A balanced view

The news bulletins reveal human nature at its best as well as at its worst. In recent months we have learnt of the incredible bravery of volunteer firemen and other helpers at the scene of the bush fires. Such people have been ready to put their lives on the line with no prospect of personal reward. In what has sometimes been called the 'me generation' they stand out as shining exemples.

There is a growing awareness of problems caused by alcohol such as binge drinking by young people, road trauma and violence. The man in charge of a Scottish prison told me that 70% of his inmates were incarcerated for alcohol related offences, at great expense to taxpayers. I remember when many dismissed the suggestion that smoking was harmeful, but not now! It is time that more people also woke up to the dangers of alcohol. Few people start drinking with the thought that they will ever become addicted, but too many do. As a Salvationist I am pledged to and can celebrate an alcohol-free life and would not compromise my personal example in this resepct. I have met too many who have regretted starting to imbibe but not one who has regretted abstaining! There is no question of being judgemental of those who do not share my point of view - including some good friends. On the contrary, I am part of an organization that, more than most, seeks to help those with addictions.

Need and greed

The financial crisis is hitting people all over the world and its complexities may baffle many. But it is plain that unrestained greed has contrbuted to the problem with a knock-on effect affecting millions of decent,law-abiding folk. It might be said that there is enough in the world for everyone's need but not enough for everybody's greed. Hopefully some lessons have been learnt and there will be contols which will prevent any repeat of the widespread problems of the past year.

After the fire storm

It seems that the firestorms in Victoria may now be under control and victims have been humbled and grateful for amazing support from around the world but, what for observers may seem the beginning of the end is only the end of the beginning for those most affected. When the fires no longer attract headlines the work of rebuilding homes and lives will still go on. The Salvation Army has declared that it is 'in for the long haul' and hopefully other NGOs and government departments will also be committed for the long term. We should all continue to pray and pay for those who have suffered so grievously.

The fiery furnace

The Victorian bush fires continue to dominate the headlines and the horrendous extent of the havoc becomes even more clear. The disaster seems to have brought out the best and the worst in human nature. We have been inspired by the devotion of the fire fighters, the courage of many of the victims and the generosity of the public with an avalanche of donations. On the other hand we may have shaken our heads in disbelief at stories of looters and fires being deliberately lit. As a Salvo I have been humbly proud of the part being played by The Salvation Army alongside other bodies. My wife and I are on call to assist as we are able and certainly we pray for all those affected by the events of recent days.

Let the sunshine in

Many years ago in the UK we used to sing, 'Let the blessed sunshine in Open up the windows, open wide the door Let the blessed sunshine in'. I thought ironically about that this morning as I 'battened down the hatches' and closed blinds and curtains in anticipation of one of the hottest days on record. I love sunshine but I guess one can have too much even of a good thing. Today my prayers are with those whose homes are threatened by fires and the brave people who will be fighting the blazes. In a world where we have a financial crisis caused to some extent by greed it is good to recognise others who are prepared to put their lives on the fire line for the sake of others, God bless them!

Unread

For a few years I have been a member of a writers' group comprised of people from various backgrounds. Some are very able with their pens and yet most of their work is unpublished while much that is vastly inferior finds its way on to book stands.What a pity! It is like that with the Bible which may be the most unread best-seller in the world. I remember some verse written by John Greenleaf Whittier:
'We search the world for truth; we cull The good, the pure. the beautiful, From graven stone and written scroll, From all the flower fields of the soul And weary seekers of the best We come back laden from the quest To find that all the sages said Is in the book our mothers read.'