Preach Magazine Issue 2- Spring 2015 Feb. 2015 | Page 33

FEATURE as a central element. Our calling as human beings is to be the ‘image of God’ towards our neighbours and fellow creatures. Being God’s image means reflecting God’s generous, loving, nurturing character, a God who has ‘compassion on all that he has made’ (Psalm 145:9, NIV). The second thing that has transformed my faith is understanding how our relationship with God is profoundly connected to our relationship with the land. Biblical faith is never abstract, but (like the coming of Jesus) rooted in a particular place and time. All the Old Testament festivals, except Passover, were linked to the changing seasons and the earth’s fruitfulness. I spent my first 30 years living in many different ‘homes’, and have now lived in one part of urban London for more than 20 years. Putting down roots, into the community and the ecology of Southall has become deeply interwoven with my faith. I do my thinking and praying as I walk along the canal, put out the recycling, and help my wife on her allotment. I’ve moved away from believing that this world is simply a waiting room for heaven, to seeing it as a place full of God’s fingerprints, as holy ground. Like the Israelites in exile (Jeremiah 29:4–7), I’ve learned to plant gardens and eat what they produce, to work and pray for the peace and flourishing of the city God has called me to. Whether we’re in a place long or short-term, praying for God’s kingdom LWPT8462 - Preach Magazine - Issue 2 v2.indd 33 to come on earth as in heaven, is not just about words – it’s about learning to earth our faith in the places God has planted us. Thirdly, I’ve become increasingly aware of how money and possessions are a barometer of my relationship with God. Jesus had much to say about this, but as western Christians we’re so surrounded by consumerism that our lifestyles are often no different to our neighbours’. Learning to live more simply, sustainably and joyfully is deeply challenging when it’s countercultural – particularly when combined with bringing up children in the midst of peer pressures. We’ve found that having friends to share with and keep us accountable is vital. As a family we’ve taken lots of small actions that have bit-by-bit released us from being possessed by our possessions. Our first step, nearly 20 years ago, was deciding to use washable nappies on our children. This involved lots of unpleasant hard work in washing smelly nappies, but saved a massive amount of waste from landfill and also saved money. Other significant milestones have included changing 33 to a green electricity provider, getting an electric car, and resisting the temptation to fly on holiday wherever possible. Our eating has changed too – we’re now vegetarian most of the week, with meat as a special treat – meaning we not only respect the life that has been sacrificed, but can afford to get free-range or organic meat. We try (and often fail) to be generous with what God has given us, sharing with others and accepting their hospitality too. As we look forwards, it is my dream that communities of Christians can become beacons of light amidst what, according to scientists, is a very gloomy environmental future. If we can start living out the good news that God loves and cares for all c ɕ