The camera never lies!!

When we see a photograph, or watch a video, today we may be excused for asking: "Is it real?" When I was a younger man, it was often said that "the camera never lies"! However, even if, in our day, the camera itself never lies - the resulting photograph/video may be manipulated by the use of computer software (and it doesn't have to be the expensive programmes!) to show something that is, in fact, totally false.

For example, this well-known photograph (it appears on many web-sites) indicates that a young girl has climbed to the top of a very high tower of some sort, and is taking a "selfie"! However, if we look more carefully, we see that she is portrayed in very high contrast, whereas the surroundings are just the opposite. There is no shadow on the platform on which she appears to be standing. Even on an otherwise calm day, the wind at that height would, I suggest, have both her hair and her skirt blowing a lot more than is shown in the photograph. Indeed, I find it difficult to believe that anyone would manage to climb to that height in a skirt! 

I may be wrong - but I am certainly not convinced that this is a genuine photograph! 

Centuries before even the basic box-camera had been invented, the apostle Paul warned his young "son in the faith", Timothy, about counterfeit reality (if that is not an oxymoron!) in the church. He said that, in the last days, people would be self-absorbed: "... holding the form of religion but denying the power of it." (II Tim 3:5). He repeatedly emphasised the need to live a godly life, warning that "... evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived." (II Tim 3:13).

Paul charged Timothy to "... continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." (II Tim 3:14-15). True godliness honours, and obeys, God; while its counterfeit seeks pleasure, and personal gain. One seeeks to please the Lord; the other gratifies natural desire. Each one is identified by its actions.

When others hear us say that we are "Christian" (although I prefer to say "disciple of Jesus", as the word "Christian" has, sadly, become greatly devalued in our modern society and culture!), they may wonder about the reality of our claim, and of our faith. Our lives will answer that question by reflecting the reality of the Christ!

How real am I making the Lord Jesus to others? And you?!

A special day!

For my dear wife, today is a very special anniversary of the day of her physical birth. As is our custom, with our birth dates (day and month, only!) being only one week apart, we went out for a meal on Tuesday, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Then today, a dear French friend invited us to her home for another celebratory meal - again, delicious! There have been, of course other good wishes and cards etc, from family and friends both in France and in Scotland. This evening, we were at the mid-week meeting of the fellowship where we currently worship, and where we had been asked to lead the time of praise. They also marked my wife's special day with a fulsome rendering of "Bonne Anniversaire"!

I am so grateful for the wife that God gave me, so many years ago. Before I had even met her I was, of course, familiar with these words in the Book of Proverbs:

"A good wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her,and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm,all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax,and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant,she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and tasks for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it;with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She girds her loins with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff,and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor,and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household,for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes herself coverings;her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates,when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them;she delivers girdles to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing,and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom,and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household,and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands,and let her works praise her in the gates." (Prov 31:10-31).

Okay, in a different time, and a different culture, not every word is fully applicable but, when I read those words today, I know that more than 50 years ago, I found "a good wife" - and, if we are both spared until September 4th, she will have been my wife for a full 50 years! She has, undoubtedly, been a much better wife to me than I have been husband to her, but we love each other more today than we did on the day on which we were married.

Is there a secret for a long marriage? I'm not sure. I have known, and know, couples whose marriages have not lasted because one of the individuals died at an early stage of the marriage. This may have been because of a fatal accident, or an equally fatal illness. Sadly, however, I also know many more where the couple have "drifted apart", and ended up in divorce. Many of these have been couples who profess the same faith in the Lord Jesus that my wife and I do. So what goes wrong in such marriages?

I can only suggest that being content with one another's company; sharing both joys and sorrows; and serving the Lord together; are major components. There is also a matter of commitment. Our marriage has not been without difficulties - both family and personal. There have been times when it would have been easier to just walk away. But when we make a commitment to one another, and hold to it, then we can go on, and on, and on!

When I started this post, I wasn't sure what I would say. I'm not at all sure that it is the most helpful post that I have ever published. But if it is the means by which just one marriage is saved, then it will have been worthwhile. Blessings to all.