st thomas' weekly bulletin letters
This is an archive of the St Thomas' "Weekly Bulletin" letters, written by Simon Manchester and other St Thomas' ministers.
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Dear friends, After six years of living and ministering in Chile, what do I notice upon returning to Sydney? Over the past few years, the “Emerald City” is a new term that I’ve been hearing used to refer to Sydney, a term I’ve only understood now on returning. It seems that for many in our city, Sydney itself has become an idol, an emerald goddess. This goddess allures all with her glittering harbour lifestyle, promising the best coffee, cars and clothes to all who will lay down their lives in her service. She is captivating, but also holds captive those drawn to her, as they sacrifice hour after hour and year after year of their God-given energies to her glory, as they work to see more of her fruit. The devil of course knows that this emerald goddess is but a pale reflection of the glory of the city of God to come. And he knows that the more people he can allure with her charms, the less people will bother journeying to the city whose river flows straight from the throne of God Himself. The sad thing is that he is seducing even Christians. When my life question starts with, “How can I use my talents to secure the Sydney lifestyle I want?”, who is really controlling my life? Who am I truly serving? My concern coming back to Sydney is that many Christians are being seduced and enslaved by the emerald goddess of Sydney, and in their headlong rush for her goods are forgetting that heaven is infinitely better, richer, and more glorious. There need be no frenetic compulsion to fill every moment here with activities and indulgences for we will have all of eternity to enjoy them. Let us ask again, “How can I, God’s servant, use the talents He has entrusted to me for His glory?” This world is passing away, along with its desires. Let us not be seduced. In Christ,
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