WHAT can we do in such times of war and famine? I found an answer in Wakefield the other day, from the mouth of a beggar.

I had popped out at lunch time from a conference of clergy at Wakefield Cathedral. I had to buy some stamps, so made my way to the Ridings centre just across the way.

On the pedestrian approach to the centre, a young man with a microphone was trying to convince passers-by to turn to Jesus because the end times were near. I have to admit, I nearly swerved the other way, but I did have my dog-collar on, and I felt it right and proper to take a closer look and give him and his group of helpers some support.

I was immediately engaged by a very earnest lady, who told me about various doom-laden conspiracies that were signs that the end is near. It all sounded so loaded with fear, that I shamelessly borrowed a phrase used by our Bishop, Nick, earlier in the day as he reflected on the problems in the middle east. “As Christians,” I said, “we need not be driven by fear, but drawn by hope.” On reflection, I probably sounded a bit patronising, and I have to say this didn’t convince her. Feeling somewhat thwarted, and uncomfortable with the tone of the message, I moved on.

I then noticed a homeless guy, who had been sitting near by, get to his feet, walk over to the street preacher, stop and point his finger. “If you knew God, you would have helped me,” he said accusingly. He then straightened himself and walked away.

Sometimes the wisdom of God comes from surprising places.

What are we to do in the face of these difficult times? As a Christian, I think the message of the preacher was good – turn to Jesus – but his methodology was flawed - Jesus never frightened people into faith, he loved them. Jesus’ answer was simple, and very similar to the beggar’s words about knowing God and helping others. “Love God with [all that you are] and love your neighbour as you love yourself,” he said, “there is no other commandment greater than these.”. It may sound simple, but it is often the simple things that hold most truth. As St John writes “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.”