Thought for the Weekend
In the Belfast Telegraph on 29-12-07 Canon Lewis wrote:
Will you take care of every part of God's Creation in 2008?
I wish you happiness and fulfilment as we enter 2008. My thought to you is that change is becoming an increasingly significant feature of life for all of us.
Here in Northern Ireland - similar to other countries in western Europe - there is substantial population change. Recently, many people have come here from eastern Europe, Africa and other places to earn a livelihood not available to them in their weaker economies back home. Also, some are asylum-seekers and refugees, fleeing from oppression and tyranny; and hoping for refuge and sanctuary in democratic societies like our own.
These, and other immigrants, are among the most vulnerable in society. We, therefore, need to ensure that laws are in place for their protection and security. We should also welcome them into our churches and communities.
Another area of change, impacting on every person, is 'global warming', the consequences of which are potentially disastrous. This is increasingly recognised by individuals and industry in decisions to 'go green'. Re-cycling is becoming part of our lifestyle. Much good work is being done on cleaner sources of energy such as solar and wind power. Houses are being built which are energy efficient.
Then, can we get out of our cars and walk, cycle, and use the trains and buses? Can our planes become more fuel efficient? Will planes be replaced by 'maglev trains' in underground vacuum tunnels under the seas and oceans? On the issue of the environment, change for good or ill is happening all the time. There is abundant opportunity for us to do good.
Another area of immense and accelerating change is electronic communications. Mobile phones are now being used by children as young as 2. We are moving to a point where there can be instant communication between individuals almost anywhere on the planet. Also, mobile phones, computers and televisions can be integrated, providing instant access to data, news, sports, programmes, etc at the touch of a button.
This revolution is not without its risks, however. There may come a point, by 2020, when the brain-power and capability of a super-computer will exceed that of humans: computers may be superhumanly intelligent.
The lesson of change today is that we need to think as much about the future as the past. It is only through such awareness that it is possible to influence change for the good. As we enter the year of our Lord, 2008, we remember that we are entrusted by Jesus with stewardship of every part of his creation.