Pollution
by Malcolm Wood
A much debated topic of our time is that of pollution. Be it the air we breathe, the oceans and waterways, the water we drink, or even the food on our tables, the concern of all is for a cleaner, purer environment.
Recently I noticed how smoke from a heath land fire couldn’t rise, due to low cloud, and it spread over a vast area of land, preventing a clear view of the countryside beyond. Although it was just in one place the fire affected the environment over a great distance, and the outlook for many people.
I began to think that can often be the case with us. We easily ‘pollute’ the spiritual environment around us. Just a wrong word, or a word said in the wrong way, our body language, a look, the way we react, either audibly or silently; all these can have far reaching consequences on those around us. It can affect their outlook on life (and ours)!
On the other hand, when our heart’s right, and our spirit in tune with the Holy Spirit, our presence can go a long way in lifting the spiritual ‘climate’; the environment we’re in. We can help disperse clouds of oppression and enable others to have a clearer view of where they are, and where they need to get to.
The challenge for us is that we don’t add to any heaviness we encounter by a negative influence (in word, action or even non-action), but that we alleviate it by bringing the presence of Jesus into the situation. We’re only able to do that as we become more like Him, and we’re able to reflect something of His nature, reacting and responding as He would.
‘He takes the gloom and fills the life with glory,
For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay’. (by O.J.Smith).
Prayer: Lord help me to get to know you better and to become more like you, so that I can bring your presence into others’ lives, to help lift their heaviness and give them hope and a future. Amen.
Malcolm Wood and his wife Anna became part of the Ellel family as House Managers at Ellel Grange in 1990. Since then they have been involved with many aspects of the developing Ministry. From 2001 until 2015 they were Directors of Ellel Scotland where they hosted several International Schools and Operation Blairmore and helped pioneer the exciting Creative Inspiration Weeks. They have three sons.
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