Cryptic Values

I recently visited Leeds to meet a former pupil for tea. He had graduated from university and was delighted to tell me about his job as an engineer. I arrived early, hoping to visit the galleries, but, alas, they close on Mondays, allowing recuperation for their staff who were busily working on the Sunday, formerly a day of rest. Having three hours to kill and a deadline to meet, I wandered about, while wondering about what I might do. I saw St George’s Church on a map, and strolled across the city.

A friend from university days had become a vicar connected to the church, which was well known for its work among the city’s less fortunate denizens. I went inside, asked for a tour of the building, and whether Jon was around. He was, and after 22 years, we had much upon which to catch up. He introduced me to his friends at Lighthouse who were enjoying a craft class, and with them I shared some food. I enjoyed their company and their questions.

My evening meal was spent with a young man who was very much a success; he was beginning a great career and had salary prospects to match. My lunch companions, on the other hand, were not people generally regarded as successful and accomplished. Yet many of them had, through Lighthouse’s assistance, overcome appalling obstacles and some were clearly walking with Jesus Christ.

The world measures success by qualifications, income tax bands, articulation, and appearance. God, on the other hand, measures it by one’s relation to Jesus Christ.

Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. John 6:27