Christianity – the good, the truth, the beauty

Having spent last Saturday at Wydale, I felt inspired by a simple phrase of Christianity – good, truth and beauty that I felt it a worthy topic for this week's thought. Quite often when thinking about the Bible, Jesus, God – ie all those things we think of in isolation we often focus on aspects of the good and the truth as ways of thinking about the word, not often the beauty.

Regardless of your level of faith, it is impossible not to be able to see the positive impact that the church has had on the society we live in through the teachings of Jesus. John 13:34 sets out a basic approach to life “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another”. OK, we may fail to do this on many occasions but as a principle for life we can not suggest that this is not the way we should live and is not good. Christianity has touched virtually every part of life, and always for the better.

Truth, from a Christian perspective, is not an abstract concept but is embodied in the person of Jesus Christ and is central to our faith and the relationship we have with God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Throughout the bible God is presented as truth (see Deuteronomy 32:4) and Jesus links to this when he declares in John 14:6 "I am the way and the truth and the life". This clear identity of Jesus’ divinity links our faith in the certainty of the saving power of Jesus.

The third part of this, however is something we probably consider less. The Beauty of Christianity, or more particularly the Christian faith. In summary, beauty from a Christian perspective is a multifaceted concept that goes beyond simple aesthetics and the superficial and instead is engrained in God’s nature and emphasises the inner character of God an Jesus. As Christians we are called to reflect that beauty as we live our lives and how we interact with others. In other words, to mirror the mission of the Archbishop ‘Living Christ’s Story’.

So in our Churches and Communities what doe this mean for us. I put it to you simply. Have faith in the New Covenant, believe and trust in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and play our individual and collective parts of the Great Commission, but most importantly let each and everyone of us shine as images of Jesus in our daily lives and daily interaction that the beauty of the Lord may be your reflection.

Pray for …

• The wider ABC Churches (Acaster Malbis, Appleton Roebuck, Acaster Selby, Askham Bryan, Bolton Percy, Colton, Copmanthorpe) and all that God has in store for us, moving forward together.
• Christians in our communities and around the world engaged in continuing the works of Jesus, however big or small the deed.
• That we may be open to hearing God’s will and move forward in faith.

Give thanks for …

• Giving opportunities for us to share our faith
• The sure foundation on which our faith is grounded
• All those who work to bring the Kingdom of God closer

Alan Johnston