Spreading Good News 

God on Monday
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For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ (Romans 10: 13-15).

Reflection

The rise of advanced technology and social media has brought many benefits. But it can also drown us in bad news. Some researchers propose that humans are neurologically and physiologically predisposed towards focusing on negative information. In evolutionary terms, they suggest, the potential benefits of negative information exceed the potential benefits of positive information.

Should this proposal be scientifically substantiated, it may help to explain why (as the apostle Paul recognizes in Romans 10), the Israelites found it challenging to grasp God's way of making people righteous. Having understood for centuries that it was by obeying the Mosaic law that they were made right with God, the good news of the gospel seemed to them to be too good to be true.

The only antidote to the virus of bad news, and its debilitating effects, is the sharing of good news. Bad news spreads easily and fast, in part because it has been proved to generate greater financial returns for the news media industry than positive news. Good news seems to spread less like a virus and more like a vaccine, demanding more effort, intention, and discipline.

Given how desperately the world needs this vaccine, how can Christians remain silent about its benefits? Just as in the case of hoarding vaccines, it could be argued that it is heartless and selfish to withhold from anyone the most wonderful news they could ever hear.

Response

As Christians, we are ambassadors for Christ. In keeping with this calling, let us seek opportunities to engage creatively, positively, and meaningfully with contemporary culture, and with those people we encounter in our everyday lives.

Prayer

Ignite in me Lord a sense of urgency for sharing the good news of God’s love shown in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Give me the grace to respond to the opportunities you give me to share your life-transforming message in every sphere of influence in which you have placed me. For your glory, Amen.

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God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the next Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up to Faith in Business here to receive each God on Monday instalment.   

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