Matthew 5: 14-16, 1 Timothy 2: 1-4, Philippians 4: 6-7

Philip Morris

There are so many events that we have seen recently on our TV screens; we have seen the phone hacking scandal; the shootings in Norway; we have seen the riots and the looting. Returning home after you've had a bad day at work we get bombarded with events around the world of war, destruction and acts of evil. If you're anything like me you think to yourself, what's going on? How much worse can it get? Sometimes I just think it would be easier not to read the newspapers or watch the news because it is filled with negativity about the bad things that happen.

I remember when I was 16 yrs old I said to my Dad, 'Wouldn't it be good if there was a paper called the Good News Paper?' To which he replied, 'I think there was a paper called that a few years ago as but guess what happened, apparently the paper lasted a whole week before going out of business'. Good news didn't sell newspapers.

In my opinion the media do a fantastic job in bringing us up to date with what is happening locally, nationally and internationally. It's just that sometimes I wish there was more positive stuff to hear about. However, it challenges me to think, 'Right, ok so how as Christians are we to respond to all the negative stuff?'

'You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.' Matthew 5: 14-16.

The answer to my question is found in the book of Matthew. As part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells his disciples that they are the light of the world. He therefore calls us to be a light to those around us. It could be by giving a listening ear, providing financial help, by praying for someone to be healed. It could be by saying that despite all the things we see in the news, that we have a hope and a reassurance that is found in knowing Jesus. It could be by sharing our faith and telling people that God is a God of love who loves every person passionately despite how they may be viewed by the world.

'I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.' 1 Timothy 2: 1-4.

In the times that we are living in, when there is so much negative press; with a culture where people look for someone to blame; we are called to pray for all people. We are in a time where organisations are being shaken to the core, whether it's the government, the police, the banks, or the health service. But, isn't it great that as Christians we are called to encourage and pray for our leaders. We can pray for the government, the monarchy, the education system, Police, NHS and the councils. All this pleases God and by living holy and godly lives ourselves we will point people towards Jesus.

'Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.' Philippians 4: 6-7.

When the world seems unstable and anxiety comes, the one desire that most people have is for peace. God tells us that in every situation we are not to be anxious, we are to pray to him about the situations we face, whether its events in our own lives or those of others, and thank him also. Then we will find our peace. It is a peace that is too deep to understand and that cannot be taken despite what we see in the news; a peace within our hearts.

Earlier on I mentioned that I'd always wondered if a newspaper sold called The Good News Paper; to a broken world that cannot find answers in human resources or human ideas despite all the best intentions, I bring my good news. His name is Jesus.