Take the word ‘soul’. What on earth does it mean? Going to the dictionary will give these three definitions: It’s a deep concept but one that’s really worth trying to understand better than a superficial ‘google search’ for it is something than helps us to understand ourselves. Going within can lead to a labyrinth but […]
A child doesn’t need to be taught to lie but he or she does need to learn the difference between the truth and a lie. Truth takes responsibility but a lie passes the buck with an easy way out – ‘it was someone else, not me!’ For some, lying can become a way of life, […]
Who is sufficient for these things? The Way of Holiness is the path all those who follow Jesus are to travel and yet it is holy ground we often struggle to find, let alone to walk on or manage to stay on. Moses found holy ground when he was not looking for it – his response was to take off his shoes and hide his face. Ezekiel, Isaiah, Daniel, Paul and John all had visions of God in his awesome holiness and were overwhelmed. When mortals come before the immortal, to be overwhelmed is not surprising but how do we approach the One who dwells in ‘unapproachable light’? How can we who are so flawed in our human condition come into the presence of God who defines perfection and holiness in himself? Even the most beautiful diamond is a poor representation of the pure radiance of Almighty God. What’s it to be – shadows and lies or truth and beauty?
How many Biology terms do you recall from school lessons? How about Symbiosis, Commensalism and Parasitism?! Symbiosis describes a close and long-term relationship between different species. Commensalism is a symbiotic relationship in which one species benefits while the other is not affected, with examples such as barnacles and birds nesting in tree hollows. Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship in which the parasitic species benefits while the host species is harmed. This is less pleasant but obvious examples are mosquitos, fleas, aphids and tapeworms! Whilst not such an extreme example of parasitism, ivy does use the structure of a tree or bush to support its growth, subsequent domination and eventual destruction of its host plant. If this ivy is not dealt with, it will destroy this vine meaning there will be no more lovely fruit. Addictions act just like this.
