Sometimes the people who criticise have a point (and hopefully they express it kindly) and other times they just can’t see that a new way may be better, and perhaps the old way has outlived its usefulness, or it was always simply wrong!

Without people trying to do things differently we would not have sliced bread, smart TVs, paved roads or anaesthetic.

Some people have changed lives by doing things differently in the face of opposition.

If it wasn’t for William Wilberforce slavery would not have been abolished when it was.

If it wasn’t for the peaceful protests of Mahatma Gandhi India may not have achieved independence when it did.

The list could go on and on.

The Bible tells the story of a rich man coming to Jesus with a question about how to gain eternal life, and his response shows that this most valuable of things can only come with a cost.

You can’t buy your way to God with money and riches, but it is only by being willing to lose and be the least that you will find true happiness.

Matthew 19:21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Jesus was criticised by many for doing things differently and he asked no different thing of those who followed him. When we get this right, we too may change the world.

When we put others needs at least on the same level as ours then the world, the country and our town can only be a better place. What a different way to live life!

‘But many who are first will be last. And many who are last will be first.’ Mark 10: 31