Second is the purpose of life. When we become followers of Jesus we start to view the whole world differently. We want to be more like Jesus, bringing good news to the poor, bringing freedom for those who are trapped in circumstances that diminish their lives. We want to bring sight to those who lack vision and hope and to share love without limit. As we do this we believe that our good deeds are not simply isolated acts of kindness but lights in the darkness, lights that will never be put out because Jesus shows us the victory of love in which we can all share.
Third is prayer. What a wonderful thing prayer is! Whether it’s the calming time at the start of the day, the brief moment entrusting a loved one to God’s healing care or the shared time of praying together. Prayer is such a wonderful thing to do. I really do feel for those who never take time to pray. But it’s not just prayer, it’s shared worship and praise, it’s reading and studying the Bible, it’s taking the bread and wine at Holy Communion. I am not surprised Christians on average live longer. We have so many wonderful aids to living. But ultimately it’s not about me. It’s having God at the centre and the Holy Spirit transforming our lives.
