THE world is changing at an alarming rate. Social norms and expectations seem to be developing right before our very eyes. When we rise in the morning we need to be prepared to acknowledge that yesterday’s norm may not be today’s, and that language used yesterday may not be language used today. This, understandably, can be confusing for many people, especially those of senior years.

It’s fair to say that most people do not like change. Small changes are okay, maybe even gradual changes, but fast fundamental changes that alter our way of life can cause angst and confusion, making some feel outside of the world and not part of it.

When I joined the Royal Air Force in 1987 I entered a tough world. It was at times quite brutal but was also, without question, purposeful. Basic training was meant to break a person down from being a civilian with a certain train of thought, into a person who would take orders and do things that may be contrary to their previous social norms. Basically, we were trained to go to war and take life.

When I left the Services in 2010 military training had changed dramatically - some say for the worse, some for the better. All would agree though that it wasn’t as brutal. My final post before leaving was as a training flight commander, in charge of taking newly arrived civilians, training them to become first-class airmen/women ready to defend the Crown and its territories against aggression. But basic training had changed dramatically from my own time at RAF Swinderby, Lincolnshire. We no longer were allowed to overly shout at recruits or ‘get in their face’. By the time I left, swearing at recruits was also not permitted. Dreaded bed-packs (wrapping blankets and sheets into a cube, to be inspected) had been replaced by plain duvets and soft pillows. Physical training was easier, with physical times and targets greatly reduced.

Having re-joined the military as a Royal Navy Reserve Chaplain in 2017 I noticed that the changes of my time had changed yet again. Training had, and remains, more dynamic, with welfare of the trainee paramount. This is surely a good thing – no?

Secular changes, whether they be military or social norms, can affect people both positively and negatively. But the teachings of Jesus are always positive. They are meant to build a person up, making them become the best that they can be, and showing them that they are loved. And Christ does this by asking us to do two things – love God unconditionally and love our neighbour as we should love ourselves.

By loving God, creation, and our fellow human being we can make this world a better place. And if we do this, perhaps we will no longer have a need to militarise our young people and train them to kill. Food for thought for this coming November’s Remembrance services.