.

It’s all about orientation.

I’m not talking here about sexual orientation since God doesn’t lose sleep over an individual’s sexual attractions. The issue instead is the way people can use the rich breadth of human identity to repress and oppress the diversity and originality of the divine image within each of us.

Too often people point the finger at others for all kind of reasons.

And the one who points most is usually the one with most to hide.

I recall a study of clerics who were rigidly judgemental of people who lived across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. It was no surprise to discover that those who were most harsh on others were hiding skeletons in their own closets.

The real issue concerns the fundamental orientation of our lives, towards or away from God.

The two men going up to the Temple to pray is a clear communication of Jesus understanding of human orientation. Luke 18

The prayer of each is revealing.

One was completely oriented to himself: I am not grasping, I am not unjust, I am not like the rest of people, I fast twice a week, I pay tithes. “I”. “I”. “I”.

There’s the problem – this man’s orientation is completely towards himself.

Then the other temple visitor, not even daring to raise his eyes, revealed his God-centred orientation.

“God, be merciful to me, a sinner”.

Now there is a heart-felt, humble and honest mantra revealing a healthy orientation towards God:

God

be merciful to me

a sinner.

+++

Cafe Gatherings

Take an initiative – send me your first name with a cafe location, date and time, turn up and with whoever else turns up chat about your experience of Christ in your life. Write FFF on a serviette and place in the centre of the table so others can find you. Send your initiative to john@fff.org.nz

Monday 16 March 2026 10.00am Moko Cafe, Bush Inn Centre,  Waimairi Road Upper Riccarton Christchurch Trish 

Thursday 19 March 2026 10.00am, Stumble Inn, 200 Mangorei Road, New Plymouth Joan .