The Blog of Steve

Reflections on return from Melbourne

Well after what was effectively a two week paid holiday in Melbourne, it is back to reality in Brisbane. The two weeks I had down there were an excellent chance to simply take a break and make use of the time through some good reading and reflection.

It was not very far into the course when my other course mates began to head out onto town and conduct themselves in a less than ideal manner. I was surprised at this seemingly mindless behaviour from the vast majority of the group given that I seldom encounter it in my normal environment at home. At first I came to the conclusion that this group, and the broader Army must be, in general, more “morally flexible” and prone to poor behaviour when compared to the rest of society. Towards the end of the course however I developed the feeling that this may not actually be the case (Even though I believe that Defence encourages seriously damaging social behaviour patterns).

My theory is that this is simply coming as a realisation that morality informed by a classical Christian worldview is becoming increasing counter cultural. This can also be seen in the continuing unwavering commitment that both sides of Australian politics seem to have to economic rationalism.

That said, if we take what is found in scripture seriously, this should not be surprising.

2 Timothy 3:10-17
You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance,
(11)persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.
(12)In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
(13)while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
(14)But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it,
(15)and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
(16)All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
(17)so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Either way, it was a good break none the less and it is also good to be back to reality.