大象传媒

Good morning. It鈥檚 that day again. Time to watch our backs and double check each newspaper story just in case we fall for an April Fool. It can be fun of course; my parents still talk about the 大象传媒鈥檚 famous spaghetti harvest spoof in 1957 which left millions scratching their heads. But no one wants to be seen as gullible or to be the fool that falls for a trick on any day of the year.

Public debate these days seems increasingly intent on making people look foolish. Social media is awash with clips of journalists landing that 鈥済otcha question鈥� and verbose commentators apparently confounding any poor soul who disagrees with them. They may attract followers, but I鈥檓 not sure how often they move debates forward.

The Bible says the foolish things of the world will shame the wise. And on one occasion Jesus says that unless someone becomes like a little child, they shall not enter the kingdom of God. What is it about children that Jesus wants us to imitate? In some ways it seems a strange example to use 鈥� children are surely gullible and na茂ve aren鈥檛 they? Well, I鈥檓 not sure. I鈥檝e been peppered by more questions by my own children than I ever thought possible. Not na茂ve may be but inquisitive and, crucially, humble because they know they don鈥檛 know all the answers.

There is great value to be had in rigorous debate, but I fear wisdom is not found in simply winning. Rather in the ability to listen and value views other than our own.

Dear Lord, forgive us for when we trust too much in our abilities or lift ourselves up by putting others down. Give us the curiosity and humility of children as we seek to work together. AMEN