Another good weekend! Returning from a much needed haircut, I was surprised to see that a book written by mate Alun Matthias had been pushed through the door, more of that later.

I spent the day on Saturday painting the woodwork and walls of Ben's bedroom.  Lots of time to think and reflect. Very therapeutic! I then went for a pint with my 79 year old neighbour, John. What a legend. He regales me with such entertaining stories. The fact that Leeds United drew against Tottenham Hotspur in   the FA cup was also a source of great delight. I fancy Leeds taking them at Elland Road!

When I got back I began to read the book Alun had posted through. It's a short read around 100 pages. Initially it reads like a novel but quickly reveals itself as a allegory on how we in the west have the ability to solve poverty in the two thirds world. It has a simple contention. If we were all prepared to pay an extra 5% tax the problem would be dealt with. Not only an entertaining but a challenging read. However, it reveals itself as not just a normal book, but a manifesto. You see Alun intends to stand on this ticket at the next general election. He is suggesting that this is what the people want and all we need to do is communicate this to our leaders. For more information visit www.fiveapples.co.uk

Sometimes God has a habit of bombarding you (or at least me) with different but related messages and encourages me to join the dots! This morning as part of my quiet time I have been considering what it means to be a servant. The is sometimes a thought that rises in my head. It is horrible, not Christ-like and needs to be managed immediately. Typically it is something like "do they know who I am?' It's a ridiculous question, one that indicates a sinful pride.

Jesus is the king of the upside down kingdom. It says in the bible that in washing the disciples feet he revealed something greater about himself. We are called to be imitators of Christ and in order to be great in His kingdom you have to be a servant. Jesus came to not to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:25-28). Richard Forster in his book ""Celebration of Discipline" puts it like this "Therefore the spiritual authority of Jesus is in an authority  not found in position or a title, but in a towel" 

The development of a kingdom of God attitude to servanthood is one that is relatively unconsidered. It shakes off the temptation to consider whether other people will see you serve. It is indiscriminate to the magnitude of the servanthood. It is just as likely to be a small act as a grand gesture. One serves regardless of feeling. Tiredness and spiritual energy are secondary to tenacity and resilience to serve the kingdom being a servant to your one's neighbours. 

 All this is challenging and something I feel I want to explore more. It potentially takes great sacrifice. In his treatise Alun Matthias suggests that we should all pay 5% more in tax. Government statistics suggest that the average salary in the UK is £25,428. The additional tax suggested by Alun is £1,271. My contention is that most people do not have this money in the bank with no plans for it! This being the case then we would need to make sacrifices. For most people it will not be easy to save £24.45 per week. However nowhere in scripture does it suggest that being a follower of Jesus would be easy. Indeed it suggests the reverse!

The book is available at www.five apples.co.uk

Feel free to comment.