I think it was good advice but if you listen to my sermons you would say I should spend more time. To that I would apologise and say that giving an “organised” sound to a sermon is not so much about time as about getting organised, not my best quality. Yet the clearest sermons are not necessarily the ones you have spent too long preparing. Yes you must get deep into the Word and prayer in preparation, but if you prepare too much you may just end up with a very long sermon with hundreds of points.

Today I went swimming as usual but spent most of the time unintentionally “evangelising” as I was asked by new faces, “what do you do?” In reply to “minister” they all feel obliged to attempt to justify why they believe what they believe and on we went for a considerable time. I am sure this was a good use of time, probably the best work I will do all week, yet it came about by not working. Not that I am making an excuse for not working, but “being there” is our pastoral duty and there are 24 hours in a day.

Nevertheless I am very wary of my deceptive heart. What may seem like a healthy hobby can become an idol. I knew a man who collected rocks and stones and had a wonderful collection. The pastime absorbed him and completely destroyed his ministry.