Of Poverty...

"Poverty is not a lack of character. Poverty is a lack of money."

How we each respond to the paradigm of that quote sets the tone for all debate on economics, social justice and capitalism.

Getting Up Close and Personal

It's official! And I'm excited!

The Local Government Commission has made its determination on the representation structure for the Christchurch City Council ahead of the up-coming local body elections, and they have endorsed the City Council's recommendations (with a few boundary amendments).  A full copy of the report is here, but the essence is:

1 Mayor
16 Councillors
Elected from 16 individual member wards
7 Community Boards.

Supporters of a stronger democracy in Christchurch can breathe a sigh of relief. This is a dramatic improvement on the current model, for little overall difference in cost (a significant issue to a number of Christchurch residents).  It bring smaller wards, with single member representation. There are 16 councillors, not 13.  Taken together, these mean that it will be easier for Councillors to connect with their constituents; and much easier for their constituents to hold them to account: to get 'Up Close and Personal'.

I had initially preferred the 19 Councillor/ 19 Ward/ 8 Community Board model. I felt it was more democratic still. However, many people were fixated on the increased costs of this model, at a time when the Council was struggling to balance its books. For me, it was a hard decision, as I don't believe we can put a price on democracy.   However, finally I came down on the side of the new proposal, for the core reason that it is far better than the current one; and (as I noted) it is essentially cost neutral.

I've waited with some trepidation, as there were still those who wanted to maintain (or even further curtail!) the current inadequate system; and they had raised a number of objections.  But those objections have been set aside.  We have our new system!

A better structure is in place.  Now it's time to ensure we elect quality Councillors and Community Board members who can show they know how to listen to their people and empower their communities.  That's what local body politics should be about. And that's what I believe we can achieve.

And that's why I'm excited.

...of two conferences

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times". 

So begins Charles Dickens' 'Tale of Two Cities'. A novel that powerfully explored one world with two radically different world views; fully dependent from which 'city' - London or Paris - one hailed. 

I have been reminded of this today, as I have come from the New Zealand Labour Party's Annual National Conference, in Palmerston North. Coming a year after one of the Party's most disastrous electoral drubbings in its 99 year history, it could so easily have been a time of teeth-nashing and voice-wailing. It could have been a time of blood-letting, of recriminations, of looking only to the distant past of 'what once we had'. We could have lifted up the drawbridge, sealed off the entrances, and hidden inside our fortress - hoping against hope that, the world would finally realize how wrong it was, and coming cap in hand to us, begging to let Labour lead again. 

Instead it was an uplifting and positive event. Past divisions were put aside. The loss was acknowledged and owned. But there was a determination to look forward, not hark back. To listen positively, not scream negatively. To seize tomorrow, not pine for yesterday. The leader's end-of-conference speech had the audience on their feet excited about winning in 2017: believing it as a real opportunity.   Truly, it was the best of times.

And then, there was the Baptist Union's conference, held in Tauranga - which I did not attend. Its most significant decision was on the non-place of same sex marriages in our buildings by our pastors. Not satisfied with affirming its position on the biblical basis of marriage (a view I fully endorse, by the way)  the conference looked for ways to enforce this on all its constituent members. Certainly, the conference ended with clarity on belief. And certainly there were speeches that contained real highlights. 

But...

Where was the vision for tomorrow? Where was the sense that we were establishing a cornerstone platform that would see the gospel transform families, Iwi, communities? Where was the 'hook' that showed we were looking out, looking forward, looking up? In what way did we lower the drawbridge and run out to embrace the people around us? Talking to those who attended, I heard none of that.

The best of times, the worst of times. Two cities; Palmerston North, and Tauranga. Two visions; Labour's, and The Baptist Union's. 

I'm glad I went to Palmerston North this weekend. 

Bowalley Road: Tricky Customer: Why Is Matthew Hooton Accusing John Key’s Government Of Lurching To The Left?

Bowalley Road: Tricky Customer: Why Is Matthew Hooton Accusing John Key’s Government Of Lurching To The Left?

Bowalley Road: The Common Affairs Of The Whole: Why The National Party Is So Bad For New Zealand Capitalism.

Bowalley Road: The Common Affairs Of The Whole: Why The National Party Is So Bad For New Zealand Capitalism.



An excellent read.  As always, Trotter gives a powerful critique of the state of politics in NZ

...of giving as we have received

As promised last time, I'm going to be putting up and pondering (briefly: whew, I hear some say!) thoughts from the bible that show God's heart for the poor.

Deuteronomy 26:6-9

“But the Egyptians mistreated us and made us suffer, putting us to hard labor. Then we cried out to the LORD, the God of our fathers, and the LORD heard our voice and saw our misery, toil and oppression. So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with miraculous signs and wonders. He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey.”

The Bible reveals a God who reaches into the lives of the oppressed and looks to bring help to the hurting. When we hear the voice of the wounded crying out for help, we also hear God's heart crying for them. He brings wholeness for them; He calls us to do the same.

... of New Visions and New Directions

This coming month I'm starting a new series at Riccarton Baptist Church, called 'Give Me This Mountain'. It's about vision: why we need it; what ours at RBC is; Who our vision is centred on, and; therefore what we should be doing. We're going to look at one of these each week.

Preparing for this series has had me thinking. Our church community needs a vision, and I love the one we have. But each of us needs a vision as well. Jesus had one. The apostle Paul had one. Martin Luther; William Wilberforce; Nelson Mandela; Mother Theresa: they all had a vision that they lived - and were prepared to die - for.

So, I ask myself, what is my vision? What keeps me awake at night; rejoicing when I see it moving forward, and weeping when I see it stalling?

The advancement of the kingdom of heaven? Well, yes: I am passionate about that. But that's a really big vision: one the whole church is called to undertake. When I drill down deeper, what part of that do I sense is mine to serve? Wilberforce was involved in many things, but his driver in each was to challenge all forms of oppression.

I am no Wilberforce to be sure. But his 'calling' (for that is what he sensed it was) resonates with me. So this year I want to explore a new vision - or rather, the resurfacing of an old vision: this year I want to read and reflect on God's heart for the poor and the oppressed. A verse a week: and frankly it excites me just thinking about it.

Which is what true vision does.

... Of Easter.

Father Forgive Them... Luke 23:34

The heavy wooden cross is raised up, and then dropped into place with a juddering crash. The soldiers who have raised it up relax, mopping away the sweat their efforts have caused. They drop to the floor, relaxed and disinterested. Their work is done. Now all they have to do to is wait for the three men to die.

The soldiers are relaxed. Not so the man on the centre cross. His body screams with agony and pain. The judder caused such searing pain he almost faints. There is blood on his feet; blood runs  down his arms; blood pours freely from his back, where the metal tipped whip has struck him and struck him and struck him, ripping his flesh away.

And blood drips into his eyes, from the crown of thorns they have mockingly jammed onto his head.  Blood, blood, so much red. His eyes mist with it. Or is it the pain that is blinding him.

He is struggling to breathe. His own weight is pulling him down, as though he is drowning. But when he raises himself up, the nails tear at Him. 

Still, Jesus raises himself, to look at his accusers. Standing round his cross are the good men of Jerusalem, come to ensure he dies. To them he is an enemy. And because he is an enemy, they take the time to gloat. It is not enough that Jesus die; even that he dies horribly. They would see him totally humiliated, 

And so they stand; and watch; and gloat. 

And Jesus sees their faces. And Jesus feels their hatred. And Jesus senses their anger and their fear. 

And through his pain he summons the energy to speak. And his words cause a moment of silence in their mocking. For they are the last words any expected to hear.

"Father, forgive them," he says. "They don't know what they are doing."

'Father'. Jesus begins and ends with Father. Others scoff and abuse him at this time, thinking that the cross denies Jesus claims. But Jesus knows that the cross is the necessary door back to his throne. The cross does not deny: rather, it affirms his relationship with the Father. Before the world even began, He had chosen to suffer and die, so that he might save the lost (Luke 19:10). That time is now here. And through the door of suffering He steps. 

'Forgive them'.  Here is Jesus mission. He came to bring healing and forgiveness. Was Jesus tempted not to forgive those who were wronging him so totally? If he was, he did not yield to it. The open hand of God is extended to everyone - whatever their crime. Though it costs him his life, given in humiliation and suffering, Jesus does not lose sight of his purpose. He came to bring the Lord's favour, through the cross of salvation. And so he offers forgiveness even to those who crucify him. Jesus once called his followers to love their enemies and to pray for them (Luke 6:29,35): now he lives out that call.  

'They don't know what they are doing'. 'They' think they know. To the Romans, Jesus is a pest, stirring up the Jews to perhaps another rebellion. To the Jewish religious leaders Jesus is a trouble-maker, risking the wrath of Rome falling on the people of Judea. To the bystanders Jesus is another failed Messiah.  For these reasons they execute him, and scoff as he groans in pain up there.

But Jesus is right: they don't know what they are doing, for in fact they are killing the Son of God.  Were he to lift but one finger, legions of angels would come to his rescue. 'They' - the Jewish and Roman leaders -  think Jesus cannot do this, for 'they' think he is not the Messiah. How wrong they are.  Truly, 'they' do not know what they are doing.

Here is Isaiah's righteous suffering servant. He suffers, the innocent for even the most guilty, to wash away our sin.  

What can wash away the guilt of each sinner? Nothing but the Blood of Jesus. Here is amazing love: the innocent dies for the guilty; and asks that they be forgiven, even as their actions condemn him to the most agonizing of deaths. 

Amazing love, that I the guilty one, should go free. 

'Father, forgive them', Jesus cries in love. It is amazing love.  A love so amazing, and so divine that it demands my soul, my life, my all.

... of Fun

Some students came by the church last night, About 11pm. They must have seen lights on upstairs, as our youth group was sleeping over (The campsite they were going to had been closed due to bad weather). I noticed the students through our bedroom window. At first they seemed fine, If rather noisy.

Then I heard the smash of glass, and as I rushed outside I saw the students scatter. All except one, who held my attention while the others fled, and then fled herself. 

I stood at our church door, brooding over the smashed glass. Our youth helped me clean the mess.

By the time we had finished I was past brooding and into anger. How could these students call this fun? Fun, to break a window and upset people so. Fun? This is fun? I don't think so! I went robed, stewing. 

The wet new day dawned. Good Friday. The day Jesus died on the cross for my sin. That day the crowds gathered and thought it was 'fun'to mock a crucified man. They did not scatter, but stayed to the end to watch his body break. 

And suddenly a broken window seemed somehow less important. Oh sure, annoying. But hardly life changing. Yet the broken body of my Saviour: THAT matters. 

The window is fixed. And so is my perspective. Of course I'd love to discuss 'fun' with our late night visitors. But I think I need to discuss Jesus with them more. 

...Of Arrows in Quivers

Children. They are a gift from God, we are told. The Bible tells us this time and again. 

But it is odd that it takes those children becoming adults to really see how true this is.

My sons have become men in whom I can confide and trust. My daughter may not be another, but she is a wonderful 'matriarch' even at 25; and that is most definitely a compliment!  

The Psalms say 'Like a quiver full of arrows, so is a man whose house is full of his children.' Within that saying is a sense of deep contentment. 

And I am at last sensing that contentment. I am thankful for them. Whatever's heartache they have caused me, and I them, I now rejoice in these marvelous people that God has blessed me with. To each I say thank you. Through you (and through your mother, of course) God has made my life a sweet joy.

of Eggs Benedict...

My beloved and I went out for brunch yesterday. Turned off one place by the numbers there, we tried a small cafe nearby. 

We did not have a meal.

We had a dining experience.

From the moment we walked toward the cafe, and were greeted by the friendliest of smiles, to the trip back to our car this was a time to savour: and savour, we did!

The cafe was clean, tidy and inviting.

The food was exquisite. I can still recall the taste of the Eggs Benedict – especially the Hollandaise Sauce. The coffee: hmmm... And the date scone... aahhh!

Then we chatted with the duty manager, who said she had looked for a job in hospitality by eating at different places until she found one she enjoyed, and put her resume in – even though they were not looking for anyone at that moment. She told them she wanted to work where she enjoyed dining: they found her a spot on their team pronto. It was a stimulating conversation.

Great food, great ambiance, great staff: that is a dining experience. I will go again and again; and I will recommend them to any and everyone. Well done Savoire Cafe and Bar, in Beckenham!

http://www.savoirecafe.co.nz/ 

Want to stand out in a crowded marketplace (because we sure do have a lot of cafes in Christchurch)? Then give more than just a product, or service: give an experience. People will come back. And you will get noticed.

...Of Loyalty and other Quaint Notions

There is a young golfer - Korean-born, New Zealand-based - who has stunned the world with her talent. Lydia Ko is still only 16, but already she has won a number of tournaments as an amateur, and recently received special dispensation to turn professional: two years younger than the normal age. She stands on the brink of an amazing career, no doubt filled with many accolades and a secure financial future. Lydia's skill is undoubted, as is her single-minded focus. One would normally wish her all the success due her skill and effort.

Yet there is a sour taste in my mouth. For as she stands on the brink of sporting greatness, Lydia has chosen to part with the coach who has worked with her since she was five years old; a coach who has sacrificed countless hours of his time; pouring all his own skill and knowledge to raise this young woman to this place where now she stands. He now also stands ready to reap the reward for his labours: at last she can really repay him for all he has done for her.

And what is his reward? Within weeks of turning professional, Lydia has now moved to the United States (perfectly understandable), signed a major management contract (again, perfectly understandable); and sacked him as her coach.  Apparently she feels the distance will mean he can be of no value for her. And it would now seem the relationship was one-sided: she only sought to take, never to give.

There are three components to greatness: gifting; focus; character. Lydia has the first two in spades. But for me on the first hurdle she has failed the third: her choice has shown she has much to learn before greatness can be trusted in her hands.

As for Guy Wilson, her coach; he has been loyal, gracious, and humble in his response to her decision.

Greatness: of the two, it is clear for me where it resides. In Guy Wilson, a man of honour and loyalty.

... Of passing Giants

Mandela has died.

Silence for a giant.

Not perfect. Flawed, as are we all. But he will cast his shadow over us for decades to come. Steadfast, certain of the justice of his cause. Able to reach beyond his own pain to forgive, and so to commence healing in a shattered nation.

What can one man do? He can shape a nation.

What can one woman do? She can raise our eyes from what is to what can be.

Mandela was a giant. Honour his legacy by becoming a giant too.

...of Red and Black

Red and Black.

If you live in New Zealand, you will know that these are the colours of the Canterbury Rugby team: easily one of the finest rugby teams ever. Their success has always been built on teamwork, hard work, loyalty, and sacrifice. I love being a Canterbury supporter!

Red and Black are also the two colours of money. 'Being in the black' means you have it; 'Being in the red' means you dont.

The bitter truth for too many people today is that they live in the red all the time. Easy credit, powerful marketing, unending peer pressure, the demand for instant gratification: these all add up to the situation where for many the cost of interest payments alone soak up most of their income.

Fact: three young people I know each have debts in excess of $30,000 with little or no assets to underpin that debt. And that excludes their student debts for University educations. The annual interest for their debts is over $7000 each. It's crushing each of them: soaking the joy out of every day, and limiting their future choices.

The best favour we can do society is to find a tool to help us get out of debt. And when we are out of debt, to help others do the same.

Here's one very useful tool: I'm Getting Out of Debt   Thanks Dan and Ness for your hard work and your example.

Sure, there's a cost: but its no more than one good meal out. And what we get for nothing we often value as the same.

There are other tools. No matter. Pick one. Then stick with it. Get debt free. Then help another.

Less red, more black.

...of fire

Despite the loud clamoring of the most hardened atheists, people have a sense that they were made for a purpose. I have yet to meet a person moving joyfully from place to place, reveling in life because it is meaningless.

It goes deeper. We aren't just on a quest to find the general purpose of humanity - though that has its place of course. Instead, we are looking for our unique place in the grand scheme of thing.
And when we find that God-given purpose, our souls are set on fire. We find the abundant life that Jesus spoke about.

Purpose: we hunger for one. When we have one we live. Without one we merely exist.

...of Persistance

There's an old proverb that says a thousand mile journey begins with the first step.  How true! We all need to make a decision at some point to move from thinking about a project, or a relationship, or a job; to actually starting. Nothing happens until we start.

But for most of us, the paths of our past are littered with projects we have started, but failed to finish. That's because there comes a point where the energy from the enthusiasm of something new wanes, and we have to fall back on plain old commitment.

Malcolm Gladwell(  +Malcolm Gladwell Official Website  ) coined the idea of '10,000 hours to mastery'. It's a simple notion - as the best ideas always are - that giftedness can never replace persistent effort.

Of course, we need to learn what we are to practice, so our efforts make a genuine improvement. We need guidance, and mentoring. But simply put, there is no substitute for persistent effort. Want to learn the piano? Practice often. Want to master a new language? Practice often. Want to run a Marathon? Practice often.

Simple. Unfashionable. Essential.

... Of whole-hearted people

"And Levi left everything and followed him". Luke 5:28

Levi was a follower of Jesus. He was a tax collector when he first met Jesus. The more he saw of Jesus, the more he wanted to be someone different. And when Jesus finally invited Levi to join his band of brothers, Levi jumped at the chance. But there was a cost: one that Levi had to pay. He had to give up everything he had been, done and known up to that point.

Not some things: not most things; everything. 

We in the West live in a fantasy world where everything comes to us. Levi understood that the real world is different. To attain what really matters costs us all we have.

No problem if you don't want to pay the cost: just don't demand the prize.

Of Teams Structured To Fail

I recently attended a major event intended to mobilise a key part of the Christian movement in New Zealand to reach our diverse society. The leadership team were introduced: every one a middle-age, Pakeha male. 

In a multicultural, co-ed society with energetic and vision-filled youth, this is a recipe, not for success but for failure. 

A group becomes what it's leaders embody. Want to reach Maori, or Women, or Youth? Then your leadership must include and embrace them. Not as tokenism: they need to earn their place. But be pro-active and seek out quality people who represent those you want to reach.

... Of action

A short post, to return with. 

Never mistake activity for achievement. All the busy-ness in the world means nothing if you make no difference: be it growing a relationship, producing a new/ better service or good, or even advancing a hobby. 

More action is no substitute for a purposeful plan. 

...of Mark Twain

Mark Twain once famously stated: "The report of my death was an exaggeration".

At the time, a cousin was gravely ill, and a newspaper confused one man with the other. Yet it was understandable: the two men's names were similar, and Mark Twain had not written anything for some time.

Neither, I see, have I.

Lest anyone be concerned, let me restart my posting with an an assurance: I am still alive. Normal service shall now resume.

Whatever that means :-)