In Depth:  Clifford Pond

We are rightly warned of worldly ambition that blights spiritual growth. But when one of God’s children reaches a high place in society and at the same time walks humbly with the Lord, the angels learn something more, to their amazement, of the power of God’s grace.

This is the best explanation of the life of John Doggett, who died at the age of 89 on Sunday May 7. No surprise then that the funeral service at St. Peter’s Church, Ugley, Essex, on May 15 ended with ‘Amazing grace! How sweet the sound’.

If it is really true that 21st century Christians are not as spiritually strong and vibrant as they should be, one reason may well be a poor daily intake of nourishing spiritual food.

Our spiritual appetite can be undermined by pre-occupation with entertainment, sport, hobbies or material things.