[This reflection was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 10/Jan/2021]
Philippians 2 v14–16 says “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.”
Many years ago I watched Testament of Youth on television, based on Vera Brittain’s experiences of nursing on the front line in World War 1. After witnessing unspeakable horrors in France, she returned home to find her mother complaining about the minor hardships she was facing as a result of the war, like the lack of parties, shortage of various non-essential items and problems in getting servants.
At the time I judged the mother quite harshly, but during the past year I have all too often acted in the same way, focussing on my own small hardships, mainly the separation from family and friends (mitigated by Skype and Zoom), while others have been on the front line, fighting for their lives or risking their own lives in the fight to save others. As well as medical and care staff, there have been teachers, shop workers, transport workers, police and many others who have been working under very difficult and dangerous conditions, whilst others have seen their jobs disappear and been plunged into poverty.
Even with the vaccine, life is likely to continue to be very challenging for many and the future can look dark, but perhaps God is allowing these dark times so that our lights can shine more brightly in the world, pointing people to the Light of the world. Jesus said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” [John 8 v12]
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Contributed by Helen Ruffhead; © the Author
