Hi, as we continue in this period of self-isolation resulting from COVID-19 it has given me a little time to ponder the way we approach things, the value that we place on things and the need for some adjustments.
How many of us get caught out by shopping on the internet seeing a cheap "bargain" and order it.? Only to find that it's a fake shopping site or they send the incorrect item and try to get away with not refunding. In effect caught out by our desire to get something cheaper.
Reflecting on our current situation, it seems to me that the value systems that we have developed and embedded into our modern culture, have been thrown onto their heads. Our social standing, how much a person earns counts for nothing where this virus is concerned. Where we live and how well educated we are only matter in so far as the access they give us to protective gear and medical aid. How much money a person makes for their business, is totally irrelevant when what is needed are folks with specialisations that have long been undervalued in our society. In a society that wants to pay as little as possible for as much as possible, those with less voice, often the lower paid, are oppressed. We have seen the impact of zero hour contracts, we have seen the whittling away of money for schools, social services, hospitals, council services, care work and such. Now these are the things we need more than ever. These are the ones putting their lives on the line for the rest of us - nurses, doctors, teachers, care workers, refuge collectors, shop workers, delivery people ... yes its quite big list of mostly lower paid workers!
Don't get me wrong, I am not in favour of generating bloated organisations that waste money or of privatizing everything so that others can cream off profits, efficiency is important. I am wondering what value we should truly place on the things we need to help us cope with and overcome this virus and others like it that will surely come along? How many of us would be prepared to give up a lot more of our income to help fund decent salaries for these sector workers and the equipment that they need? Would we be prepared to pay more for the things we want or need to have them manufactured locally rather than in sweat shops in foreign parts or by people being paid a pittance for their work? Surely if nothing else this virus crisis should make us rethink and learn?
Value is important, above I question the value we place on things and people. Jesus challenged his disciples about status and value.We have just"celebrated" Easter, when Christians remember and rejoice at the work God did through Jesus on the cross and then through his resurrection. God wants to know us personally and to do that made a way through Jesus' sacrifice to wipe the slate clean for us, if we will accept it. Jesus put a value on each and every person, that value is the same in each case, because what he did he did for each of us, regardless of what we think or the world thinks we are worth. Graham Kendrick summed it up in his song "Paid on the Nail". It's worth a listen and spending a moment reflecting - how much are you worth?
During this period of isolation our church are meeting with "Zoom" - take a look at our website for info on how to join us (10.30am UK time). A song that has recently really encouraged me as I consider values and the value God has placed on me is this "King of Kings". I hope it lifts your spirits to know that God has placed a value on you, you are worth everything to God.
How many of us get caught out by shopping on the internet seeing a cheap "bargain" and order it.? Only to find that it's a fake shopping site or they send the incorrect item and try to get away with not refunding. In effect caught out by our desire to get something cheaper.
Reflecting on our current situation, it seems to me that the value systems that we have developed and embedded into our modern culture, have been thrown onto their heads. Our social standing, how much a person earns counts for nothing where this virus is concerned. Where we live and how well educated we are only matter in so far as the access they give us to protective gear and medical aid. How much money a person makes for their business, is totally irrelevant when what is needed are folks with specialisations that have long been undervalued in our society. In a society that wants to pay as little as possible for as much as possible, those with less voice, often the lower paid, are oppressed. We have seen the impact of zero hour contracts, we have seen the whittling away of money for schools, social services, hospitals, council services, care work and such. Now these are the things we need more than ever. These are the ones putting their lives on the line for the rest of us - nurses, doctors, teachers, care workers, refuge collectors, shop workers, delivery people ... yes its quite big list of mostly lower paid workers!
Don't get me wrong, I am not in favour of generating bloated organisations that waste money or of privatizing everything so that others can cream off profits, efficiency is important. I am wondering what value we should truly place on the things we need to help us cope with and overcome this virus and others like it that will surely come along? How many of us would be prepared to give up a lot more of our income to help fund decent salaries for these sector workers and the equipment that they need? Would we be prepared to pay more for the things we want or need to have them manufactured locally rather than in sweat shops in foreign parts or by people being paid a pittance for their work? Surely if nothing else this virus crisis should make us rethink and learn?
During this period of isolation our church are meeting with "Zoom" - take a look at our website for info on how to join us (10.30am UK time). A song that has recently really encouraged me as I consider values and the value God has placed on me is this "King of Kings". I hope it lifts your spirits to know that God has placed a value on you, you are worth everything to God.
