26th April 2019

We live in such a busy world where there are so many demands placed upon our lives. And so, I wonder just how many of us live our lives dancing to the tunes that other people are playing? In other words, how many of us are influenced by other people, to the point that we become distracted from doing what we are meant to be doing?
It is easy to get distracted from doing your own work when someone asks you to do something else. It can happen to us all, whether in the house, the garden, our work-place or family life. However, it takes a strong mind to keep to your priorities and not be distracted by others and their plans. This has been the situation in the Christian Church from its beginnings.
Following the humiliating death of Jesus on a cross, and the devastation that it caused His followers, St Paul kept his mind focussed on the principle message of the Gospel; the resurrection of Jesus. The Crucifixion and Resurrection are like two sides of a coin. One without the other, however, is incomplete and ineffective. St Peter did the same.
After witnessing the death of Jesus, he came to know the Risen Christ and eventually realised the purpose of God's actions in Jesus, and said, 'Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Because of his great mercy he gave us new life by raising Jesus Christ from death. This fills us with a living hope.'
The early church, even with all the distractions and persecutions, kept focused on their work, their mission, to tell people about their risen Lord, who not only died for us but also conquered death. This is the hope of the Gospel: the message of Easter.
When you encounter someone or something distracting you from your work it's good to recognise the importance that you place upon what you are doing. It doesn't mean that you wont help others, but it has to be balanced with your own priorities.

Happy Easter!
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With every blessing.
Graham