The following piece was first written for the February 22, 2026 pew sheet at St Augustine’s Anglican Church. I share it here again in the hope that it may continue to encourage and bless.
Let me begin with a heartfelt greeting: 'Happy Lunar New Year' to our Chinese friends, brothers and sisters in Christ and fellow members of our St Augustine's Church family.
You may have heard the proverb, 'Too heavenly minded to be of any earthly use.' It criticises those who focus so heavily on spiritual matters that they neglect their practical, moral and social responsibilities. There is indeed a danger that we can become so preoccupied with personal piety that we are of little help to our friends, families and the world around us. We can be certain that God's Word does not endorse this kind of spirituality. Yet the opposite danger is just as real. We can become so absorbed in worldly concerns that we have little interest in God or in the things of heaven. Genuine Christian spirituality holds these together: it is deeply heavenly minded and godly, and precisely because of this, it is devoted to making a lasting difference in the present world. History offers many examples of faithful men and women who have been a blessing to their families, communities and nations. One such figure is the Scottish Reformer John Knox – preacher, church leader, theologian and scholar – who also helped shape the life of his country. His vision of a godly society emphasised education, discipline and participation, reminding us that faith is not withdrawn from the world but actively engaged in it. As the new minister of St Augustine's Church, my concern that we remain focused on God and on Christ arises from a deep conviction: there is no other way for us to make a lasting impact on our society, our families and the wider world. Only as we give ourselves wholeheartedly to God's purposes will we be empowered to serve others and bear witness to the eternal hope found in Jesus Christ. May the Lord bless each of us as we enter the season of Lent – a time to turn from sin, seek God's face and follow Jesus together.
