Sunscreen sermon

I have just watched the TV weather forecast and it was good news! The smiling forecaster was preparing us for a week or so of good weather.  By the time that this edition of Church Chat is published, we will know if he was right or not!
But with the good news also came the bad!  The same smiling forecaster solemnly announced that the sunburn factor for this period will be 'level six' - strong enough to warrant the liberal application of sunscreen and the
wearing of sunhats.
Somehow, the warning about sunscreen and sunhats took away something of the pleasure that had resulted from listening to the earlier parts of the forecast.
 Despite our yearning for sunshine, in the dark days of winter, our exposure to the sun - when it comes - can be dangerous and we need to exercise caution.
Who of us has not had that uncomfortable or painful experience of sunburn after a day out in the open without the protection of a hat or sunscreen?
Yet, strangely, despite all that we know and are warned about the dangers of exposure to the sun, modern western society still regards a tanned person as attractive and a sign of good health.  So, despite the warnings of the weather forecaster, many of us will still attempt a few hours in the sun with the minimum of protection at some time over this summer to obtain this desired image.
As human beings we are, in general, often bad at taking advice - even when we know that the advice being offered is entirely sensible and correct.  We reject those things that we feel might impinge on our enjoyment of life or which might make us less attractive or less liked by other people.
Neither is it just human advice that we ignore.  We also often ignore the guidance and direction of God because the demands that he makes of us do not always sit comfortably with our desires or the lifestyle to which aspire.  Forgiving one another and loving our neighbour are costly and time consuming. Seeking the lost and feeding the hungry can take us into messy and disturbing places.  Yet that is what Jesus calls his people to do and, like not using sunscreen, we find it convenient to get by without taking these instructions too seriously.
But, of course, we do this at our own risk!  Remember these verses from the book of Proverbs 4:20-22: 'Pay attention to me: what I say, my people, Listen to my words.  Never let them get away from you.  Remember them and keep them in your heart.  They will give life and health to anyone who understands them’. So don't forget the sunscreen!

by Graham Clarke.