Hans Christian Andersen. Photo: Thora Hallager 1869.
The Hans Christian Andersen story of the Emperor's New Clothes may be the best illustration of the power of negative group think. The con men in the 1837 narrative convinced the proud leader that only the wise and pure in heart would be able to see their woven garment commissioned for the Emperor.
No-one was prepared to admit that there were not wise or pure so the ruse gained power until one day the Emperor walked naked down the street. He was greeted with the praise of the great populace not wanting to be known as fools or impure.
Then the truth had to come from a child who innocently blurted out, "The Emperor has no clothes."
The hypocritical pretence was stripped away by the small voice not fooled by the manipulation of the masses. Today there is a real spiritual hunger to be free from that which fools and hurts us.
How thirsty are we for purity and the humble simplicity of the child? Could we be manipulated by the weaving of one or two strong people so that we are like the masses blindly accepting ideas and
behaviours? "Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it," declared the Lord Jesus to his followers (Mark 10:15). One of the features of Christian healing ministry is to admit that we are proud and receive forgiveness through the Lord Jesus.
Healing from cancer and other disease does happen in this world or the next. Hope replaces wishful thinking. Faith and love sustain human determination through treatment. Family friends see the love of God and may themselves find comfort and eternal peace regardless of the path to victory, here or in heaven.
Find out more, and get prayer for healing any Sunday at church or visit us at the Snowy Relay for Life for a chat, a spiritual recharge or even leave a prayer request. Join our team on line or on Saturday March 2 at Jindabyne Oval off the end of Park Rd. Go online to snowymountainschurch.com and follow the link to join our team. It would be good to raise some money for vital research programs and even better to restore hope and celebrate life, love and wellness.
Rev. Owen Davies 6456 2411