I recall a wily old editor mentioning that his decision to run a story rested on the answer to one simple question: who cares? I have never forgotten that profound little question and I have to admit it has proved invaluable when suggesting stories to various other editors over the years.

All of which leads me to this week’s ‘Thought’. I have wrestled long and hard over whether I should deal with this week’s subject but I have concluded that I must say something because it’s become very clear to me a lot of people do care. I am talking about the recent charges brought against the Mayor of Pembroke.

What should I say as a Christian, and especially as a Christian pastor whose job it is to teach others and to offer Biblical insights into challenges such as these? And lest you think these are academic questions let me assure you I have to deal with them regularly.

I always begin by stressing that I prefer to talk about the issues and not the person because I would never want to say or do anything that would prevent a fair trial. And that is key because I am well aware that we can all react emotionally and “rush to judgment”.

Thankfully we live in a country where we are deemed innocent until proven guilty. We easily forget that and assume that an accusation is no different to a guilty verdict. But that is both wrong and dangerous, as someone I know discovered to his cost. He was accused of a serious offence but was innocent as those who accused him finally admitted to a crown court judge. They had lied.

Having said we need to come to terms with the fact that we are all capable of doing the most terrible things. The prophet Jeremiah hit the nail on the head when he suggested that our hearts are desperately wicked. Jesus made the same point. Every single one of us is flawed (the Bible calls it sin) and we see the evidence of that highlighted in the news on a daily basis.

All of which means whenever I hear of someone accused of a crime I pray that God will ensure justice prevails and will prompt them to admit their guilt, if guilty they are. And lest you think I am a starry eyed idealist let me tell you that I’ve had someone come to me after a Sunday service and admit a serious sexual crime. And they willingly let me to take them to the police. So who says God is irrelevant?

But of course we have to come to terms with the fact that we may never know the truth, or what prompts people to behave in the way they, do. Which is why I take comfort from Jesus’ assurance that there will be a day of reckoning (often known as ‘Judgment Day’). And on that day, when every secret is laid bare, we will all have to give an account for the things we have done, especially when it comes to God’s invitation to eternal life.

Until then I find myself identifying with the apostle Paul who used the word ‘groaning’ when thinking about the world in which we live.

We have made such a mess of it and caused so much pain in the process I wonder how anyone can feel differently. And so, as I pray for those charged with criminal offences I also remember those affected by the tsunami of damage that flows in their wake – the victims, their families and their friends, even the police who have to deal with the awful consequences of our behavior.

Not surprisingly I echo a prayer that dates back to the first days of the church: “Marantha” which means, “Our Lord is coming”. And I find myself adding “Please hurry up! The world‘s in such a mess. We need you to sort it out as fast as you can”.

Rob James is a Baptist Pastor broadcaster and writer who currently operates as a church and media consultant for the Evangelical Alliance Wales. He is available for preaching and teaching throughout Wales and can be contacted at [email protected]