worth in them, while those who worked all day sought to deny these blessings. They were greedy, wanting more for themselves and didn’t care for others.

I encourage you to support the equality of others, advocate for those on the margins, and include those who are often overlooked, even in our churches. This is not only a moral duty but also a call to action.

Several years ago, Bayside Church developed an inclusion statement, our firm commitment to upholding the dignity, honour, and equality of all people. If you’re looking for a church with these values, I invite you to join us on the journey.

The blog’s title is from a childhood story—not just a Taylor Swift song. The story is about a farmer with an old mule. One day, the mule fell into the farmer’s well. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the hassle of saving.

Instead, he gathered his mates and told them what had happened, enlisting their help to haul soil to bury the old mule in the well and relieve its misery. Initially, the old mule was in a right state of panic! But then, a thought struck him as the farmer and his mates shovelled soil. It dawned on him that every time a load of soil hit his back, he should shake it off, not letting it weigh him down, and step up, using it as a platform to rise higher. And that’s what he did, blow after blow.

“Shake it off and step up… shake it off and step up… shake it off and step up!” the mule chanted to motivate himself. No matter how painful the blows or distressing the situation seemed, the mule fought panic and kept shaking it off and stepping up!

It didn’t take long for the old mule, battered and exhausted, to stroll triumphantly over the wall of that well! What seemed like it would bury him instead freed him, all because of how he handled his adversity. This is a powerful reminder that our challenges can lead to incredible growth and transformation when faced with courage and faith. The challenges that seem to bury us often hold the potential to benefit us—and others.

Shake Off

As we begin a New Year, I encourage you to shake off the following:

  1. Shame: the things that embarrassed or discredited you.
  2. Failures: As Zig Ziggler said, “Failure is an event, not a person!”
  3. Hurts: Is this year the time we finally end nursing what upset us?
  4. Regrets: Will they define, confine, or refine us?
  5. Successes: It may sound strange, but some past achievements can hinder future progress.

Step Up

Here are a few valuable suggestions that can help us shake these things off and step up:

Closure: Write down the things you want to shake off and then burn or bury the piece of paper or create your own ritual to separate yourself from them.

Forgiveness: Relinquish your desire to get even.

Resolve: New habits develop through perseverance. It’s not always easy to shake off our past and step up, but with determination and commitment, we can create new habits and attitudes to help us overcome our challenges and grow stronger.

Rely: on God and others. (James 5:16; John 15:5, Phil 4:13, Eph 6:10). Ask the Holy Spirit to give you strength daily. Remember, with God’s strength, we can overcome any obstacle, and with His guidance, we can find the courage to shake off our burdens and step up.

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is shaking it off and stepping up. See your troubles as stepping stones instead of tombstones.

The Scriptures

Sacred scripture is replete with the stories of people who experienced all kinds of trouble. God’s people are not exempt from life’s trials. I encourage you to read the accounts of people like Paul and Silas, who were imprisoned while serving God, or Jeremiah, who was put into a well and left to die because people didn’t like his insights. Then there’s Joseph, who was rejected, falsely accused, abandoned and overlooked before being made Egypt’s prime minister.

During Egypt’s seven years of plenty, God blessed Joseph and his wife with two sons whom Joseph gave Hebrew names:

Manasseh means “Causing to forget.” Joseph said, “God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.”

Ephraim means “double fruit.” Joseph said, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.”

Never Forget

Scripture teaches us some vital lessons that we’d do well to remember, especially when life is challenging:

  • God is never unfaithful or unkind, even when circumstances seem otherwise.
  • God’s promises are true in His timing, not ours.
  • We aren’t responsible for the behaviour or attitudes of others, but we are accountable for our own!
  • God’s grace is always sufficient for every situation!
  • God is always present, even when you feel abandoned.

In his study on Joseph, Pastor Keith Krell wrote, “If Joseph hadn’t served the cupbearer and baker, he would have never heard and interpreted their dreams. If he hadn’t interpreted their dreams, he would have never interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams. And if he hadn’t interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, he would have never been placed in a position to deliver God’s people. And if he hadn’t delivered God’s people, the Messiah never would have come to save us from our sins! Remarkably, our salvation was, in part, tied to Joseph’s willingness to serve his fellow prisoners when others may have been swirling in depression, asking, “Why me, God?”

What future blessing depends on our willingness to shake it off and step up?

 

In 1914, as European soldiers marched off to the first major war of the 20th century, they claimed they would return home by Christmas to celebrate their victory. However, the young men did not arrive by Christmas. The war dragged on for years, and Europe would never be the same again.

Christmas Eve

However, in December 1914, a truly unexpected event unfolded on the Western Front. It was Christmas Eve, and the weather suddenly turned cold, freezing the slush and water in the trenches where the soldiers were hunkered down.

In the German trenches, soldiers began to light candles. British sentries reported that small lights were raised on poles or bayonets, and although these lanterns illuminated the German troops, the British refrained from firing. Even more astonishingly, British officers observed through binoculars that some enemy troops were holding Christmas trees over their heads with lighted candles on their branches! The Germans, who celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve, extended holiday greetings to their foes.

Christmas Carols

A few German soldiers began singing carols, and soon, others along the line joined in, harmonising. Then they started singing, “Silent Night! Holy Night!” The British quickly recognised the melody and joined the Germans.

One of the most remarkable incidents in military history occurred then. Against all odds, soldiers from both sides laid down their weapons and ventured into no man’s land—too many to be deterred by their superior officers’ objections. An undeclared truce spontaneously emerged, defying all orders and military rules of engagement.

Christmas Peace

One eyewitness account appears in the wartime diary of veteran Frank Richards. In it, he writes: “We stuck up a board with ‘Merry Christmas’ on it. The enemy stuck up a similar one.

“Two of our men threw their equipment off and jumped on the parapet with their hands above their heads as two of the Germans did the same, our two going to meet them. They shook hands, and then we all got out of the trench, and so did the Germans.”

Richards explained that some German soldiers spoke flawless English. One soldier, who had worked in Brighton before the war, expressed his frustration with the conflict and said he would feel relieved when it was all over. His British counterpart agreed.

Christmas Celebrations

The German officers took the lead at the Christmas gathering, supplying barrels of beer for their men and some for the British soldiers. They exchanged small gifts, ranging from chocolate bars and tobacco to tins of processed beef. Others joined in, and as the day progressed, this mass fraternisation spread along the front, featuring soccer matches between the two forces. Men who, the day before, had been shooting to kill were now sharing tots of rum and showing each other family snapshots.

The men gathered around campfires, singing Christmas carols, with “Silent Night” being the favourite since both sides were familiar with it. Before midnight, they said their goodbyes and returned to their lines.

This remarkable historical event has been immortalised in the film Joyeux Noel. I encourage you to watch it this Christmas, but make sure to have plenty of tissues handy!

Christmas Gift

What the world witnessed in the 1914 event is merely a glimpse of the purpose for which Jesus came. Jesus, God in the flesh, brings good news that causes great joy for all people and peace on Earth to those on whom his favour rests. So, the angel said to the shepherds: “Today, in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” “Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.”

The Saviour brought peace to the battlefield, transforming hostility into a Silent Night—a holy night where all was calm and bright. Warring men experienced heavenly peace firsthand as well as the dawn of redeeming grace. This profound event exemplifies the peace and goodwill that Jesus brought to Earth, serving as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of His message.

Christmas Present

Peace can be easily found despite all the conflicts, quarrels, and disagreements that still rage on Earth. It’s the most incredible peace of all—peace with God and peace with others when we choose to lay down our differences and embrace others simply because they are created in God’s image. And, unlike the soldiers in 1914, let’s decide not to take up our disputes again the following day!

Why not get to know God this Christmas by inviting Jesus to be your Saviour and friend? The greatest Christmas gift you could ever receive is the presence of God in your life. As a result, you can bring peace to this Earth and goodwill towards others.

 

Joy to the World is a favourite Christmas carol and one of the many hymns written by Isaac Watts. Watts was a famous hymn writer who composed around 750 hymns from the 1600s to the 1700s.

Family

When Isaac Watts was born in 1674, his father was in prison for his Nonconformist views. Nonconformists were Protestants who did not believe that the Church of England had sufficiently departed from the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church and refused to conform to it. Watts was born into a period of violent religious disturbance and hatred across England, Scotland, and Wales.

His father was eventually freed and fathered seven more children. Isaac respected his father’s courage and remembered his mother’s tales of nursing her children on the jail steps.

Young Isaac

Watts’s early brilliance was evident: he mastered Latin at age 4, Greek at age 9, French at 11 (to communicate with his refugee neighbours), and Hebrew at 13.

When he was 16, Watts went to London to study at a leading Nonconformist academy. From his late teens, the young Isaac Watts complained about hymn singing in church. He once wrote: “To see the dull indifference, the negligent and thoughtless air that sits upon the faces of a whole assembly, while the psalm is upon their lips, might even tempt a charitable observer to suspect the fervency of their inward religion.”

Tired of his complaints, his father challenged him to write something better. The following week, the young Isaac presented his first hymn to the church, which was met with an enthusiastic response. This marked the beginning of his prolific career, during which he wrote hundreds of hymns, including the well-known ‘When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.’

In 1702, at 28, he became the pastor of one of London’s most influential independent churches.

Other Work

Watts was more than a poet; he was also a scholar of broad standing, especially in his later years. He wrote nearly 30 theological treatises, articles on psychology, astronomy, and philosophy, three volumes of sermons, the first children’s songbook, and a textbook on logic that served as a standard work on the subject for generations.

In 1719, Isaac Watts released a collection of hymns based on the Psalms. This collection included ‘Joy to the World!’, a hymn that continues to be sung and cherished to this day; a testament to the enduring impact of Watts’s work.

Sickness

It’s fascinating that Isaac Watts would be best remembered for a joyful song when there was much in his life that we would not ordinarily associate with joy. Early in his ministry, he began suffering from a psychiatric illness that would plague him for the rest of his life. He eventually resigned from his church work in 1712 due to a severe sickness that Watts believed would end his life prematurely. Despite these challenges, he continued to find joy in his work and his faith.

In the Spring of 1714, Sir Thomas Abney, Lord Mayor of London and a member of Parliament, invited Watts to spend a week with his family at their country home at Theobalds. He hoped the rest would aid him in his recovery. Watts lived with the family until his death thirty-four years later, serving as the family’s chaplain and tutor to the Abney children.

Rejection

His illness and unsightly appearance took their toll on his personal life. A disproportionately oversized head topped his five-foot, pale, and skinny frame. His skin was yellowish, and he had a large hook nose and small grey eyes.

Almost every portrait of him depicts him in a gown with ample folds—an apparent attempt by the artists to disguise his appearance—which was probably the reason for the poet Elizabeth Singer’s rejection of his marriage proposal. They corresponded for several months, and there was talk about marriage, but she could not get past his looks when they finally met. One biographer noted, “Though she loved the jewel, she could not admire the case that contained it.”

Paradox

Most people experience a life that combines joy, suffering, and everything in between. Despite the many setbacks, difficulties, and rejections he faced, Isaac Watts’s life was still full of intense creativity, brilliance, and deep joy. His life is a testament to the fact that we all experience a mix of joy and suffering, and that these experiences can coexist.

One of the most well-known hymns is “Joy to the World,” a paraphrase of the last half of Psalm 98:

Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!

Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King!

Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!

Let the earth and all living things join in.

Let the rivers clap their hands in glee!

Let the hills sing out their songs of joy before the Lord.

For he is coming to judge the earth,

He will judge the World with justice and the nations with fairness.

Reflect

So, when you hear or sing Joy to the World this Christmas, I encourage you to reflect on the song’s author’s words and life. Like ours, Isaac Watts’ life embraced all the highs and lows of human existence.

The Christmas season celebrates a time when God invaded this world with the wonders of His love. Whatever this year has been like, let us all anew appreciate the deep and solemn realisation of what Jesus’ birth means to us—Joy to the World; the Lord has come; let every heart prepare Him room.

A couple of weeks ago, I posted seven Bible verses on my Facebook page about how to treat foreigners. These verses, from both the Old and New Testaments, speak to the importance of welcoming and caring for strangers. I’ll post them at the end of this blog, and I encourage you to read and reflect on them. My only comment at the top of the post was, “Food for thought.”

Why?

I was asked why I posted these scriptures. I have two reasons: I highly regard the Bible and enjoy spreading its timeless teachings. Second, I have observed an increasing anti-immigrant posture among Christians over the past two decades or so, which has been amplified by some of Donald Trump’s rhetoric on deporting millions of illegals when he comes to power.

So, I posted the Bible verses. What could possibly go wrong? I mean, it’s Scripture. We love God’s truth—except, of course, when it conflicts with our prejudices. When this occurs, we look for some wriggle room or attempt to justify why “this” verse doesn’t apply to us or to this situation.

Comments

What followed was a sometimes healthy conversation about immigration—illegal or otherwise. However, some of the comments were unkind. So, I explained my post: “Just to clarify. I’ve posted these verses as “food for thought” as stated. They were written to Jewish believers and Jesus’ followers. How could/should they inform how WE treat the foreigner amongst us as well as those seeking refuge? If you want to politicise them, we could ask ourselves how these scriptures could inform how we vote (for example). Pls discuss.”

Later, I stated: “Maybe I need to be more careful about which Bible verses I post. In future, should I stick to ones that don’t rattle cages, biases, and preconceived ideas? Asking for a friend.”

Full disclosure: I’m an immigrant. When I was twelve, my parents, Ten-Pound Poms, my sister, my brother, and I emigrated from the UK. I am grateful for my parents’ courage and for Australia’s welcoming embrace. I feel at home here and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

Clarification

Since my Facebook post, it would be helpful to explore this topic further. What does the Bible teach, and what are my thoughts on immigration? Here we go!

Firstly, I am not an advocate for open borders. Every country has a sovereign right to determine who should and should not enter. No nation can cope with an unlimited influx of people, straining resources and being unjust to its citizens. Consider Acts 17:26: “From one man [God] made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.”

Christians also believe that God has given governments the responsibility to safeguard the stability and security of their people. (Not all nations satisfy this obligation.) Anyone who commits a crime needs to be brought to justice. If that person is not a citizen, authorities should have the right to deport them once they have completed their sentence in Australia—if it is safe and possible.

However, I acknowledge that governments don’t always get this right, and constituents will vote to protest poor policies and decisions—something that has happened in Australia with the offshore detention of asylum seekers and, recently, in the US with the ‘zero-tolerance’ immigration policy that led to family separations.

Politicising People

The problem, as I see it, is when people are used as pawns to gain political power. Some parties see immigration as a vote winner, and it is. Sometimes, the argument is couched in compassionate terms: “We need to stop people from drowning at sea.” “We must break the people smugglers’ business model.” While I agree with both statements, they sound hollow and insincere. I hear, “We don’t want more of these people in our country—send them back to where they came from.”

God does not see people as political pawns, and neither should God’s people. Immigrants, like all humans, are made in God’s image and possess inherent dignity. Christians should advocate for and vote for policies that respect the God-given worth of every person.

To cheer on a politician who uses dehumanising language about precious people is contrary to walking with Jesus. To call all immigrants criminals is simply untrue. I often ask myself what I would do for my family if we were in an unsafe country. The answer is ANYTHING. I would do everything in my power to move us to a place of safety and provide my family with the best prospects in life. The vast majority of immigrants and refugees are just like us. They want a better life, to be safe, and to look forward to a hopeful future. Let’s remember to empathise with their situation.

Most unauthorised immigrants in the United States have lived there for at least a decade and have not been convicted of any serious crimes. Deporting millions of these people will result in family separation on an extreme scale. For example, almost 5 million US citizen children live with at least one unauthorised immigrant parent who would be at risk of deportation. The economic and legal impacts of these policies will also be chaotic for the US.

War and Persecution

Imagine escaping conflict, oppression, and discrimination to arrive in a country where some politicians and residents serve up more of the same—placing people in indefinite detention and forcibly separating children from their parents. The levels of cruelty we have witnessed from policies like this are heartbreaking.

Jesus summarised all Scripture by teaching us to “Treat others as you want them to treat you.” Would you want to be detained, deported, or chastised if you were seeking a better life? Of course not, so why would you support a politician with policies that do just that and then defend them even though they contradict your faith and scripture?

The non-Christian world observes this hypocrisy, rolls its collective eyes, and takes another step away from the church, the faith, and Jesus. You can preach the Gospel until you’re blue in the face, but if your actions drown out your words, what’s the point?

Conclusion

Please consider what I’ve written in this blog and reflect on the verses below. These scriptures do not cover everything the Bible says on this topic, but they make a clear point: believers are not to oppress or mistreat anyone. The Lord considers all people the same, so should we.

 

 

Leviticus 19:33-34: When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself.

Exodus 22:21: Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.

Zechariah 7:9: The Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’

Number 15:16: This law will never change. I am the LORD, and I consider all people the same, whether they are Israelites or foreigners living among you.

Deuteronomy 27:19: Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.

Matthews 25:35: For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.

I admit that I write this blog with a certain amount of apprehension. I’ve only blogged about abortion three times in two decades, and on one of those occasions, I asked the question, “Are Pro-Lifers Really Pro-Life?” Let’s say that some people did not appreciate my asking that question! And so, in this blog, I’m going to make it personal: Am I (Rob Buckingham) really pro-life?

Context

The inspiration for this blog came from an online discussion last weekend. I posted in response to a meme that Christians shared about Donald Trump winning the US election. A close friend made some comments suggesting I had changed my stance on several ethical issues, including abortion.

For context, my friend is someone I’ve known for over forty years. I had the honour of leading him to faith in Jesus. We remain good friends, and it was fantastic to see him recently when I was on extended leave. His comments struck a chord with me, and I felt compelled to delve deeper into this issue.

My pro-life stance is not just a position I hold but a belief that my personal experiences and faith journey have shaped. I was surprised by his observations because I can’t recall a time when we discussed abortion, so I phoned him, and we had a lengthy and meaningful conversation about his comments. I told him I’d be writing a blog about it, and well, here we are!

My Answer

I’ll begin by answering the question and then explain what I mean and why. Is Rob Buckingham really pro-life? Yes, I am. I sincerely believe that all life is sacred, and all things exist because they have been created by divine intelligence. I trust the scriptures that inform us that once God crafted the world and all it contains, He entrusted the care of His handiwork to humans. Life is precious, and so, of course, I’m pro-life.

However, I object to the limitation of this label to the unborn. What I react to are the contradictions I see among some who claim to be pro-life, but their defence ends once the baby is born. If the baby grows up to be a criminal, do we execute them? If they turn out gay or trans, are they shunned from our churches? Sadly, yes.

Caring for unborn babies and rallying against abortion should not be the totality of what it means to be pro-life.

Some History

It pains me when important matters become politicised because they divide and detract from making headway and genuine change. Abortion, once the realm of American Democrats due to their solid Catholic base, was reluctantly adopted by Ronald Reagan as part of his platform in the mid-70s. Understand this: US Republicans embraced abortion for political gain and NOT because they particularly cared for the unborn. At the same time, the GOP opposed gun control and school busing to achieve racial integration.

I encourage you to reflect on what I’ve just stated because this is fundamental to my pro-life views. Care for the unborn should not be an “issue” that is adopted to gain votes for power—and yet it is. Opposing gun control measures is not pro-life. In 2023, over 46,000 people died in the US from gun violence. Discriminating against people because of racial background and skin colour is not pro-life.

Consistency

My pro-life posture compels me to be consistent across various ethical issues. If all life is sacred—as I believe it is—we must value all life, whoever and whatever that life may be. Being pro-life should not stop at protecting the unborn. It should extend to caring for all life, including God’s creation, animals—including those at risk of extinction, unborn babies, pregnant women, immigrants, widows and orphans, prisoners, and minorities like the LGBTIQ+ community. This inclusive approach is at the heart of my pro-life stance. Scripture tells us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

It is inconsistent—and contradicts scripture—to, on the one hand, defend the lives of the unborn, and at the same time, demonise migrants, refugees, or anyone else.

Consider these words from sacred scripture: “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself…”

Straightforward?

Like many of the moral issues mentioned above, abortion is not a black-and-white matter; we simplify the complexities to the detriment of those affected.

Abortion rates in the US peaked in the late seventies and have since steadily declined, regardless of who was in power. Australia has also witnessed a decline in the number of abortions.

Interestingly, since Roe v. Wade was overturned and various bans were implemented, abortion rates have risen. 2023 stats indicate an 11% increase in abortions compared to 2020. It’s a reminder that banning something—cancel culture—is not necessarily effective. I resonate with Bill Clinton’s 1992 statement that abortion should be “safe, legal, and rare.” When it’s legal, it’s safer and occurs less frequently.

Abortion bans indiscriminately disadvantage poor, Black, and Latino women, creating desperation. We are all aware of how desperate people can act.

A Multi-Faceted Approach

Reducing abortion rates is not a simple task. It involves a multi-faceted approach that emphasises both the prevention of unintended pregnancies and support for individuals facing difficult circumstances. If we are genuinely pro-life, we will welcome these evidence-based methods and strategies that have been shown to reduce abortion rates. This comprehensive approach gives us hope and a clear path to make a difference. This approach includes:

  • Comprehensive sexual education.
  • Access to affordable and effective contraception and healthcare.
  • Strengthen support for parenting and families, including subsidised childcare, paid parental leave, and financial assistance.
  • Accessible and non-judgmental counselling services (including mental health support).
  • Empowerment and equality of women (through education, job opportunities, and financial independence).
  • Encourage social and cultural support for pregnant individuals who may otherwise feel pressured to terminate a pregnancy.
  • Educate and involve men in family planning.
  • Increase awareness and accessibility of adoption options (including simplifying and reducing the costs associated with the adoption process).
  • Promote community outreach programs by collaborating with local organisations, faith-based groups, and community leaders to provide support services and resources to a broader audience.
  • Address socioeconomic inequality—Economic hardship is a common reason for seeking an abortion, as is domestic violence.

As a pro-life person, I encourage these initiatives. As a pastor, I will stand with women and couples who find themselves in situations that are sometimes beyond their control, and I will lead our church to be a kind community where women who have had an abortion find grace instead of judgment.

 

With its unique blend of beauty, poetry, and paradox, Ecclesiastes stands out in the biblical canon. It challenges some traditional views, leading us to question: How can we grasp the essence of Ecclesiastes, its purpose, and its message?

Ecclesiastes is a book that is easily misunderstood if you don’t realise why it was written. The early church debated removing it from the Bible because it contained untrue statements, but I’m glad they did include it. Like Job, Ecclesiastes is a poetic book that refuses to dodge the hard questions and doesn’t always provide easy answers. In that way, this book reflects real life.

Author

Ecclesiastes begins with “the words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem.” The Teacher is the Hebrew Qoheleth (ko-hell-et), meaning “a collector of sentences or students or wisdom sayings, or “a preacher.” Qoheleth is found seven times in Ecclesiastes and is the Jewish name for this book. He identifies himself as king over Israel in Jerusalem—probably Solomon, a man known for his wisdom (Ecclesiastes 1:13, 16-18; 12:9-10).

While its actual author is unknown, the book is primarily considered the work of King Solomon and was possibly written sometime before he died in 931 BC. If the author was not Solomon, the anonymous writer wanted us to think it was Solomon.

Themes

Ecclesiastes is a quest to find the meaning of life or meaning in life. Qoheleth finds life meaningless—a word repeated 33 times in this little book: “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” “I have seen everything done under the sun; all are meaningless, chasing after the wind.”

Qoheleth identifies this problem and then attempts to find answers: How can I find meaning in my life? The book then documents his experiments with various things to find meaning.

He adopts a scientific approach, starting with a hypothesis: everything is meaningless. Is this true? How can I find meaning in life? Is this possible?

We must understand this about Ecclesiastes to avoid quoting isolated verses that contradict the rest of scripture. An excellent example is Ecclesiastes 9:5: “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten.” The first phrase is accurate—we all know we’ll die—but the rest contradicts scripture’s teaching on resurrection, judgement, legacy, and eternal life.

From Chapter 2 onwards, Qoheleth documents his various experiments to discover meaning in life, the first three of which are explored in Chapter two:

Experiment 1: Pleasure

In verses one to three, he writes: “Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.” But that also proved meaningless. “Laughter,” I said, “is madness. And what does pleasure accomplish?” I tried cheering myself with wine and embracing folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was good for people to do under the heavens during the few days of their lives.”

And then verse ten: “I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure.” The result? Everything is meaningless.

Experiment 2: Wisdom and Foolishness

“Wisdom is better than folly…but I came to realise that the same fate overtakes them both…The fate of the fool will overtake me also. What, then, do I gain by being wise?” Everything is meaningless.

Experiment 3: Hard Work

“My heart began to despair over all my toilsome labour under the sun. For a person to labour with wisdom, knowledge, and skill; they must leave all their own to another who has not toiled for it.” (v. 20-21). What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labour under the sun? All their days, their work is grief and pain; even at night, their minds do not rest. This, too, is meaningless.” (v. 22-23).

Experiment 4: Fatalism

Qoheleth begins chapter three with a well-known and much-loved poem (v. 2-8): “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die…” It’s a stunning song, but the message is simple: whatever will be will be, so resign yourself to fate.

Solomon ends chapter 3 with a fatalistic comparison of humans with animals and concludes that there is no difference between them: “Humans have no advantage over animals. Everything is meaningless. All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return.”

Chapter 4 continues the theme of fatalism as Qoheleth works himself into a pessimistic state over oppression and loneliness: “I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive. But better than both is the one who has never been born.”

Experiment 5: Materialism

In chapters 5 and 6, Qoheleth explores business, high finance, capitalism, and investing, concluding: “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is always dissatisfied with their income. This, too, is meaningless.”

He continues, “Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb, and as everyone comes, so they depart. They take nothing from their toil that they can carry in their hands. This, too, is a grievous evil: As everyone comes, so they depart, and what do they gain since they toil for the wind?

The truth of those words resonates through the centuries. Ancient words that are just as accurate today—materialism is meaningless. When John D. Rockefeller died, one man was curious about how much he left behind. Determined to find out, he set up an appointment with one of Rockefeller’s highest aides and asked how much Rockefeller left. The aide answered, “All of it, sir.”

Experiment 6: Knowledge and Integrity

From chapters 7 to 10, Qoheleth searches for meaning in being wise and upright. These chapters contain many pearls of wisdom and strange assertions, including, “I found one upright man among a thousand, but not one upright woman among them all.” (7:28). Those words are untrue.

Ultimately, Qoheleth says it’s good to be wise and honest rather than foolish and corrupt, but eventually, we all die. When we’re dead, we know and receive nothing and are all forgotten. And so, the best you can do is “Enjoy life…all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days.”

Ecclesiastes shows what human life is like when we seek meaning in “things” and not in the creator.

Qoheleth’s Conclusion

Remember his hypothesis: Everything is meaningless. And his question: How can I find meaning in life? The answer is yes, as long as you “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth. Remember him—before the silver cord is severed, and the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, and the wheel is broken at the well, and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”

These verses (12:6-7) poetically describe the process of dying from a 3000-year-old perspective:

“The Silver cord is severed” (loosened) refers to the white spinal fluid.

“The broken golden bowl” signifies the skull, which is precious like gold and contains the human brain.

“Before the pitcher is shattered at the spring” denotes the right ventricle of the heart that, at death, ceases to pump blood around the body.

“The wheel is broken at the well” is the heart’s left ventricle. The wheel is broken, the pulse stops, the blood ceases to circulate, and death follows.

Qoheleth summarises: “Now, all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.”

Ecclesiastes declares: Life is a mixture of good times and bad. The pleasures of life cannot offer lasting satisfaction, but they can be enjoyed as gifts from God. Ultimately, everything comes from God’s hand. Meaning is found through a respectful relationship with our creator. And whatever we do in life, remember his commandments, the greatest of which Jesus said was to love God and our neighbour.

Ecclesiastes shows what human life is like when we seek meaning in “things” rather than the creator. Jesus agreed.

One of the things I find amusing is when people overlook a joke. Many years ago, my mum took our cat to the vet. A dog was there with a cardboard box around its neck—it was back in the day before plastic cones. My mum asked the dog’s owner if her dog was a Boxer. The woman looked at Mum seriously and said, “Of course not. It’s a poodle.” Mum thought that was hilarious as did the whole family.

A Recent Story

If you engage with me on social media, you’ll know I post various things, some serious and some not. Last week, I posted a joke:

Three conspiracy theorists walk into a bar.

Coincidence?

It’s a setup for a classic joke, not a commentary on conspiracy theorists themselves. I posted it on Facebook because I like to give people a laugh—or even just a smile—and most people interacted with it accordingly. But there were a couple of people who didn’t appreciate it. My intention was to bring a moment of levity to your day, not to offend or upset anyone.

One guy said, Conspiracy theorists or are they people who don’t trust everything they have heard and seen on our ‘Tell-a-lie-vision’ and they have woken up to all the bullshit we have been told for years is truth and now we question everything. It’s called critical thinking, wake up you asleep people and question everything. Enjoy, you never know what you might find out. The more you dig the more you find out.

I responded, “It’s a joke.” I received an “angry emoji. Seriously, keep your sense of humour.

Another person wrote, “After reading the comments on Rob Buckingham [sic.] post, makes me wonder why a pastor would post something that is sarcastic and divisive.” This comment saddened me because being sarcastic and divisive was far from my intentions.

Too Serious

Over the past few years, I’ve observed a tendency among some people to be way too serious. Some of this was stoked by reactions to how we navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, but the seeds of the seriousness were present long before that.

I’m not a fan of Sky After Dark (hereafter SAD). But there have been occasions when I’ve inadvertently watched a clip or an interview. What strikes me is how angry all the presenters are. They are constantly outraged about issues and perceived enemies, stoking this fury in their viewers. I know this from firsthand experience as I’ve watched people I’ve known for years become intoxicated by the narrative. Suddenly, the easy-going, friendly people I knew lost their joy. Their sense of humour vanishes, everything becomes grim, and they leap from one issue to the next, waging a war they’ll unlikely win.

Become an Ostrich?

I’m not suggesting that there aren’t harrowing issues in today’s world or that we bury our heads in the sand and pretend it all goes away—it won’t. On this side of God’s eternal kingdom, there will always be wars and rumours of wars, along with famines, earthquakes and other natural disasters. I acknowledge that life is awful for many people in today’s world.

I enjoy my daily walk on the beach near our home, and each day, I thank God for the blessing of living in a safe and beautiful place. I pray for people in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, Ukraine and other places who live in constant fear. I think about—and pray for—those in Australia living with domestic violence, incurable sickness or pain. I cannot imagine what life must be like for them, and my heart goes out to them. But I cannot always live with those thoughts because that will be unhelpful to them and me.

Safeguard Your Spirit

One of my life Scriptures is Proverbs 4:23: Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. This verse encourages us to diligently care for our feelings and minds because everything we do springs from our inner selves.

If you’re feeding your spirit on outrage, judgment, and criticism, guess what will flow from you? If you spend too much time with so-called news outlets like SAD and others, how will you react even to a joke?

Jesus’ way is not about finding a demon under every rock. We’re not called to live as conspirators; instead, we are Christ’s ambassadors, citizens of heaven representing Jesus on planet Earth. We are called to bring heaven to Earth everywhere we go.

Jesus’ Humour

Jesus is the Christians’ role model. The world of Jesus’ day was full of problems. The Jews were under Roman rule, women were second-class citizens, at least half of the empire were enslaved, and the majority lived in poverty. Life expectancy was about 35 years. Jesus addressed these issues head-on as he healed, taught, and provided.

Yet, amid these massive challenges, Jesus appears to have kept his sense of humour. Hebrews 1:9 says that God anointed [Jesus] with the oil of joy. Jesus attracted people—especially children. No one is drawn to sour-faced individuals. Jesus gave his joy to others—you have to have it to give it (John 15:11). Jesus used humour in his teachings. Statements like “take out the beam from your eye,” strain out a mosquito and swallow a camel,” and a camel going through the eye of a needle” would have been amusing to Jesus’ hearers.

Matthew threw a banquet with all his tax-collector buddies when Jesus called him. The happy party caused the religious leaders to criticise, complain and talk about fasting and prayer because that is more spiritual than eating with friends. Jesus responded with humour, sarcasm, a parable, and then a sigh that they would stick with their old ways despite his presentation of truth. The Christian life should be joyous—keep your sense of humour.

A Bible Theme

Joy is a significant topic in scripture. There are hundreds of verses about joy, gladness, delight, and a creation full of colour, flavour, and beauty. Should not the people created in God’s image reflect those same qualities? This theme of joy is not just a passing mention in the Bible but a consistent thread that runs through it, reminding us of the inherent joy in our faith and the world around us.

A cheerful heart is good medicine. The New Jerusalem Bible translates Colossians 4:6: “Talk to them agreeably and with a flavour of wit.” I take that verse seriously! When times are tough, Paul says always to stand firm and rejoice in the Lord.

The first miracle Jesus performed was turning water into the best wine at a wedding feast. Unfortunately, some Christians have been turning the wine back into water! I hope this blog will encourage you to lighten up if you are caught up in issues and outrage. Please, keep your sense of humour.

Scripture contains fascinating stories and statements that allude to God’s growing, developing, and changing. Let’s explore those with open minds, ready to challenge our preconceptions.

Immutable

Christian theology teaches that God is omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient, eternal, and immutable. The prefix omni means all, so God is all-powerful, everywhere present, all-knowing, immortal, and unchanging. I want to question that last word in this blog because, in scripture, we see God shifting his decisions and choices and growing in understanding.

I realise my statements fly in the face of a common belief amongst Christians that God is always the same and never changes. What does the Bible say? Maybe you’re thinking of Malachi 3:6, “I the Lord do not change.” But a text out of context is a pretext. “I the Lord do not change” is in the context of God’s faithfulness to Israel. Change (Hebrew: shanah) means to fold or bend. We could translate that verse, “I the Lord do not fold. So, you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.” The statement is about God’s consistency in his dealings with his people.

Moses’ Example

When Moses descended Mt. Sinai after receiving the Ten Commandments, he found that the people had returned to their Egyptian gods. They had made for themselves a golden calf and were worshipping it. God then told Moses that He was ready to destroy the nation—”Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.” God had changed his mind about his formerly chosen people.

The following discussion between God and Moses is fascinating as he intercedes for Israel. A summary of Moses’ argument is: “What would the Egyptians say? They’d probably accuse you of evil intent because your plan all along was to lead them out of Egypt and kill them yourself.” The result? —The LORD changed his mind about the disaster he planned to bring on his people.

Other Examples

Scripture says that God had second thoughts about making Saul the king of Israel. “I regret that I made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not carried out my commands.” Samuel was angry at God’s statement, although it’s unclear whether he was angry with God, Saul or both. Samuel channelled his anger by praying all night.

In the Book of Jonah, we have a similar situation. God was angry with the people of Nineveh because of their wickedness, and he sent Jonah to warn them. Jonah eventually got there—in a roundabout fashion—after being asked twice by God. He preached a short message—”Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” That’s all it took for everyone from the king down to call on the Lord with fasting. “When God saw what they had done and how they had stopped their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened.” Jonah was not happy. He was all ready for a good smiting.

Character or Actions?

Any time the scriptures affirm God’s unchangingness, it always concerns his character, not his actions. Consider these verses:

God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfil? (Numbers 23:19)

He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind” (1 Samuel 15:29). In the future, God would be a human being, though.

God, who is enthroned from old and who does not change, will hear them and humble them because they have no fear of God. (Psalm 55:19)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8). Context? Jesus is consistent, “So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas,” but instead rely on God’s gracious character. God’s character is static, but his actions aren’t. They depend on how WE respond to God’s instructions (Jer. 18:5–10; 26:3; Joel 2:13-14; Jonah 4:2; Amos 7:3,6).

When God Learns

I find one final aspect of God’s changeableness fascinating—what God learned in the person of Jesus. Ponder this for a moment. Until God was born into the human family, he didn’t know what it was like to be human.

The gospels tell us that Jesus [God] grew in wisdom, stature, and favour with God and man. The Hebrews author spells this out by telling us we have a high priest [Jesus] who can empathise with our weaknesses so that we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need, something that would not have been possible before the incarnation because God lacked firsthand knowledge of the human experience.

Summary

God’s character is unchanging, but his mind and actions change when people or circumstances alter. Prayer appears to be able to change God’s mind. Through the incarnation, God grew in understanding what it is like to be human. Paul wrote, “In Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.” For the first time, God fully understood—by personal experience—what it was like to be a human being. Let that sink in. And as a result, God’s love and compassion, mercy and grace, were fully extended to humanity for our good.

I hope my words cause you to think, question, search, and wrestle with scripture. Your insights and views are welcome and crucial to our collective understanding. Please feel free to discuss this in the comments below.