When we tune in to News at 10, or catch the headlines on the Today programme, or glance at a newspaper, it can be very easy to believe that God’s Kingdom is not to be found in this world. There are so many sad, disturbing and horrifying pieces of news, and one wonders whether there are any depths to which humanity cannot and will not sink.The "Prince of this world” (as Jesus calls Satan in St John’s Gospel) is having a high old time at the moment.

But a truism is that “good news doesn’t sell papers” whereas bad news certainly does. It seems that people “enjoy” hearing about others’ distress because somehow then they don’t feel so bad about themselves; “At least I’m not a refugee/ living in bombed Aleppo/ fleeing the flames at Fort McMurray……so maybe things are not so bad after all”. Doesn’t that seem a bit negative to you?

St Paul, again, urged the followers of “The Way” – the emerging faith based on Jesus Christ – to “think on whatsoever is good, true, honourable, pure, lovely and just” (Philippians 4) because seeing the good in the world, and in other people, makes one realise just how powerful God is; how active his Holy Spirit; how encouraging his work in the world today.

Teachers at school today encourage all children to succeed to do their best, to achieve in every way they can, to develop; their strengths, because that will ensure mental, physical, emotional and spiritual growth; never does one hear children mocked because they “cannot”; negativity is discouraged. Philippians 4 is being lived out in our primary schools.

So why don’t we do the same? Go on, try it….just for a moment. Think of something really uplifting or encouraging that has happened to you this week. Maybe a driver let you pull out of a side-road; the check-out boy smiled and was cheerful; your neighbour cut your grass for you; you received a phone call from a friend ... and quite possibly a hundred other “silly little” things too. But each of these small actions are signs of the GOOD in people and in the world. Think of the amazing views around you in this glorious north Oxfordshire countryside, AND REJOICE IN THE Creator’s power. Look at the beauty of the villages, and rejoice in all that makes Community. Look at that notice outside Shutford Village Hall – people have pledged over £20,000 to build a new hall….for the good of everyone – and rejoice in Selflessness and Love.

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.

If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Copyright © 1972 by Dorothy Law Nolte

And you and I too ... if we only look at and think about negativity that’s how we shall end up; a great big minus sign.

But if we rejoice over every good and uplifting thing, person and event then we shall find our eyes opened ever wider to the work of God in the world today. We shall realise that where there is darkness we can shed light; where there is pain we can bring healing; where there is despair we can bring hope; where there is sadness we can bring joy. God’s kingdom is a reality today; it’s in you and me, and in the children, women and men we meet each day. And we can help it grow by every “silly little” act of selflessness and generosity we can do.

Why should the Devil have all the good tunes ... or the News Headlines? He’s the Greatest Loser. Our God Reigns! and that’s something really worth singing about.