Ignore the experts and pay the price – in life and in virus, warns Sheffield minister

Lockdown two brings back memories of the first time around – it seems the refurbishment of the house was not finished.
The Reverend Peter McCoolThe Reverend Peter McCool
The Reverend Peter McCool

Although I am coming to accept that it never will be.

We went to pick up an ‘essential’ piece of equipment required to finish the latest task.

I was surprised to discover some of the shops that were open.

My wife commented ‘curtains and bed sheets are essential to some people you know’.

A boy is sent to bed. Five minutes later... “Dad.” ‘What?” “I’thirsty. Can you bring a drink of water?” “No, you had your chance. Lights out.”

Five minutes later... “Dad.” “WHAT?” “I’m thirsty. Can I have a drink of water?” “I told you NO! If you ask again, I’ll have to smack you.”

Five minutes later... “Dad.” “WHAT?” “When you come in to smack me, can you bring a drink of water?”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Whatever the circumstance, we try to make a way to get whatever it is we want, no matter the consequence.

Likewise, we need to find a way to undermine if not completely ignore any form of authority in our life.

We have a tough time accepting we do not always know what is best. Our idea, our way, our opinion, is always right no matter what.

In that mindset we cannot and will not hear any other voice of reason and often miss out on the greener grass on the other side of our own self-willed, stubborn proud minds.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Our Father, God, makes things less complicated. He gives us clear, straightforward instructions for living life together.

Again, as has always been the way with humanity, we tried to find another way, our way, and bent and stretched these instructions until they snapped. God did not smack us.

He went to greater lengths to lead us back to the simple better way.

Jesus hung on the cross and cried out two significant things.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Father forgive them, they do not know what they are doing.”

How true that still is because we don’t listen.

“It is finished.”

Unlike the home improvements the task of Jesus on the cross was perfect.

When he said it was finished, it was!

God the Father has made it perfectly clear and leaves the way open to anyone who chooses to hear.

We need to learn how imperfect we are and how much we may learn if we would only listen.

My wife often ‘Googles’ things.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

I like to joke that I wonder why these doctors spent so much time studying and learning, what a waste of years when I have the ultimate expert sat on the sofa.

Pandemic, physical wellbeing or spiritual. Here today or eternity, we manage to make a mess of so much as we chase our right to be right and in control.

We ignore the experts and pay the price.

Will we ever learn? If not, don’t despair, there’s always Google!

The Reverend Peter McCool is pastor at South Sheffield Church, Greenhill Parkway, Lower Bradway – see southsheffieldchurch.co.uk

Related topics: