Leadership

I mean no disrespect to the senior leadership of The Salvation Army. After all I was once part of it as a teritorial commander for 11 years and a chief/general secretary for a further seven years. But I have to say that some of the best initiatives have come from the bottom up rather than from the top down. For example, take the Army uiniform. Commissioner Catherine Bramwell-Booth, granddaughter of our founders, told me that it was not introduced because of an edict from headquarters but because of the desire of ordinary salvationists to show whose side they were on.Following the great 'Connections' weekend I believe there will be a ferment of new ideas in our movement. And ideas have legs! On the internet (www.beyondconnections.com.au) is a spontaneous new feaure entitled 'Youth Speak'. I may not agree with every idea which will be expressed but I will be thrilled at the enthusiasm engendered. After all, the word enthusiasm literally means 'full of God'which is what being a salvo is all about.

'Cleveralities'

A wise man who had great influence on me in my youth concocted the word'cleveralities' to describe the pseudo-science or apparent cleverness sometimes employed to cover foolishness or self-indulgence. Sometimes we can even blind ourselves with such false reasoning which is why many clever people are also extremely foolish, convinced that even black is white.We may know people like that and even have caught sight of them in the mirror.

Another little drink

It is reported that in Australia 3000 die annually and 10,000 more need ongoing medical treatment for on-going alcohol related harm. Presumably all began with another little drink which, it was said, would do them no harm.! (I have met many who rued the day they started to drink but cannot recall anyone who regretted that they did not!) Over imbibing causes the loss of 7.5 million working days and an economic cost of $15.3 billion in Oz. Alcohol contributes to carnage on the roads and many cases of abuse within the family. A prison governor once told me that nearly 70% of his inmates were imprisoned for alcohol related officences. Of course, many people drink moderately. Personally I do not because I would not want my example of drinking a little be an example that led someone else to drinking a lot and to addiction. The Bible poses the question, 'Am I my brother's keeper'. As far as I am concerned the answer is a resounding 'yes'.

No worries

In most localities there are characteristic phrases which people use a lot. One such in Australia is, 'No worries!' but I guess there are few people without any worries. Some might even worry because they don't have any worries! It is said that worry is the interest we pay on tomorrow's troubles and the interest rate may go up as we get older!

Jesus and the Apostle Paul urged us not to worry but that may be easier said than done. The secret is in trust. Our Lord said, 'Have faith in God' and he practised what he preached. Even when faced with a cross he continued to trust in God. In this I try to follow his example although not always successfully. Still, in the school of faith I keep trying!