Right or wrong, it does highlight the fact that most of the bad things that
happen in this world happen because we let them – they happen because we,
that is the people, accept them as inevitable, or we permit them because of
our inactivity or apathy.

Evidently the ninety-eight percent are all around us, but if we aspire to
membership of the two percent that can prevent all these bad things, then
we had best do something about it.

Someone once said that the pen is mightier than the sword. Although that
may sound naive in this day and age, there is more than a grain of truth in
it. If we accept without question poor workmanship, indifferent service
and dishonest representation, then that is what we will get. And don’t
underestimate the power of public opinion. I have seen what can be done
by the might of the pen in reducing the amount of pornography to which we
are constantly exposed. I have had cause to complain to multi-national
corporations about inferior products and have received positive responses.
Unless we do make our opinions felt the chances are that companies will
believe that nothing is wrong, and if we don’t have our say on social and
national issues our politicians will assume that we are contented.

One such ‘two-percenter’ lived almost 2,000 years ago. He refused to
accept injustice. He condemned greed and immorality. His active
campaigning lasted only four years but his actions changed the course of
history. And most of us would be aware that the only reason we do not
follow the example of Jesus is the fear of being a minority.

Jesus and his followers represented less than two percent of the people of
his day. Yet his influence on the remainder was dramatic.

Have a good week. Pastor Ron

Optional Bible reading: Isaiah 9:6-7.

This is one of a series of weekly messages of encouragement originating
from the Huon Valley, near Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. A companion Bible
study page is available each week. To subscribe email

<> with the words ‘subscribe word (or) word and study’
Enquire about our weekly ‘Kids World’ email newsletter for young people.

Pastor Ron Clarke (Mark 16:15)

Email:

Internet Home Pages: http://www.pastornet.net.au/word4week

(Kids World) http://www.tassie.net.au/~rclarke