We can all build on the right foundations

ONE of the essential tools in construction is the spirit level.

The little bubble of air enclosed in a tube of alcohol must lie exactly between two parallel marks to do its job so that we can see what is straight and horizontal.

The spirit level has become a symbol of how we should deal with one another.

The “level playing field” policy adopted by the government enables us to grasp the meaning of “being on the level” in building better communities and opportunities for all.

It is also an extension of the moral standard of how we should behave in our daily lives.

We have a basic instinct or spirit level within us that warns us against dishonest and shady dealings.

Our better nature warms us to the frank and honest folks who show sound judgement in decision making and treat everyone the same.

We endeavour to teach our children that integrity is a sure sign of real humanity and loving our neighbour as ourselves.

We applaud those who work to remove any obstacles that stand in the way of human progress.

The symbol of the spirit level does not recognise man-made inequalities.

A good and well-balanced nation will ensure that health, education, housing and community services are available for all, and that poverty is irradicated.

Those who would dodge such standards need to heed the warning of the Psalmist, “he who planted the ear does he not hear? He who formed the eye does he not see?” (Psalm 94:8)

The selfish culture of “how to get away with it” is a dishonesty that is unworthy of us as human beings.

This unoriginal tendency denies the “spirit” in the symbol of the Spirit Level.

It ignores the natural and Godgiven law of gravity which brings us all down to earth!

There is a lovely scene in St Luke’s Gospel (6:17) where Jesus is standing on a level place meeting the crowds of people who came to hear him teach and where he healed and touched the troubled and sick.

Jesus always levels with us when he tells us that the secret of joyful living is to “do to others as you would have them do to you”. (Luke 6:31)

That is the way God is with us even when we do not deserve such treatment.

He calls on us to do the same with our fellow humanity for we all have within us a great capacity for goodness if we build our lives on the right foundations. (Luke 6:47-49)

The words of St Paul read by the Prime Minister at the Service of Thanksgiving for the Queen’s Jubilee sums it all up: “And now my friends, all that is true, all that is noble, all that is just and pure, all that is lovable and gracious, whatever is excellent and admirable – fill your thoughts with these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

That is the spirit level all of us need today!

Canon George Burgon, Barton Seagrave