Tag: Christian living

I had a very enjoyable lunch with some people last Sunday. One thing we all had in common, apart from our faith in Jesus, was that each of us had been on a journey of renovating our faith. Part of that process had been giving ourselves permission to ask questions.

I say “permission” because questions are not always welcomed in church circles. In the past, I’ve been told by church leaders NOT to ask questions. So, I write this blog to encourage you to question. Here are some reasons why you should.

Questioning Is Healthy

For some Christians, the word questioning feels risky. It can seem like doubt, rebellion, or the first step towards walking away from God. Many of us were raised with the unspoken message that strong faith means having fewer questions—and that mature believers should already have everything sorted out.

Yet when we turn to the Bible itself, we find something surprising: Scripture is full of faithful people who questioned, wrestled, argued, and sought clarity. Far from condemning them, God often met them in those questions. Biblical faith is not fragile; it is robust enough to be examined, challenged, refined, and strengthened.

Healthy Christianity does not silence questions—it brings them into the presence of God.

Questioning Is Not the Opposite of Faith

One of the biggest misconceptions in Christian circles is that faith and questioning are opposites. Biblically, the opposite of faith is not questioning; it is unbelief—a refusal to trust God at all. Questioning, by contrast, often arises because we care deeply about truth.

The father who brings his suffering child to Jesus prays one of the most honest prayers in the Gospels: “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)

Jesus does not rebuke him for his mixed faith. He heals his son. This moment reveals something essential: faith can coexist with uncertainty. God is not threatened by honest confession or unresolved tension. In fact, this man’s prayer shows real faith—he brings his doubts to Jesus rather than letting them drive him away.

The Bible Is Full of Questions

From beginning to end, Scripture gives us permission to ask “why,” “how long,” and “what does this mean?” The Psalms are especially bold. David asks God, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1)

Elsewhere, he cries, “Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1). These are not the prayers of a rebel. They are the pleas of a worshipper who trusts God enough to be honest. Questioning, in the Psalms, is an act of relationship. Silence would signal distance; questions reveal engagement.

Even the prophet Habakkuk opens his book by questioning God’s justice: “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?” (Habakkuk 1:2). God does not shut him down. Instead, He responds, invites further conversation, and ultimately leads Habakkuk to a deeper confession of trust.

Jesus Encouraged Thoughtful Seeking

Jesus consistently welcomed seekers who asked sincere questions. He did not demand blind acceptance; He invited reflection, investigation, and discernment. Jesus says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). These verbs assume curiosity and persistence. Seeking implies that we do not yet fully know—and that is okay.

When Jesus encountered the religious leaders, His strongest criticisms were not aimed at people with questions, but at those who claimed certainty while resisting truth. By contrast, He often engaged those who wrestled honestly.

After Jesus’ resurrection, Thomas famously doubts. Rather than rejecting him, Jesus invites him to examine the evidence: “Put your finger here; see my hands… Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27). Thomas’s questioning does not disqualify him. It becomes the doorway to one of the strongest confessions in the New Testament: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).

Growth Demands Scrutiny

The New Testament consistently encourages believers to carefully consider their beliefs. Paul urges the Thessalonian church, “Test everything; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Testing involves examination. Faith that has never been tested is often fragile; faith that has been examined is resilient.

Similarly, the Bereans are praised not for blindly accepting, but for thorough investigation: “They received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11). Their willingness to question—even an apostle—was considered noble. The Bible does not fear scrutiny; it invites it.

Questioning Fosters Maturity

Childlike faith is beautiful, but childish faith is not. Paul acknowledges that growth involves leaving simplistic understandings behind: “When I was a child, I talked like a child… when I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me” (1 Corinthians 13:11).

Mature faith often develops through times of re-evaluation. Questions about suffering, Scripture, hell, or God’s character may feel unsettling—but they often lead to a deeper, more nuanced trust.

James even reframes doubt within the context of growth, urging believers to turn to God for wisdom when they lack understanding (James 1:5). God’s response to our questions is not anger, but generosity.

Concluding Thoughts

Genuine faith is not a fragile structure that collapses under pressure, but rather a living relationship that can withstand honest struggle. Jacob wrestles with God and emerges changed—and blessed (Genesis 32:24–30). Israel itself is named after that struggle: “one who wrestles with God.” My Jewish friends are excellent at grappling with scripture.

To question is not to abandon faith. Often, it is to take faith seriously enough to seek truth, clarity, and integrity. In a complex world, Christians do not honour God by pretending everything is simple. We honour Him by bringing our whole selves—our convictions, confusions, fears, and hopes—into His presence.

Questioning becomes unhealthy when it is fuelled by cynicism or pride. But when questions are rooted in humility and a desire for truth, they can lead us closer to God rather than further away.

Faith that never asks may never grow. Faith that dares to ask, seek, and knock often finds itself rooted more deeply in the grace and truth of God. I pray that it is your continuing experience.

Vision is one of life’s great gifts, offering us the ability to see, appreciate beauty, stay safe, discover new things, and achieve goals. More importantly, vision shapes the direction we take in life and influences our outcomes.

An organisation, whether a church or a business, needs vision to remain dynamic and succeed. That’s why every year our church hosts Vision Weekend, introducing achievable initiatives for our faith community. This Sunday—1 February 2026—we’ll reveal Bayside Church’s 2026 Initiatives. We write the vision clearly so people can read and act on it.

Look Where You’re Going!

After Christie and I married, she gave me a day at an Advanced Driving School. I hope she didn’t think I was a poor driver! It was a practical, enjoyable gift with invaluable lessons.

One challenge was an obstacle course: drive fast, brake hard, and avoid obstacles while skidding. The first time, we all hit the barriers.

Afterwards, the instructor asked what we were looking at while skidding. We all said the obstacles. That was the problem, he said—you must look for the gap. Your car follows your focus. We tried again, and no one hit anything. It was amazing. The lesson: where you look is where you go.

Target Fixation

Psychology calls this target fixation: focusing so much on an object (a target or hazard) that you increase your chances of hitting it. Ask any surfer or motorbike rider.

One of my favourite scenes from a movie is Harry the fly from the film A Bug’s Life. Harry is flying towards the fly zapper, and his mate yells, “No, Harry, no. Don’t look at the lights.” Harry replies, “I can’t help it, they’re so beautiful.” Harry then gets zapped. Where you look is where you go.

This is an important truth for us Christians to embrace. In life, where is your focus? Are you looking at your sins, or concentrating on the righteousness that is yours because of Jesus?

Sin or Righteousness?

In my early years as a Christian, I was part of a wonderful church—many remain friends. But much of the church’s teaching focused on our sinful nature. I felt I never measured up to God’s perfection. “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” was a favourite scripture.

At Bible College, I learned I was already holy and righteous because of Jesus. I began focusing on being blameless—Jesus had taken away the world’s sin, including mine and yours. If that’s true, why focus on it?

I’m not suggesting we take sin lightly. When we sin, we need to deal with it, confess it, and move on with forgiveness and grace. But remember, focusing on sin keeps you stuck, while focusing on what’s true about you in Christ sets you free—where you look, is where you go. To help with this, I’ve included some scripture verses at the end of this blog.

Focused on Righteousness

Righteousness refers to relationships and approval—being fully accepted by God and having divine approval.

The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians: God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. The Greek language here suggests a process of dismantling and rebuilding. The old, sinful self has been demolished, and a new, better version has been assembled—all made possible by Jesus’ work.

Another image: two bank accounts. Mine had sin; Jesus was full of righteousness. On the cross, he transferred my sin to his account and credited his righteousness to mine. This is the language Paul uses about Abraham, who believed God and was credited with righteousness.

The Same Relationship

I encourage you to let this wonderful truth sink in and choose to think of yourself this way. You could start to confess these truths about your life:

  • I have become the righteousness of God in Christ.
  • I am the recipient of God’s approval.
  • I have the same relationship with the Father that Jesus has.
  • I am completely acceptable to God.

This is The Value of Vision: where you look is where you go. Because we are made righteous, we are empowered and motivated to live righteously—with integrity, goodness, purity of life, and uprightness in our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Choosing to focus on our new identity leads us to live it out.

Where you look is where you go.

Scriptures on Overcoming Sin

1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Psalm 32:5, “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity.  I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.”  And you forgave the guilt of my sin.”

Psalm 51:2, “Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin” (and all of Psalm 51)

Proverbs 28:13, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

Isaiah 55:6-7, “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.  Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts.  Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”

Ezekiel 18:30-32, “Repent! Turn away from all your offences; then sin will not be your downfall.   Rid yourselves of all the offences you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel?  For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord.  Repent and live!

Psalm 103:2-3, 12, “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins…as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

Micah 7:18-19, “Where is another God like you, who pardons guilt, overlooking the sins of his special people?  You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love.  Once again, you will have compassion on us.  You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean!”

Romans 4:7-8, “Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.  Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”

James 5:16, “Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

If trapped in habitual sin, seek one or two trusted friends for support and confession as you regain victory.

 

In my last blog, The Bible is not a House of Cards, I shared, “About twenty years ago, I began exploring and reshaping my faith—more on that in the next week or two.” Now, the time has come, and I’m excited to share some personal testimony about how my faith has matured, changed, and developed over the past couple of decades. I hope my journey can inspire and encourage you in your own spiritual growth.

As I mentioned in my last blog, “The Bible is a developing story, a progression of truth.” “The Bible is not a static book. It’s alive, changing, and full of energy, much like a flowing stream. Its message is constantly evolving, shifting.” If Scripture behaves like this, why would we be surprised that our beliefs also develop and change over time? This evolution of faith is not a cause for concern but a sign of freedom and growth in our spiritual journey.

Introduced to Jesus

I think back to the first time I encountered Jesus. I’d met a truckie named Malcolm while hitchhiking around Australia. Malcolm offered me a lift to Sydney from Northern NSW. About two hours into our trip, we were involved in a head-on crash with another truck. The two blokes in the other truck died. Malcolm and I were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. After six days, his wife, Lynne, drove up to take us home, with me lying on a mattress in the back of their ute.

I stayed with Malcolm, Lynne, and their boys for a few weeks, during which I had many intriguing chats about the nature of God. I was introduced to healing, speaking in tongues, and miracles. I called myself an atheist, but I was fascinated by the supernatural. It wasn’t long before I asked to go to their church. I heard the gospel and responded. I was all in for Jesus for a few weeks, but then drifted away for the next two years.

Coming Back to Jesus

When I was 21, one of my best mates became a Christian, and that gave me the push to return to my faith. It was the late seventies, and Christians were really into Revelation, the anti-Christ, the mark of the beast, and the rapture. I devoured books like The Late Great Planet Earth that made Revelation feel as real as today’s newspaper. It drew me in. I joined a church, consumed the Bible, and led many of my friends to Jesus.

I was called into ministry, studied at Bible College for three years, and started my pastoral work—something I still feel very called to. Back then, I was quite strict in my beliefs. I, along with my Pentecostal church (and broader denomination), believed we were right. In my view, Christians of other persuasions were not quite as correct as we were. There was quite a bit of pride involved!

What got me in the Room

As I’ve grown older, I have continued to read and study Scripture passionately. As I did, I started to notice some things that didn’t quite match my early beliefs. For example, I discovered that my view of Revelation was actually based on teachings from a false teacher. That’s right, all the predictions about the antichrist, the great tribulation, and everything it involves are a relatively modern invention, developed in 1827 by John Nelson Darby of the Plymouth Brethren.

Darby went on to establish the Exclusive Brethren sect after George Mueller and other Brethren challenged him about some of his unbiblical doctrines. Charles Spurgeon also asserted that these teachings were false. As a result, much of modern understanding of Bible prophecy originated from a heretical cult leader and was popularised through books and films such as the Left Behind series.

What got me in the room no longer keeps me there. I am no longer a Christian because I fear the rapture, hell, or the antichrist. Those things attracted me when I was young. Now, I stay in the room as a Jesus follower because I love Jesus. He is my friend and Saviour. I resonate with His teachings of kindness, justice, and mercy—especially for marginalised people. I live by the Royal Law and the Golden Rule. His love is the warm hearth that keeps me in the room. More on that in a moment.

What Never Changes

I refer to the process of changing and developing beliefs as a faith renovation. I used to describe it as deconstructing and reconstructing, but I saw some people who had torn down their faith and walked away from Jesus. I prefer the renovation analogy. When people renovate a house, they don’t touch the foundation, and they usually keep the framework. Then they work on the house room by room. The process can take quite some time.

That’s what I’ve done with my faith over the past twenty years. The foundation remains solid and unchanged—no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. (see 1 Corinthians 3:9-14). My belief in the core doctrines of the Christian faith stays the same. I strongly connect with the ancient creeds, such as the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed.

What has Changed?

When I reflect on my beliefs as a young Christian, one word that would come to mind is fear. In some ways, I was driven into the faith by worries about being “left behind” when the rapture occurs. I was anxious about not being good enough and ending up in eternal hellfire. I was also terrified of the great tribulation, the antichrist, and the mark of the beast.

Much of the preaching was fear-based, and while things have changed, if you look beneath the surface of today’s positive message churches, you’ll still find they strongly believe in the things I just mentioned.

Fear got me in the room, but it doesn’t keep me there. Fear is a lousy motivator, and it is opposed to the love of God. John put it this way: God is love. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. John says that because of God’s love, we will have confidence on the day of judgment.

My fear-based faith has been renovated. Today, it remains steadfast in the assurance of God’s love. But the work is not complete. I am confident that he who began a good work in [me] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Phil. 1:6).

Jesus said, “Every student of the Scriptures who becomes a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like someone who brings out new and old treasures from the storeroom.” If you haven’t already, I encourage you to start a similar journey to the one I’ve described in this blog. Hold onto the old treasures that never change, but also seek new things that renovate your faith.

Church attendance and identification with the Christian faith have been gradually declining in Australia for as long as I have been leading Bayside Church. When I was tidying up my office recently, I came across a newspaper clipping from the early nineties noting the decreasing interest in church among Australians. While our church defied that trend for many years, the overall decline has continued until recently.

Changing trends

The last census revealed that only 43.9 per cent of Australians identified as Christians, while the “no religion” group had increased to 38.9 per cent. In comparison, the 1971 census data showed that 86.2 per cent of Australians identified as Christian, with just 6.7 per cent choosing “no religion” as their belief.

However, the trend may be shifting. According to a recent article published by The Lowy Institute, ‘The global resurgence of religion among young people (especially young men) stands as one of the great puzzles of our era, defying two long-held sociological iron laws: faith is for the old, and for women.’ This change offers a glimmer of hope for the future of our church communities.

The trend reminds me of the Jesus People movement of the late sixties and seventies, when hundreds of thousands of young people came to faith in Christ. I was part of that movement in the late seventies, even though I was unaware of it at the time—many of my friends were too.

Dr. Intifar Chowdhury, a youth researcher and Lecturer in Government at Flinders University in South Australia, says, “If the future belongs to the young, and the young are turning to God, the political map of tomorrow may look far less secular than was once thought to be inevitable.”

Gender differences

In Australia, young Gen Z men now identify as Christian at higher rates than women. However, they are not always attracted to healthy communities but rather to churches that operate as male-led hierarchies. These churches promote distinct male and female roles and preach about Biblical manhood, appealing to an ultra-masculine understanding of what it means to be a Christian. While this attracts some men, it can also alienate those who do not fit the typical macho image.

These churches are discouraging young women, who are more likely to reject faiths promoting male headship. The result is a growing gender gap in religion that reflects the broader cultural and political divide. Churches and Christian leaders should convey the gospel message with the understanding that all people are created in God’s image and are equally deserving of respect, dignity, and love, regardless of their gender or sexuality.

How church helps

Academics suggest that religion can help people overcome social isolation and provide answers to life’s big questions. Faith can help you find purpose in life, provide comfort during difficult times, and offer hope for the future.

A healthy church is a wonderful community to join. I emphasise the word healthy because harmful churches can cause pain, manipulate members, and discriminate against minorities. If you belong to a religious community where you feel unsafe, I encourage you to move on as soon as you can.

A good church supports your spiritual growth, fosters community and belonging, assists you through life’s challenges, offers service opportunities, provides moral and ethical guidance, helps you celebrate life events like weddings, baptisms, child dedications, and funerals in a spiritual setting, and gives hope and an eternal perspective. A church is more than just a building—it’s a community where faith develops, people are cared for, and God is glorified.

You can make friends with people you wouldn’t meet otherwise. That’s one of the things I love about the church in general and Bayside Church in particular. I get to meet people I wouldn’t have normally met. My life is richer for the experience, as these people consistently offer me a different perspective on life outside my bubble — and we all need to acknowledge that we live in a bubble. The diversity of perspectives and experiences within our church communities can promote personal growth and learning.

How scripture helps

The American Bible Society recently reported a 29% rise in Bible use among Millennials over the past year, with scripture engagement also increasing among Gen Z.

The Australian Bible Society notes that Gen Z, the first generation to grow up with smartphones and tablets, is the most anxious and fearful of any age. But young adults who frequently engage with the Bible—reading it regularly and applying it to their lives—experience half the anxiety of their peers.

Engaging with Scripture can be a transformative experience, enhancing emotional and mental well-being. It encourages self-acceptance, self-esteem, peer support, and hope. The Bible provides spiritual growth, guidance, wisdom, renewal, comfort, encouragement, and strength for life. It’s an extraordinary book, and I encourage you to engage with it—read, study, meditate, and journal.

Help for everyone

Challenges are a universal part of life. Whether it’s grief and loss, bullying, family stress, trauma, discrimination, financial hardship, or global issues that cause us deep distress, we all face tough times. Some people face these things alone, and that’s when a strong faith in God, a supportive church, and the Bible become especially important.

I’ve been involved in church leadership for 40 years and have often seen the incredible support people get from their Christian community. Friends come together for those in hardship, offering practical care, prayer, a hug, or a shoulder to lean on. The Scriptures offer immense encouragement, fostering trust and prayer, along with helpful advice, reminding us that God loves and cares for us. This reassurance from Scripture can be a source of comfort and guidance during our most challenging times.

Diana Chandler, senior writer with Baptist Press, asks, “So, do people who engage with Scripture report less anxiety? Yes, and the difference is stunning.”

 

While church attendance in Australia declines—albeit more slowly—due to changing societal norms, the rise of secularism, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, people still seek a church community. Some are (or were) Christians, while others seek spiritual fulfilment or a sense of belonging.

But the multitude of denominations and their doctrinal variations can be overwhelming. How can we discern which church aligns most accurately with biblical truth? Is that the most essential criterion to consider?

Courage

When choosing a church, the first thing you need is courage. Whether you’re an introvert or not, stepping into a new community can feel daunting. But with courage, you will be ready to face this challenge and find your place in a church community.

Returning to church after experiencing adverse events like burnout, gossip, or harsh leadership requires even greater courage. I understand your challenges because I have faced similar harmful experiences myself.

Confusion

The various denominations, churches, and interpretations of the Bible can be confusing. Unfortunately, humans have a propensity to divide. Sometimes, the only thing that unites us is our tendency towards division.

The Christian church comprises three main historical and theologically distinctive streams: Roman Catholicism, the largest Christian denomination; Protestantism, which emerged from the Reformation; and Eastern Orthodoxy, the second-largest Christian denomination. An estimated 2.4 billion Christians are distributed globally across more than 45,000 denominations, and some suggest that this number has now grown to 55,000.

I was introduced to the Christian faith in a Pentecostal church, which is part of the Protestant tradition. Although I resonate most with this expression of Christianity, I have come to appreciate other alternatives. In 2019, I engaged weekly with the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises alongside a Jesuit priest. I’ve enjoyed silent retreats at Catholic retreat centres and studied at the University of Divinity, which represents seven denominations. One of my favourite authors is Dr. Bradley Jersak, an Orthodox Christian theologian.

Today, I consider myself a follower of Jesus. I do not identify as Protestant, nor am I in opposition to the Roman Catholic Church. If I were to protest against anything, it would be the lack of justice that exists in some churches toward women and certain minority groups.

Consider

Here are a few essential factors to consider when choosing a church:

1. Don’t worry about the church’s denomination. You will connect with the local church.

2. It’s essential to be realistic when choosing a church. No church is perfect, and that’s okay. In fact, if a church were perfect, you’d probably ruin it as soon as you joined! So, instead of being critical, embrace the imperfections and focus on the church’s positive aspects.

3. Avoid choosing a church based solely on personal comfort and preference. If you’re overly comfortable, you may not experience growth. Instead, seek a church that challenges you to become more like Jesus.

4. Ensure the church is grounded in Christianity’s foundational teachings as summarised in the Apostles’ and Nicene creeds. These teachings focus on who Jesus is, what he did, what he is doing, and what he will do in the future. Jesus must remain central in the church you choose to join.

Questions

Finally, here are some practical questions to consider before committing to a local church.

1. Are the leaders gracious and kind, or do they expect too much from the church’s members? I’ve witnessed far too many people burning out, particularly in high-pressure megachurches, and I have personally had some unpleasant experiences.

2. Do the people speak positively of one another and the leadership, or is there much gossip and criticism?

3. Does the church discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, or race, or is everyone treated equally?

4. Is the church genuinely committed to safety and pastoral care?

5. Are people free to ask questions, or are questions seen as a sign of disloyalty?

6. Is the church transparent about its finances?

7. Do they discuss deeper aspects of Scripture instead of staying in the shallow end of Christianity?

8. Are they focused outward, particularly on alleviating poverty and addressing social justice?

9. What are their vision and mission statements? Do you align with them? What do they value?

These are some things to consider. Undoubtedly, other thoughts may come to your mind, but these are what come to mine. Many fine churches are led by authentic people who genuinely want to support you on your faith journey and make a difference in the world.

What are your thoughts?
What do you look for in a church?
Did I overlook anything that could be included?

Please feel free to join the discussion in the comments section below.

I find a narrative emerging from certain Christian circles deeply disturbing. On the surface, it sounds righteous, but upon reflection, it is unbiblical, unjust, and simply not very much like Jesus. This narrative, which I refer to as ‘enforced religion,’ involves imposing religious beliefs or practices on individuals or groups, often against their will or in a manner that infringes on their rights.

The narrative I’m referring to is cloaked in the language of religious freedom or rights; yet, it infringes on the freedoms or rights of others, a concern that we all should share.

In Australia

In last week’s blog, I mentioned the Christian Values Checklist, which the Australian Christian Values Institute regularly updates for state and federal elections. This blog is not intended to be an exposé on this organisation. I refer to them as an example of my concerns about enforced religion.

For instance, one of the “Christian values” on the checklist is retaining the parliament’s opening with Christian prayers. As a Christian, I appreciate that parliament opens with an acknowledgement of country, followed by two Christian prayers—a parliamentary prayer and the Lord’s Prayer.

However, I also (as a Christian) have concerns for those in Parliament who hold no faith or adhere to a belief system other than Christianity. Jesus taught the Golden Rule: Treat others just as you want to be treated. It raises the question: If I were an atheist, a Buddhist, or a Hindu, how would I like Christians to treat me? Would I experience Jesus’ love and grace by being subjected to enforced religion?

The Australian Christian Values Institute website discusses religious freedom and freedom of speech. However, some of its views deny liberty to those with differing beliefs—a stance that fails to respect our society’s diversity.

Australian churches and Christian schools must consider this if anti-discrimination laws are reconsidered. Compromise is essential when balancing the competing interests of various parties. I feel we Christians often want to protect our rights at the expense of others. Selfishness is NOT a Christian value.

In America

Across the Gulf of Australia, in the good ol’ US of A, there are even more concerning examples of enforced religion. Last year, the Republican-backed Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, ordered that “every public school classroom in Louisiana has…to display a poster of the Ten Commandments.” Did you notice the word “ordered?”

Now, I value the Ten Commandments and the ancient wisdom they convey. Still, I can’t help but wonder if they would be more impactful if displayed in the White House and Mar-a-Lago, especially the parts about adultery and not bearing false witness against thy neighbour. There are Christian people in the U.S. who enforce the commandments in schools, yet support a president who openly flaunts Moses’ laws.

Meanwhile, a top education official in Oklahoma has ordered schools to incorporate the Bible into lessons. Republican state Superintendent Ryan Walters stated that the rule is compulsory and requires “immediate and strict compliance.” This represents enforced religion.

Paul’s Reflections

Back to the Ten Commandments for a moment. Please read 2 Corinthians chapter 3 and reflect on the apostle Paul’s commentary on these ancient laws. Paul contrasts the Old Covenant with the New—the Law with the Spirit—and speaks derogatorily of the Ten Commandments. He describes them as:

  1. The ministry that brought death (7).
  2. The ministry that brought condemnation (9).

These Christians promote a message other than the Gospel by legislating the Ten Commandments in schools. Paul said, “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

Jesus’ Way

Later in 2 Corinthians chapter three, Paul announced, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Freedom, not enforced religion; freedom is Jesus’ way. Nowhere in the gospels do we find Jesus coercing anyone. When a wealthy young guy approached him and asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus went straight to the heart of this guy’s problem and addressed the idol in his heart:

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this, the man’s face fell. He went away sad because he had great wealth.

Jesus didn’t chase after him and say, “Listen, mate. If you don’t repent, you’ll burn in hell forever.” There was no coercion or control. Jesus gave him complete freedom to make his own mind up. Some theologians, including myself, believe this man was Barnabas, who later chose to follow Jesus and sold some of his property to help the poor.

Freedom

I encourage you to be wary of anyone—Christian or not—who constantly insists on freedom of speech or religious liberty. They invariably seek freedom for themselves while denying it to others.

Nicholas Ferroni is a high school History teacher, education activist and host. I love this Tweet he posted back in 2022: “If you are okay with having Muslim, Jewish and Hindu students sit through a Christian prayer in public school, and not okay with having Christian students sit through a Muslim, Jewish or Hindu prayer, then it’s NOT religious freedom- it’s religious oppression.”

Reflect on this: when we Christians prioritise our desires at the expense of others’ freedoms and rights, it is not religious freedom; it is religious oppression—and religious privilege.

God created humans and bestowed upon us the gift of free will, granting us the ability to choose, even if it means making poor decisions and facing the consequences. However, no one is coerced, which is why I detest enforced religion. I urge you to be cautious of it as well.

Whenever there’s an election, I’m reminded of how little some sectors of the church have learned about the detrimental impact of polarising political statements made by churches and church leaders on the Gospel.

While I support Christians participating in politics or running for political office, the church as a whole—and pastors in particular—must remain above politics, nonpartisan, and committed to its central message: the good news of God’s love and grace through Jesus Christ. Anything that obscures that message is an enemy of the Gospel.

Too Political

Several years ago, the Barna Foundation commissioned research among young adults (ages 16-29) to determine why they did not engage with or had ceased to be involved in a church. One of the six reasons was that the church was “too political.”

I find it bewildering when church leaders make politically divisive statements, despite the evidence showing that this harms the cause of Christ. Sadly, we have observed a significant portion of the American church aligning politically, resulting in disturbing effects.

Conservatives Only?

A while ago, I saw a post on a pastor’s Facebook page encouraging his followers and congregation to “Let righteousness reign. Put Labor and the Greens last!” I realise this reflects the views of many conservative Christians, but my question is: what message does this send to people in that church who may disagree? What about people who do vote Labor or Green and still love Jesus? What about those in the broader community who are considering Jesus and the Church but are put off by this statement? Isn’t the Gospel inclusive, or do you have to change how you vote when you become a Christian? Also, why is it “righteous” to vote for a conservative party?

I don’t ask the people in our church who they vote for—it’s not my business—but I imagine we have all sorts of political perspectives at Bayside Church. Some of our members are conservative, while others have told me they’re voting for the Teals. Others are Green or Labor. People in our church are free to follow their conscience and vote accordingly. Our unity is found solely in the person of Jesus, whose kingdom is not of this world.

The Checklist

The aforementioned pastor shared the following chart compiled by the Australian Christian Values Institute.

The Christian Values Checklist informs voters about what each political party represents regarding various moral and ethical issues. The chart states, “On many welfare and social justice issues, the party policies are very similar. Our aim is to deal with the moral and ethical issues that are rarely, if ever, discussed publically [sic] in an election campaign.” I’ll return to that statement later.

The implication is that if you are a devoted Christian, you will likely vote for Family First, One Nation, or Trumpet of Patriots.

They Come and Go

In times past, the Australian Christian Values Institute has commended the Christian Democrats, the DLP, and Rise Up Australia. The Christian Democrats, Fred Nile’s party, were dissolved in 2022 by the courts due to longstanding legal challenges and governance issues. In the same year, the DLP (Democratic Labour Party) was deregistered because of a lack of members. Rise Up Australia was voluntarily deregistered by the Australian Electoral Commission in 2019. Rise Up’s leader, Danny Nalliah, has been surrounded by significant controversy for many years.

In 2025, we have some new parties to uphold “Christian values,” but if you can’t stomach any frontrunners, then the Nationals or the Libs would be your choice. However, whatever you do, “Let righteousness reign. Put Labor and the Greens last!”

Christian Values?

Let’s examine those Christian values. Predictably, they align with what one would expect from conservative Christianity in Australia, which has been significantly influenced by American Evangelicalism. In this tradition, the two main issues Christians should concentrate on are matters related to abortion and the LGBTQ+ community (stop both as much as you can).

While the chart helps you understand the various parties’ stances on these topics, I can’t help but notice the missing elements, which brings me back to the statement about welfare and social justice issues. Why separate these from a Christian Values Checklist?

Are refugees, the homeless, those living with mental illness, and victims of domestic violence not worthy of the Christian vote? Which party or parties have the best policies in place to help those on the margins of society? The chart includes nothing about those living in poverty, and it appears that the environment was added as an afterthought! Maybe I’m wrong, but is caring for God’s creation less critical than opening Parliament with a Christian prayer? And, on that topic, since when has it been a Christian value to force people to say a prayer if they don’t want to? Selah!

Jesus’ Example

For followers of Jesus Christ, He remains our example of Christian values. Jesus began and concluded His ministry with unequivocal value statements:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favour has come.”

At the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus proclaimed that his followers would care for the hungry and thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and those in prison.

You’ll notice the overlap in Jesus’ statements. It seems His heart for those struggling in life didn’t change during His ministry years, and it still hasn’t.

As you vote in this or any election, consider what is important to you, but don’t stop there. What about others, especially those on the margins? The people for whom Jesus mainly showed concern. Paul put it this way, “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”

Jesus said, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” Being like Jesus means we will be interested in the people He showed interest in, such as those who are homeless, sick, or in prison; the poor, orphans, and widows; as well as those living with disabilities or who are victims of domestic violence.

Your vote should support candidates who implement policies that demonstrate care and concern for the most vulnerable members of our community, as well as for God’s creation.

A Final Word

The church and Christian leaders must remain non-partisan. The Gospel is good news for all people. The church does not thrive when in power; it’s not meant to rule nations or manipulate political systems. It’s intended to proclaim a message of reconciliation with a God who loves people and a Saviour who died and rose again to extend amazing grace. Let’s never lose this focus.

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.

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?

 

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.