Did you enjoy the World Cup – seems as if most in England (possibly UK) didn’t have the greatest time due to England’s lack of progress. However, there was fantastic colour and vibrancy in South Africa as 32 countries came together to put on this spectacle. People knew who was supporting which team because of their ‘t’ shirts, scarves, body paint and flags.

I wonder if you have ever considered what distinguishes a Christian? What marks out a Christian from others? We can’t point to what we wear, although many vicars and ministers do wear a ‘dog collar’. We can’t point to body paint, although it would be fun to try! We can’t point to jewellery, although some wear crosses and fish badges.

A Christian’s mark starts from within. Jesus was very strong on encouraging us to be clean within and as believers today we have the Holy Spirit within who empowers us for God’s work and ministry. May Christ within ooze out so that we do become salt and light in our world and quite literally shine Jesus into people’s lives.

‘You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before man, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.’ Matthew 5.14-16

 Adrian Argile, Regional Minister