Spiritual Bankruptcy

Eveline and I recently spent a day off in Southport. Although we hadn't been for many years, I had fond memories from my younger days, such as the annual choir trips, which were very popular. In my teens I used to cycle there with friends and later I went on the motorbike as well.

We noted the many changes and developments which had taken place, with new leisure facilities near Pleasureland with its Traumatizer, etc. - all generally for the good. This led me to think about other changes in our values - economic, moral, spiritual. Southport was very busy with visitors like ourselves and I couldn't help but notice an aggressiveness, an arrogance of attitude amongst people around. There were no apologies for bumping into someone or even walking across one, as happened to me, when I had to take avoiding action. A large dog was let off its lead, darting in and out of people, a hazard to the many elderly who were walking with sticks. Litter was deposited on the ground - icecream wrappers, plastic bags, newspapers left to blow around, spoiling the extensive and lovely grassy areas and gardens - this in spite of appropriately positioned receptacles.

No doubt you, too, will have seen the trolleys left around supermarket car-parks rather than put away into the collection bays. At the hospital, wheelchairs are taken out and then left around outside. 'No smoking' signs are ignored. There is a lack of recognition of the common courtesies of the 'thankyou' or 'please', etc.

What is going on? What does it all mean? Are these changes for the good? What would Jesus make of it?

Surely these are indicative of a lack of concern for other than self, a lack of respect for others, a lack of spiritual values, perhaps even a spiritual bankruptcy in society.

Yes, we do need to continually remind ourselves and those around us of Our Lord's commands, in the everyday things of life. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your mind and with all your strength. Love your neighbour as yourself." (Mark XII, 30-31)

Revd. Trevor Davies

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