GOD ON MY MIND: Recent Episodes
Phil Ridden
Phil Ridden shows how the things we see and hear and experience every day can help us to reflect on faith and draw us closer to God. Each week, Phil reflects on some aspect of the news, and other experiences, and how that can help us to grow in our Christian faith. https://philridden.com.au/faith
A giraffe has been born without its distinctive spots our pattern. We recognise animals by their characteristic features, which we assume can never be changed. The prophet Jeremiah told the people that they were so evil it couldn't imagine them ever changing. "Can a leopard change its spots?" he asks. It is difficult for us to change patterns of a lifetime, patterns so ingrained they define us. But Jesus showed it can happen. Phil explains.
As Father’s Day approaches, celebrities share stories of their dads, and the influence they have been — and still are — in their lives. Jesus told us that God is like a Dad. How can that be? Phil explains.
Sports finals are the ultimate test for any athlete. We all face tests from time to time – tests of our physical strength or endurance, tests of our emotional resilience, tests of our social competence … and tests of our faith. How do we cope?
Research has shown that one third of people report feeling lonely. Ironically, those who are most digitally connected – aged 18 to 24 – report the highest incidence of loneliness. It is not a new problem. Its symptoms were described by the Psalmist, David, thousands of years ago. But nor is it a trivial problem. The consequences can be life-threatening. Without resorting to simplistic cliches, how can faith help?
A singer stopped her performance in Las Vegas because a group turned their back to her to take a selfie. Their self-obsession over-rode any sense of courtesy or appropriate behaviour. Self-obsession is not new. Narcissus fell in love with his one image, giving us the word Narcissism, an obsession with one's appearance, an obsessive love of oneself. Jesus challenges us to shift the focus from ourselves to him, as Phil explains.
Research in the UK shows convincingly that married parents stay together longer than unmarried parents. Marriage matters. marriage matters. It is a time when two people say to their friends and to one another: We are now a couple. Anyone who had hopes of getting involved with one of us should now back off. You need to respect us as a partnership. Because whatever happens from here on in our lives, we intend to stay together. Jesus gave clear, though realistic, instructions about marriage, and so did Paul. Phil explains.
A strange object washed up on a Western Australian beach is suspected to be the engine casing of a rocket. It happened around the anniversary of the first moon landing. We humans are constantly reaching out to explore and understand our world — not just space, but below the earth, the oceans, the human body, the mind. Religions tell their story of humankind’s efforts to understand and connect with something beyond ourselves, even beyond our world and largely beyond our understanding. But not beyond our experience. It is our experience that drives our faith. Phil explains.
There is an emerging crisis around tradespeople. Young people are turning away from trades. In WA, in the next five years, only two apprentices will qualify for every three who retire.It's a similar problem in churches, where the loss of aged members exceeds the addition of young. Phil explores the issue.
https://www.philridden.com.au/faith
Although many workers have enjoyed working from home during the pandemic, some businesses are keen to get them back into the office. It’s the same for church, because there are good reasons why Christians gather. Phil explains.
My state newspaper blatantly admits it has an agenda, and the key principles of that agenda are very clear. Like most of the Western world, the agenda that matters is the popular agenda. This is a world where the popular is believed to be right. Social scientists speak of hegemony, the dominance of one particular set of ideas, which after a while become so accepted that they are considered commonsense, and opposing ideas are considered not just wrong, but unacceptable. This prevents the spread of alternative ideas, or even the expression of them. And now we talk of being woke, supporting the causes and views which are favoured on social media. Paul wrote to Philemon, urging him to think differently about a runaway slave, Onesimus, because his Christian faith changed his values and relationships. Christians have a responsibility to stand against the dominant views of our community where those views are contrary to the teachings of Jesus.
When a law is passed by the parliament, an army of public servants gets busy creating the regulations needed to implement it. And then individuals have to interpret and apply these rules. The problem is that sometimes the complex detail hides the idea behind the legislation. It happened in Jesus’ time too. He criticised the religious leaders who complicated God’s laws with trivial rules that missed the point of the law. Church leaders have done the same over the centuries, until now some churches are buried beneath rules, expectations and rituals, turning people away from God. Jesus pointed out that there were only two laws, and that following them was not meant to be a burden. Phil explains.
Recent research has debunked the notion that 10,000 steps per day are necessary to maintain good health. It turns out that the number 10,000 was a marketing ploy, not based on any evidence, but which caught on throughout the world. However, behind the notion of walking a certain number of steps is an essential truth: that exercise is important to health. How many steps or other exercise is debatable. We get distracted by trivial detail in our faith too, arguing about specific bits of the Bible, and missing the essential truth. Phil explains, with an example.
Australia is soon to face a referendum which will give Indigenous people a special voice in the parliaments and decision-making bodies of the country. As today, in Jesus’ time, there were many people who sought to be heard, those without wealth or power or status — the disabled, women, children, lepers, the homeless. Phil shares three such stories. There are many people in our community and our world who have no voice, because they cannot speak or cannot be heard, or because people do not want to hear them.
People love to follow sports, and often become fanatical about their favourite team, wearing team shirts, decorating their homes with team memorabilia, attending every game, and so on. But often their mood and motivation depend on the teams’ performance: when their team does well, they are on a high; when their team loses, they fall into depression. How can we find balance in our lives?
Children are going nuts for a new drink. Others are becoming addicted to vaping. Our obsession with being like everyone else, and having what others say you should have, seems to have no bounds. But God created us to be individuals, to be the best that he created us to be. Paul urged Christians not to copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but to be new and different.
There have been disturbing reports of youths, mostly girls, violently attacking other young people. Where do children and adolescents learn to respond with such violence to anyone who crosses them? The Bible has clear messages about raising children right. We have a responsibility to do so. And Paul offers some further guidelines in his letter to the Romans.
When the Government handed down its budget recently, there were many who complained that they didn’t get a fair deal. But the budget is not about pleasing as many people as possible with handouts, but about stimulating the economy so that everyone benefits. The Government is expected to be a good steward of the finances entrusted to it,. Jesus told a story about a rich man who expected hi9s money to be well managed. It has interesting messages for us.
We have always been fascinated by the moon – its phases, its structure, its beauty. It has inspired poets, musicians, movie makers, romantics and others, who have been touched by the beauty of the moon and its effect as it shines on earth. But the moon is not really beautiful; it’s downright ugly. Its beauty is due to the sun’s light which it reflects. It’s the same for us, in a sense. Phil explains.
Economic recovery is being hampered by a lack of workers. Home building is delayed due to a lack of construction workers; hospitals and ambulance services are struggling with a lack of staff; harvesting of fruit and vegetables is hampered by a shortage of pickers … Our immigration policy is hindering the immigration of skilled workers. Jesus also complained of a shortage of workers.
The sun is a permanent in our lives. It cannot be stopped. Yet, for a brief moment in time at a particular spot on the earth, at 11.30 am on a clear day, the sun was obliterated, eclipsed by the moon. We are reminded that Jesus was called The Light of the World, and John writes: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out. Phil discusses what that means for us.
Children are going nuts for a new drink. Others are becoming addicted to vaping. Our obsession with being like everyone else, and having what others say you should have, seems to have no bounds. But God created us to be individuals, to be the best that he created us to be. Paul urged Christians not to copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but to be new and different.
Some people find the resurrection of Jesus impossible to believe. Yet God asks us to believe some things that are even more challenging. In the end, it is about faith. Phil explains.
Easter is a time to understand the Christian faith. It’s not based on a set of rules or tests, but a story, the story of a loving God who accepts us as we are, and wants a relationship with each of us. He invites us to accept the invitation, and when we do, he fills our life with good things. We also become part of God’s church, as valued a member as anyone else on earth. Some people haven’t experienced the church as a loving and supportive group of followers, fitting together perfectly and seeking to bring out the best in one another. Yet that’s what the church is.
The government has decided to phase out live sheep imports because of complaints that some have been treated poorly during transit. The sheep is probably referred to in the Bible more often than any other animal. From the well-known Psalm 23 to references to Jesus as the Lamb of God and the Good Shepherd, there are many references to sheep that can give us insights into faith, even for city dwellers in the 21st century!
There is a crisis in new home building. In order to stimulate the economy following the pandemic, governments offered grants to home buyers. Thousands signed up, but there were insufficient tradesmen to meet the need. Materials have also been in short supply. The media has told the stories of individuals who have waited three years or more for their home to be completed, experiencing hardship not of their making. But there are others who contracted to buy homes at a time of the lowest interest rates on record, then complained of hardship the moment interest rates began to rise. That showed a lack of careful planning. Jesus spoke about houses on a couple of occasions. Phil shares the stories.
The newspaper carried an interesting story of a drug addict and gang member with a history of violent crime whose life was turned around by Jesus. Now he works as a drug and alcohol counsellor. The story is unusual because the media does not typically promote such stories. Yet it is not unusual because Jesus has been turning around people’s lives for 20000 years. He makes us new people, enables us to start again, or, as Jesus put it, to be ‘born again’. Phil explains.
There are frequent news stories about people who abuse alcohol, resulting in domestic violence, random attacks of violence, road trauma, workplace accidents … The statistics are frightening. And that’s without considering the cost to personal health. It’s not a problem confined to a few individuals, but pervades all of our society. Why do people allow alcohol to control their lives? It leads to destruction. When God’s spirit influences our lives, it leads us to fulfillment.
The media is full of stories of celebrities, people who are famous as singers, actors, sports-people, influencers … It seems we love to read about their performances and their personal lives, even their degrading acts of domestic violence, abuse, drunkenness and drug-taking. We give far less attention to heroes, those who look beyond themselves to help others. Jesus was followed as a celebrity. But he was also followed as a hero.
Our news recently reported death and destruction from natural disasters — earthquakes, floods, bushfires, volcanic eruptions … Some disasters strike without warning, but there are others for which we can prepare. Some people don’t bother, assuming the government — or someone — will help when needed. Many are the same with their faith, making no preparation for life’s disasters, but assuming that God will help them. Rather than waiting for disaster to strike, how much better to develop a relationship with God during the good times, so that we have a comfortable way of talking with him when our safety and well-being are on the line.
Several violent racist attacks have been reported in the media. Racism, and other forms of discrimination, are as old as humanity. Jesus didn’t simply make speeches against such things, he modelled acceptance of everyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, nationality, disability, values and beliefs. It’s a lesson for our contemporary world, not simply to speak and march against discrimination, but to live it every day in our relationships with others.
There has been discussion in the media lately about Secondary school students taking the easy way out with their studies. We all face the temptation to look for the easy way – in our daily lives, and in our faith. Following Jesus is not always easy, but he offered relief to the people who had been burdened down with the petty demands imposed by the religious leaders. He points out that he does not impose unreasonable demands. He uses the image of two bullocks token together to pull a cart, and he says, if we team up with him, then he will help us live positively, to cope with life’s struggles, to experience his grace.
We have much to celebrate in our beautiful country, but some also find much to mourn. For the Indigenous people of the time, it meant a loss of land, a loss of culture, a loss of freedom, a loss of life. The Europeans and Indigenous people had values and ways of understanding land and people which were diametrically opposed. We humans are not good at taking on new ways of thinking. Much of Jesus’ teaching sought to change people’s thinking. (Read Matthew 5). And Paul explained that the Greeks didn’t accept it if it didn’t seem logical, and the Jews didn’t accept it if there weren’t dramatic miracles involved. (1 Corinthians 1). Phil tries to find a way through this maze.
There are strikes and threats of strike action as workers in Australia and elsewhere seek increased wages to compensate for the higher cost of living due to Covid and the invasion of Ukraine. People withdraw their labour when they feel their work is insufficiently valued. Some people take the same approach with God, withdrawing their labour when God doesn't seem to be providing them with what they think they deserve. But, as Phil explains, God is not our personal genie, on standby until we decide we need him.
Hot Cross Buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday to remind us of Jesus' death. Yet they have been available in supermarkets since Boxing Day. Easter eggs, traditionally eaten on Easter Sunday to remind us of Jesus' resurrection, will also soon be available in shops. Some people think this is wrong. But is it not a good thing to be reminded of Jesus death and resurrection at any time of the year? Phil discusses this contentious issue.
The hymn which we know as “Amazing Grace” was first introduced to the world by John Newton on New Year’s Day in 1773, exactly 250 years ago. The story behind the hymn is as amazing as the grace which it speaks of. The words of the song capture the essence of the Christian faith. Christianity is not a religion based on rules. It is not a religion which requires its followers to go through a series of steps to achieve the pinnacle of faith. It is not a religion which demands perfection of its followers. The heart of Christianity is contained in Newton’s words: God’s amazing grace, his unconditional forgiveness and love, enable us to have a relationship with him.
As we enter a new year, the media bring us reflections on the old year. Newspapers and television provide a summary of the key news items of the past year. January is a time to consider our past and our future. January named after the Roman god, Janus. He is usually depicted as a bearded gentleman with two faces in profile, back to back. One face looks back; the other looks forward. What do you see when you look back? And what do you hope when you look forward. Do New Year’s resolutions really make a difference? The prophet Isaiah reminded the people of all that God had done for them, but then quotes God as saying, ‘Don’t hang on to the past. Watch for the new things which I’m going to do for you.’ In a modern colloquialism, God is saying: ‘You ain’t seen nothing yet!’
Media outlets had a lot to say about Christmas in the weeks before. Most of the reporting focused on the economic impact of Christmas and its effect on lifestyle. And since Christmas, there have been reports on the way Christmas was celebrated. It’s the same every year. And yet, this is the time of amazing news. And it is good news, in the midst of what is often bad news. It is the story at the heart of Christmas, story of the birth of a baby, Jesus. This story still impacts us 2000 years later. And the story has some amazing elements. Why did God design it this way?
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The senior medical officer is concerned about complacency. Although many people are still getting the coronavirus, the take up of the fourth vaccination has been poor. It’s not surprising. We tire easily, lose motivation easily, accept what was previously unacceptable as normal. We do it with our faith too. Jesus pointed that out and Paul admitted that he was often complacent too. What can we do about it?
Halloween, properly known as All Hallows Eve is the night before All Saints Day. It has nothing to do with ghoulish beings, macabre deaths, weird costumes or trick and treating. It was a celebration of the lives of Christian saints, ordinary people who lived faithful and virtuous lives, serving God as they felt he was calling or leading them to do. We can learn from the lives of those who have passed on.
The media regularly report on women fighting against inequity, violence and abuse. Throughout history, women in most part of the world have struggled for basic rights. Unfortunately, the Christian church has not always been supportive, yet Jesus was a strong advocate for the dignity and rights of women. Luke, in particular, highlighted this, and Paul, often accused of being misogynistic, also affirmed the role of women. Phil explores this issue. https://philridden.com.au/faith.
We are familiar with suffering — our own and that of others. We suffer from natural disasters and troubles of our own making. The question, Why God? Is as old as humankind and as recent as today. How can we understand suffering?
There are regular stories on the news of people Taking aggressive action to impose their social political views on the community. Sometimes Christians do it too, appointing themselves as God’s sheriffs. It was not Jesus’ way, and it should not be ours. Phil explains.
When we don’t want to hear something, we block our ears. The Bible has several stories about people who put their fingers in their ears and turned their backs so that they could not hear what they were being told, and didn’t have to deal with it. We all do it. What are you blocking out?
Duty is an old-fashioned word, but it means a moral or legal obligation, a responsibility, something that we are required to do as part of our job. Queen Elizabeth epitomised it. And when Jesus’ disciples asked him to give them more faith, he talked about duty. His explanation put in context our accountability to God. https://philridden.com.au/faith
When someone dies, especially someone famous or influential, journalists often report on their legacy, the influence they have had or will have on those who remain and the following generations. While we can leave a material legacy, such as money or property, the more important legacy is how we have influenced the thoughts, values, motives, behaviours of those who remain. And the problem with this is that we cannot decide how others will be influenced by us. The Bible has some useful words.
The headline often determines whether we read or avoid an article. But news is never objective. It is biased by the parts of the story the reporter chooses to report and to highlight, and the angle which the reporter chooses to take. And headlines are sometimes misleading, designed to entice the reader into reading something they might otherwise not be interested in. There are stories in the Bible to which we give titles which are misleading. Titles like The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, and The Prodigal Son are misleading, tempting us to miss the point of the stories. Phil refocuses us on the point of these stories. Luke 15. https://philridden.com.au/faith.
There have been stories in the media about businesses that have failed to meet expectations. It started with great promise. Investors were keen to buy in. But it failed. It’s a common story. Staring a venture is relatively easy. Building it, maintaining it, and achieving ambitious goals are all quite different processes. Faith is like that. Setting out on the journey is relatively easy. Staying the journey is something else. But we have no better example than Jesus. Phil shares his thoughts on the journey of faith. https://philridden.com.au/faith
There’s a TV show titled First Dates, in which couples are matched by the producers for a blind date. Many have no idea how to hold a conversation, instead interrogating their partner or making speeches. While questions and statements are part of a conversation, it is so much more. Sometimes our prayers are the same, focusing on interrogating God or telling him what we think he should know. Yet prayer is a conversation with God, so it should be so much more. Phil explains what a conversation with God might be like. https://philridden.com.au/faith
When central banks increase interest rates, it’s all about influencing consequences. When inflation is threatening, the bank increases rates, which increases our mortgages and other loans and the cost of running businesses, which increases costs, which increases prices, which reduces spending and stabilises prices. Phil talks about consequences in our daily living and in faith.
Sportsmen and women often pay tribute to the champions who have gone before, and who were their role models or heroes. They also talk about those who continue to inspire and encourage them day by day. It’s the same with faith. The Bible says we are surrounded by champions of the faith who can inspire and encourage us. Phil talks about sport and faith.
A journalist in Ukraine was urged to get past the statistics and “tell the story”. Phil explains how Christians can learn from this too. Explore Phil's books at https://philridden.com.au
Masks can help to prevent the spread of Covid and other diseases. Although they are optional in most places, many people still wear them. We wear virtual masks too, with one another and with God. Phil explains why we don’t need to. Explore Phil's books at https://philridden.com.au
A sailor was found after more than 12 hours floating all night in the Indian Ocean, 11 kilometres from shore. It reminds us of the well-known story of Jonah – except that most people miss the point of the story. It really has nothing to do with the whale! Phil explains.
We have short attention spans. The news about Ukraine and the pandemic and other issues quickly becomes stale. We tire of it. The same is true of faith, as Jesus knew. Phil encourages us to re-energise ourselves in serving God. https://philridden.com.au/faith
The end of financial year sales (EOFYS) are an annual marketing ploy. We like a bargain. Jesus offered bargains too – not just discounts, but freebies. Phil explains some of God’s generous deals. https://philridden.com.au/faith
Economic recovery is being hampered by a lack of workers. Flights are being cancelled due to a lack of air crew; home building is delayed due to a lack of construction workers; hospitals and ambulance services are struggling with a lack of staff; harvesting of fruit and vegetables is hampered by a shortage of pickers … Jesus also complained of a shortage of workers, as Phil explains.
Data from the 2021 Australian Census is now available. It says that people’s involvement in the church and religion is diminishing. Phil offers an interesting point of view. https://philridden.com.au
The end of financial year is a time to prepare accounts and reports. Various measures are used to determine how well a person or business has performed. God has a tool he uses too! Phil explains the message of Amos.
What does being a member of a bikie gangs have to do with being a member of the church. Phil brings some insights.
A journalist in Ukraine was urged to get past the statistics and “tell the story”. Christians can learn from this too.
Masks can help to prevent the spread of Covid and other diseases. Although they are optional in most places, many people still wear them. We wear virtual masks too, with one another and with God. Phil explains why we don’t need to. https://philridden.com.au