LICOR?

It seems that some British banks have been a bit naughty. They have been artificially fixing the rate of interest at which they lent money to each other. I don’t pretend to understand all the ins and outs (or ups and downs) of the LIBOR (London InterBank Offered Rate), or exactly what some rascals at the banks have been doing to it. But what I do understand is that the rates were manipulated to the advantage of the banks, not to the benefit of the British economy or their customers.

High profile people have (reluctantly) resigned and I suspect there will be more before this is wrapped around our fish and chips (although they now use plain paper, not newspaper, for some reason).

I sit watching the news and I think about the dastardly bankers and their pursuit of profit and, if I am honest, I shudder. The shiver down my spine is not outrage at what they have done, nor a sense of disappointment that once again major financial institutions have been found out doing something wrong. It’s because I sense the same attitude between churches.

We don’t have a Local InterChurch Optimal Rate, but if we did, would we be guilty of artificially adjusting it to our own advantage? Do we place such a high premium on OUR mission priorities and OUR ministries that we overlook what effect that has on what God is trying to do locally? Do we hold onto our Ministers’ time jealously and refuse to share it with others around us? Do we keep a tight rein on who can use our premises and make sure we charge commercial rates if someone outside our church wants to use them? Do we organise events at times that suit us best and ignore what others may be planning down the road? Do we begrudgingly attend joint services with other churches, while most of our people see it as a chance for a day off?  What about when some of OUR people feel that they ought to go to a different church down the road?

Are we structurally selfish or gospel generous?

That has been a bit of a challenge to me because I feel wholeheartedly committed to the church to which God has called me, I love the people, the activities, the challenges, the location and so much more about this church. I want things to be the best we can possibly make them for the sake of fulfilling God’s mission through this local church. But have I concentrated so much on ‘us’ that I have adopted a ‘them’ attitude to other churches? Have I become so focused in what we are doing here that I am in danger of missing what God wants to do with us together with others? Do I use all of those things to justify to myself an artificial LICOR that adversely affects other churches and what God is trying to do?

There was an old children’s song around when I was in Sunday School: ‘Jesus bids us shine with a pure clear light, like a little candle burning in the night. In this world of darkness, Jesus bids us shine: you in your small corner and I in mine.’

Did that song make God rejoice or weep?

Be blessed, be a blessing.

Two lawyers were in a bank when a masked robber burst in waving a gun. He demanded that the employees fill a bag with money and then addressed the customers.

“I want all your valuables and money, now!”

One lawyer surreptitiously put something in the other’s hand.

“Here’s the £100 I owe you.”