Many years ago a youngster who lived in a rough area of town was having a
hard time at his new job in the factory. He was brave enough, or foolish
enough (depending on your point of view) to hang on to his ideals, even his
Christian beliefs. His workmates did not approve of that so he got his
daily dose of ridicule and abuse.

One day, one of the men said to him: “You’re a fool. Can’t you see that if
there is a God who cares anything for the likes of you, he would tell
someone to come along and give you what you need – a good meal, a
comfortable home, and at least the chance to make something of yourself.”
To this the youngster replied: “I reckon God does tell someone, only that
someone always forgets.”

A good answer under the circumstances. The reason so many perfectly
preventable evils persist everywhere is that so many of us ‘always forget’.

It is an established fact that the main problem facing a caring humanity is
not doing evil things but in permitting them to happen. Take pornography
for example. Here is a social and depraving evil too unpleasant to talk
about, but easy enough to allow by inaction. It seems that our public
bodies, government agencies, even churches, have a way of forgetting those
whom they were called into being to serve. A hardening, inhuman process
sets in and then the institution cares little except that its own existence
and prestige must be preserved.

We should remember that the personal, moral, social, economic and spiritual
revolution that commenced with Jesus must be continued by Christians who
have followed. We are his hands and feet. When the Lord asked Cain,
“Where is your brother Abel?” Cain answered, “I don’t know – am I my
brother’s keeper?” He displayed a poor attitude. It is an ungrateful
business to be numbered among those who couldn’t care less or always
forget. Our institutions, governments and churches would remember their
purpose anew if enough people cared to see that they do.

Have a good week. Pastor Ron

Optional Bible reading: Genesis 4:1-9

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’
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Pastor Ron Clarke (Mark 16:15)
Email:
Internet Home Pages: http://www.pastornet.net.au/word4week
(Kids World) http://www.tassie.net.au/~rclarke