Day Twenty Four - Time to commit

I was listening to my daily devotional at the beginning of the COP26 gathering in Glasgow. I was struck by the reading from Colossians 1:15-20

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

Whilst I have always been aware of the need to care for the environment, and try to do my bit, it hasn’t really been high on my list of priorities, but as I read this passage again, it struck me that the salvation Jesus earned on the cross wasn’t just about people’s souls, but a reconciliation of all creation!

Maybe if I look at it more in this light I might start to take a greater interest.

The song included with this reflection was written several years ago and speaks of the plight of South Pacific Islanders whose whole existence is dependant on the water levels staying put. I had the privilege of meeting some folk from Kiribati and Tuvalu a few years ago and despite the reality that if the sea level rose just a few inches, it would mean disaster, I was amazed that they were not worried, but had great faith that God would save them.

Just recently, the BBC News featured a lady from Bangladesh who had spoken at a similar Global Leader’s Summit in 2009 on the problem of water levels rising. She had hoped they would do something about it then, but the people are still waiting and meanwhile are trying to keep back the ocean with mud walls!

In my devotional, one section went like this: The world leaders gathered at COP26 bear immense responsibility for this world that is so loved by God. I pray for them now. May they have humble and wise hearts as negotiations begin.

As I read that word negotiations, I felt my hackles rise – negotiation speaks to me of compromise and trade off – what we need is universal commitment to not make promises to do something and never do it, but to commit to step in and make changes that will make a difference to millions on the brink of disaster.

And then I thought, “How often do I make promises that I don’t keep!” I know the scale is nowhere near the same magnitude, but if I am going to pray for others to commit to massive decisions, then I need to commit myself to following through of the little decisions I make promises over.

Maybe you also need to rethink the commitments/promises you make and only commit to what you can and will follow through on

Vincent Carrington