11/12/2011 by Ian Deakin.

How often have you heard someone say they will be there or I will do something and you expect it to happen. You have remembered, but the one who spoke the word failed to do what they had stated. How do you view that situation, how did it make you feel, what does it cause you to think of that person, and does it effect your relationship with them? Yes there are so many consequences that can occur because you failed to do what you stated. I believe it is a lie not to undertake what we committed to do, and we should be careful to be people of our word.

Last night I went to watch my three year old grandson in his first play. It started by one of the organisers stating we have had to substitute the narrator in the play with an adult as the child who was performing that part has failed to turn up. There could have been a very genuine reason for the failure to be there on the night but the consequence of no communication made it far more difficult for the organisers, and it would have been the courteous and right thing to do to communicate the fact that they were not going to fulfil their commitment for whatever the reason. In this case the parents responsibility.

Oh I forgot, then the answer is to find a method of reminding you what you have agreed to do, or was it a case of just making a comment that never had any intention at all? Maybe you state what you would like to do but something else takes priority, in other words your words are cheap.

There are occasions when we are unable to undertake what was our genuine statement of intention, then in that case go back to the person and apologise for not being able to do as promised before the expected occurrence. Sometimes we do forget what we said we would do, then when we are made aware or remember apologise.

For people who lived during the time of the Old Testament, oaths were a major part of culture and life. Oaths took such an important role that we can find many instances in which God swears by an oath of himself! One of these occasions is found in Genesis 22, when God tells Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac as a burnt offering. Faithfully, Abraham obeys God and prepares to sacrifice Isaac. During the final moments of what looked to be Isaac’s life, God steps back into the situation and saves Isaac from being killed. God then rewards Abraham for his complete obedience by giving him an oath.

“The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and not withheld your son, I will surely bless you and your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore.” Genesis 22:15-17

Whenever God gave this oath to Abraham, Abraham didn’t reply by further questioning God in order to provide certain details of the agreement, nor did Abraham make God sign a contract or require a cheap promise; Abraham simply trusted that God would be true, and he was! In fact, God has been and forever will be faithful in his promises. God’s faithfulness sets the example of how we as Christ followers should respond in being true to our word. James 5:12 is an almost exact quotation of what Jesus said about this topic in Matthew 5:33-37. In Matthew 5, Jesus addresses those who are familiar with the Old Testament acceptance of oaths; but Jesus forbids us to swear by oaths at all!

“Again you have heard that it was said long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’ But I tell you, do not swear at all: either by heaven…. or by earth… Simply let your ‘Yes’ be yes, and your ‘No’, no; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. “ Matthew 5:33-37

Through Matthew 5, we see that Jesus teaches us to not even go as far as making an oath, but to instead simply be people of our word. He calls us to do the things we’ve promised to do, period.

Imagine what your life would look like if we lived this principle out in every sense of Christ’s teaching. Imagine what our relationships with our spouses and our families would look like if we continually put action to our words of promise. Imagine how our relationships at work would be strengthened if people could place trust into what we have taken responsibility for. I would imagine that we would find much more harmony in life, and our relationships with people and with God would increase in a dramatically positive way.

No matter how difficult the situation or how bad we don’t want to do what we have promised (or do what we promised not to), we are called to be faithful as God was faithful in his oath to Abraham, obedient in every way!

Oh you may say that is a bit heavy it puts pressure on our life, no it is being honest and true to our word, and obedient to the word of God.

Perhaps it requires a life style change, getting some form of diary to remind you, using your mobile to give you a memory jog etc: Ensuring we phrase what we say truthfully rather that make a definitive statement to do something when we know it is only a probability, then state it as a probability. Perhaps we need to be accurate in our intentions by saying “I will try to”, and if it is important get back to the person and update them if you were unable to undertake what you were genuinely intending to try to do.

Let us make an effort to speak the truth and be people of our word!

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25/11/2011 by Ian Deakin.

Industrial action comes about because industrial relations have turned sour. Unions resort to industrial action simply because negotiations have taken an unsatisfactory turn or have reached an unsatisfactory end. A strike then is a fairly brutal method of trying to influence the negotiations. It’s at the business end of the spectrum. Essentially it’s coercion. When we strike, we’re trying to force an employer’s hand. It’s the withdrawal of our labour until a grievance is settled. That’s an aggressive strategy and it’s one that a Christian ought to be reluctant to employ too readily. I’m not saying that it’s never right, though I am saying that it should make us cautious. Consider these words in 1 Peter 2

¹⁸ Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.

We’re meant to be submissive employees who, because of our faith, are prepared to stomach being wrongly treated. That does not mean we sit down and take the wrong treatment, and say or do nothing about it. So, in general, Christians should be reluctant to strike.

So what approach should employees take when they have a legitimate grievance with their employers? Negotiation. But we need to urge our union representatives to stay at the table and keep the discussion going. They need to make our case to try to persuade the employers of the rightness and reasonableness of our position. I’m not naive. I understand that employers (having been one) may not always listen, they may not be objective in their deliberations and it may make no difference whatsoever. But we do need to be convinced that our union reps have exhausted all forms of communication before resorting to striking.

I’m not saying that Christians should never strike. There may be circumstances where that’s the right thing to do. The reason that I don’t think that loyalty to our employers is absolute is because there are situations where we need to be loyal to a greater cause. And that greater cause is justice and righteousness. There’s something godly about sticking up for the poor and the exploited. Even if we may be willing to work for an employer who treats the staff unfairly there will be times when we feel it’s appropriate to join in solidarity with our fellow workers and oppose the perpetuation of injustice.

Historically employers have exploited the work force. Their selfish greed for profits and the ready availability of a replacement unskilled workforce has enabled them to act unjustly. If they wanted to they could simply dismiss the rebellious workforce and replace it with others. Unions arose to make sure that the ‘little people’ had a voice. And that’s a good thing.

It is not in every sittuation that people are being exploited or victimised. In my opinion they are going to have to work for longer for a smaller pension. Is that the best? No, of course not. But we have a massive deficit and the Government is trying to balance the books. Public sector pay is therefore one area that has come under the microscope.

Given that opposing injustice and exploitation are legitimate reasons for Christians to strike, we need to ask our union representatives why they think we’re taking industrial action. I would suggest, in the current economic climate, it’s worth asking whether the strike has more to do with the employment situation or the political situation. It’ll be hard to separate the two at times, especially with public sector jobs. But strikes have sometimes been used to challenge a democratically elected Government and not to protect individuals against exploitation. So we mustn’t be naive about the possibility of an orchestrated union agenda intended to undermine the current Government’s approach to the country’s financial deficit. (I am not taking a political stance here for any party) We may well feel that the depth and rate of the cut in public spending is too deep and too fast. Would we be saying that with a strike?

Whilst the intention of industrial action is always to effect or try to influence the employer, it often ends up being misdirected towards third parties. When the employer is the Government, it’s the general public that tend to bear the brunt. When it’s the educators who withdraw their labour, it’s the kids who miss out. And so it’s worth asking what the effect of the strike will be on people and how you’d explain and justify why you’re choosing not to do what you are employed to do. Also am I just striking because my union has instigated a strike, and if so do I understand and agree with the reason.  It would be interesting for people to have to justify why they’re going on strike and the implications of their actions. If they don’t feel that they can do that, then it’s worth asking whether it’s justified!

You need to be convinced that you’re striking for reasons of injustice. If you are then go ahead and strike and make sure you can justify your reasons to yourself, employer and third parties who are effected. If you’re not convinced there’s possibly a value in belonging to a union. A consideration could be made to look for one that’s less militant in its’ approach to industrial action.

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14/11/2011 by Ian Deakin.

Do your thoughts ever consider the craziness of our world? There are people scrambling for power. Wealth is paraded, and in contrast, millions live in heart-wrenching poverty! Justice is perverted by terrorists and slippery politicians.

I have observed over the last period of time thousands of complaints about a delay in a TV programme starting, complaints and demonstrations concerning implemented austerity measures. People who only look at the personal implications of restriction and inconvenience, rather than the whole picture as in the case of a TV programme which was an unavoidable technical issue, or in austerity measures an only way out of paying an owed debt irrespective of the cause.

Where does all this stem from? Why are some people so selfish and uncaring? Will things ever change for the better?

The basic cause for this situation can be summed up in one word: Selfishness. The selfish human heart, that lives only for itself has been an issue throughout creation. God’s plan was that everything He has created would be a blessing to others. But His plan met with opposition in Heaven when Lucifer allowed the desire to be above everyone else (Isaiah 14:14) ^13-14You said to yourself,
“I’ll climb to heaven. I’ll set my throne over the stars of God. I’ll run the assembly of angels that meets on sacred Mount Zaphon. I’ll climb to the top of the clouds. I’ll take over as King of the Universe!” .

God gave a warning in the tenth commandment against having an attitude of covetousness, self-seeking, looking out just for yourself, and the desire for selfish gain (Exodus 20:17).  ¹⁷ “No lusting after your neighbour’s house—or wife or servant or maid or ox or donkey. Don’t set your heart on anything that is your neighbour’s”.

For us to understand the devastating effects of covetousness we need only compare the two main players in the struggle between good and evil.

A. Lucifer (later known as Satan) said, (Isaiah 14:13-14). “I’ll set my throne over the stars of God...I’ll take over as King of the Universe!” .

B. Christ, (Philippians 2:6-7). ”When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human”.  When reading the bible a clear picture of what heaven values most is presented. In (John 13:3-17) “. . . So he got up from the supper table, set aside his robe, and put on an apron. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with his apron Jesus washed His disciples feet to demonstrate His plan for people to serve one another with dignity . . .” Giving of ones self, finance, time to benefit others is a fundamental in God’s kingdom. God gave and and sent His son, what an amazing sacrifice. Not only did God give us Salvation, but He showered us with other blessings and gifts and allowed us to to manage and use them in compassionate ways.We are God’s Managers so let us use what has been given generously to us, generously give to others. (Mathew 10:8) “Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously”

In the management of His gifts let it not only be at our convenience but also being led by His Spirit and responding to His voice even when it demands sacrifice.

Let us by His Grace and with His help bring influence and consequential effect to His World.

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18/10/2011 by Ian Deakin.

It doesn’t matter if it’s in a family, friendship, at church or work, disagreements and differences of opinion will happen. Each person has a unique way of viewing the world, so conflict isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, differences of opinion often foster open communication and change.

Over the years I have found that the way I handle difference has changed. At one time I would have fought verbally for my point of view to be heard and endeavour to change the hearers view. I have come to realise that unless the difference is one of heresy I will not concern myself with the difference unless I have direct responsibility. Does the difference matter, as some difference means variety and is of no consequence. It may be you just need to accept things as they are. However if you consider the difference is of consequence it would be wrong to discuss and advertise your view with others without approaching the individual or situation. So your opinion is not one for the notice board, as to gossip your view is ungodly, destructive and counter productive. After all what do I base the rightness of my opinion? As far as heresy is concerned I base it on the solid word of God. Does the situation or difference align with God’s word? If not and I consider it right to do so then I will involve myself in a gracious manner not with verbal boxing gloves.

So how can we handle difference when it is necessary to discuss it?

1) Firstly pray.

2) Speak face to face. Tone of voice, facial expression and other nonverbal cues are lost in an email or letter.

3) Consider the other person’s point of view and be prepared to change. You could be wrong!

4) Clarify the difference. Confusion can be a breeding ground for miscommunication, so take time on the front end to work through the difference.

5) Find common ground and go from there.

6) If you are wrong apologise.

7) Compromise is acceptable in certain situations.

8) Understand that there is a great potential to learn from each other’s mistakes. Consider this experience whatever the outcome a learning one that will serve you well down the road.

9) If you agree to disagree remember that difference doesn’t mean disunity.

Message. Ephesians 4:3 I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.

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29/09/2011 by Ian Deakin.

Welcome!

I have resisted creating a blog for some time but now decided why not air my views and allow those who wish to read and comment do so.

So this is my first blog and what is it today that has crossed my mind.

Facebook what is it really for? It is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. It has over 800 million active users.  Users may create a personal profile, add other users as friends, and exchange messages, including automatic notifications when they update their profile

“Facebook”, I dont understand why people have a need to make me aware that they are eating at “So and So Cafe”, or ”on holiday for two weeks” how does that influence, or effect my life, is it of interest to your friends? Perhaps it’s to let you know that their home is unattended and if you wish you could go along and gain entry! Many of the trivial comments make me gasp in amazement at why on earth would I want to know that. I saw a recent post which read ”I have just been to poo”, did I really want to know that and no its not funny either.

Then there is the hidden areas of facebook that secretly disclose information about you and your friends unless you turn off that specific area. Unless you know where to turn these areas off it silently continues to make you vulnerable. So now you want to know “WELL WHERE ARE THEY THEN?”. I’ll tell you latter but shush don’t let anyone know.

I have so many invites to subscribe in facebook to a cause or area of interest. Despite the fact that it may interest me I refuse to make myself vulnerable in allowing that area to have access to my personal data and a list of my friends. Would me friends want them to know their links with me? Why do they need this information, unless its for their benefit I can see no relevance to me joining.

After reading this you are probably saying well why do you continue with facebook. I do believe that once you have implemented the relevant safeguards and use it with discretion it is a means of general communication with friends, and maybe those you have lost contact with over the years. However it is vital that it is used wisly to avoid exposing yourself and friends to what potentially could be the unscrupulous individual accessing personal detail and information. If your content is of  a personal nature use the personal message area of facebook or better still keep your personal information away from facebook and use an email.

Here are some safeguards you can implement in facebook:-

1. While on FB, look at your URL address (the very top of your screen). If you see “http:” instead of “https:” then you do not have a secure session & can be hacked.
   Go to Home > Account Settings > Security & click ‘Edit’. Check box (browse facebook on a secure connection), click Save changes.
2. Go to Home > Account Settings > Apps and delete apps you no longer use.
3. Go to Home > Account Settings > Facebook Adverts > Edit third party advert settings >  Select > No One > Save changes
4. Go to Home > Account Settings >Facebook Adverts > Edit social advert settings > Select > No One > Save changes
5. Here is an excellent website with advice http://safeandsavvy.f-secure.com/2011/01/27/protect-your-data-privacy/?ecid=2217&nlcid=2217
6. This is from the same company as item 5 and has the latest time line information plus additional useful settings http://safeandsavvy.f-secure.com/2011/10/27/facebook-timeline/?ecid=2709&nlcid=2709
7. Don’t disclose personal information in your profile such as private email address, phone numbers etc. If an individual wishes to contact you they can send a message in facebook. Be careful what you reveal about yourself to ensure your identity can not be stolen.
8. Facebook Timeline. Here is an excellent explanation and instructions on the importance of checking your settings. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2393464,00.asp

I am not wishing to over react or scare monger but we do need to be wise in disclosing unnecessary detail about our selves and our friends so better to be wise than vulnerable so trust this helps.

You may find this Your Tube link of interest http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAXYiBdgY-g

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