Food for Thought by Marcia Dixon MBE

REJECT WORLDLINESS AND LIVE FOR GOD
When I was growing up, my parents – as with many parents of the Windrush Generation – told me: “Don’t follow friends” and “Know your own mind”.

These were important life lessons, as it encouraged young people like me to be confident independent thinkers and to have self-agency, i.e., not blindly follow their friends but carve out their own path.

In this age of social media, where influencers seek to encourage others to imitate their lifestyle, follow their advice, or buy their products or services, it’s evident that aspects of the Windrush generation’s parental advice needs to be revisited – especially for young people who have made the decision to follow Jesus.

From where I’m sitting, as a mature person, young Christians are living in ‘the best of times and the worst of times’, as written by Charles Dickens.

The advent of social media has provided Christians – young and older – with an exceptionally useful platform to share testimonies and Scriptures; to post links to their church services and events; and to preach the Word in order to touch the world for Christ.

The dark side of social media, however, is that it can cause anxiety, encourage people to project a false image of themselves, and inspire believers to think and behave in ways that are not in alignment with their faith.

During the era in which the apostle Paul lived, preached and wrote his epistles, Christians faced struggles similar to those which we experience today – minus the technology – hence his famous scriptural directive in Romans 12:2

‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.’

Living out God’s will – and being confident of what one believes – will entail rejecting worldliness, pursuing righteousness, and following Scripture. One John 2:15 states what we need to do perfectly: ‘Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.’

AMEN

PRACTICAL WAYS TO SERVE YOUR WORLD

With the election of a new Labour government and its promise to serve the country, I was inspired to write about ways in which Christians can play a greater role in serving civic society.

Christians can utilise their skills and expertise to make a difference and exert their influence in a wide variety of ways. Here are some of them:

VOLUNTEERING – You can volunteer at your church, local charity or food bank. In doing so you can make a valuable and much needed contribution to causes close to your heart, and you will be serving others and broadening your skills and network at the same time.

SCHOOL GOVERNOR – Serving as a governor of a school will involve contributing to a school’s vision and policy, approving the budget, and appointing the headteacher. Visit www.nga.org.uk for information on how to apply.

LOCAL MAGISTRATE – If you’d like to play a part in the criminal justice system, consider becoming a magistrate. They hear cases in criminal and/or family courts on offences such as minor assaults, thefts and TV license evasion, and decide whether defendants should be kept in custody, fined or imprisoned. Visit www.magistrates-association.org.uk for more information and how to apply.

LOCAL COUNCILLOR – You can influence what happens in your local area by becoming a councillor. You’ll represent people in your ward, contribute to policies in the borough, and play a part in reviewing and scrutinising council policy. Visit https://www.local.gov.uk/be-councillor for information.

CHARITY TRUSTEE – Trustees serve on the governing body of charity. They decide on how a charity is directed, managed and run, and being a trustee provides individuals with an opportunity to develop their leadership and strategy skills. Visit https://howcharitieswork.com/get-involved/becoming-a-trustee/ for more information

MAKE THAT CHANGE

When people speak about desiring a change in their life, the go-to response is usually “Do different things”. But what does doing different things look like in reality?

Depending on what you want to achieve, the different things you can do may include:

• changing your personal style, like getting a new hairstyle or new look, etc. One person I know got a job promotion as a result of dressing more smartly.
• changing your social circle by developing relationships with new people and going to different types of events. Doing so will bring you new opportunities.
• changing your mindset and attitude, and having a willingness to do new and different things.
• enrolling on courses. Sometimes the change we want will come when we upskill and broaden our knowledge base by taking a course, attending a workshop, or watching educational videos.
• getting a mentor. Find someone who has walked the path you want to walk and see if they are willing to mentor you.
• praying, which is the pathway to change. Listen to the still small voice of the Lord, and He will lead you to the people and opportunities you desire according to His will.