THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK - From Vicar Geoff
Not of the world
Our word for the year 2026 reminds us that those who follow Jesus, that is all who have made a commitment to serve Him before themselves, are in the world but not of it. That is why Paul writes in our ‘Word for the Year’ that we are not to conform to the pattern of the world. We are to stand out from the world, reflecting God’s purposes, not those of the world around us. I was reflecting only this week that the world seems to be in such a mess. There is conflict between nations, world leaders are forcing their position to gain power and so many people are struggling with life, with health, bereavement or simply living in the confused society we find ourselves in.
Living in the world, but not of it, can be a challenge. It is so easy to be swept along by our peers. What they get up to can look exciting and fulfilling, so we join in and before we know it we are being swept along, doing things that if we stopped to think about them we would immediately stop. Jesus speaks, similarly to Paul, in Matthews Gospel when he encourages us to be like light: 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)
Light stands out in the darkness. It only takes a little light to make a difference in a dark space. You can see the light of a lighthouse for miles around. We are called to be seen and to stand out. To be different to the world around us. If we just blend in, what difference can we make? If we conform to the ways of the world, we are no longer distinct and unable to point to Jesus, as we get lost in everything around us.
Jesus makes a similar point, when he talks about salt: 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. (Matthew 5:13)
A tiny bit of salt makes a remarkable difference to food, in fact it brings out the flavours, highlighting the taste. We can also do that for those around us. But it is not possible for us to be salt or light if we have been conformed to the ways of the world around us. So stand up, stand out and be the difference in the circles you move in.
Pray for …
The formation of the new ABC Mission and Ministry Unit
Our Licenced Lay Ministers (LLMs)
Opportunities to be salt and light in our communities
Give thanks for …
Messy Church, Little Fish and Little Apples as they draw families into the life of our Mission and Ministry Unit
Those involved in our Alpha course
The increasing number of people attending our traditional services across our villages
We pray for all who live and work in the following streets in our communities:
In Copmanthorpe - Vavasour Court, Fairfax Croft, The Recreation Centre
In Bolton Percy & Colton - The Coach House
In Askham Bryan - Church Close
In Acaster Malbis - Brocket Court, Holly Close, Garth Farm
In Appleton Roebuck - Main Street (from Chestnut House to West End Farm)
In the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.