Signs of the Times January/February 2026

THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT WILLPOWER

Celebrating 140 years of Hope

In this issue January/February 2026 WHAT IN THE WORLD 04 YOU DON’T NEED MORE WILLPOWER 12 So what do you need?

THE SACRED EVERYDAY 18 Take time to find the extraordinary in the ordinary.

AI PROMISED THE WORLD. IT’S NOT DELIVERING. Why AI isn’t the silver bullet its proponents claim it is.

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LOVE ON TRIAL: THE CASE FOR GOD’S JUSTICE 24 Why God’s justice is better than ours.

LOVE SERVED HOT: HOW A SOUP CARAVAN IS FEEDING HOPE IN BLENHEIM, NZ 30 The food caravan that has become a community fixture.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A MAN? 40 Rethinking toxic masculinity.

SIX FOODS FOR 2026 46 Give yourself the best start for the new year.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR CHILD’S LOVE LANGUAGE? 52

SPIRITUAL, NOT RELIGIOUS—UNTIL THE DARKNESS VISITED Jake thought he was going crazy

when a spectre appeared in his room.

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FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 2

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WHEN FREEDOM HURTS: WHY GOD LETS US CHOOSE 54 Why doesn’t God simply end all suffering in the world?

SMART FOOD PAIRINGS 60 Get the best nutrition and flavour.

SUDOKU AND CROSSWORD PUZZLE 62

@SIGNSMAG

New year, same old me?

It’s January 6. You wake, roll over and gaze at the joggers on your bedroom floor. Your intentions are still the same as the past five days but for whatever reason, your motivation—that key ingredient—is gone. Where is it? You don’t know, but you do know one thing: you’re not jogging today. You hit the snooze button, roll over and go back to sleep.

I need to be honest: I’m cynical about New Year’s resolutions. Of my friends, there are a few who always jump on the bandwagon—excitedly posting their progress to their social media, projecting a subtle message of “I’m better than you”. Inevitably, most of them end up failing. Don’t get me wrong—I don’t want them to fail. It’s just that I’ve come to view the whole “new year, new me” mentality as doomed to fail.

However, one thing I’ve come to appreciate is that behaviour change is possible. As psychologist Simon Matthews points out (p12), the problem isn’t willpower— but what is it? You’ll have to read to find out.

On page 32, we’re thrilled to share Jake Stevanja’s story. His is one of spectral spirits, sleepless nights and spiritual warfare. While we often like to engage with scepticism, science and the rationality of Christian faith, his story illustrates the importance of recognising that there is a spiritual world—whether we like it or not.

Finally, on page 40, Joshua Newbegin challenges us to reevaluate our idea of masculinity and paints a vision for what it means to be a man.

Whether you hope 2026 will be a new beginning for you, or if you are simply hoping to make it through the year, let me share with you Tiana Storm’s wise words (p18): “Remember that God is always with us—waiting and wanting to connect.

All we have to do is slow down and take a seat at His table.”

JESSE HERFORD Associate Editor

VOL 140 NO 1

ISSN 1038-9733 EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER Brad Kemp EDITOR Jarrod Stackelroth ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jesse Herford ASSISTANT EDITOR Zanita Fletcher COPYEDITORS Melody Tan Tracey Bridcutt GRAPHIC DESIGN Theodora Pau’u Talia Valderrama PHONE +61 2 9847 2222 EMAIL info@signsmag.com WEBSITE signsmag.com ADDRESS Adventist Media PO Box 1115, Wahroonga New South Wales 2076 SUBSCRIPTIONS Kelli Geelan PHONE +61 3 5965 6300 Australia/New Zealand, $A28/$NZ30; South Pacific countries, $A41; Other countries $A51 Published since 1886, Signs of the Times is printed 11 times a year by the Seventh-day Adventist Church and is registered as a periodical.

Seventh-day Adventist Church (SPD) Limited ABN 59 093 117 689 NOTE The inclusion of a person or their image within does not imply their endorsement of the Seventh-day Adventist Church or its beliefs.

Unless otherwise stated, Bible verses are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, Anglicised.

Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc®. Used by permission of Hodder & Stoughton. All rights reserved worldwide.

COVER IMAGE: MIDJOURNEY

WHAT IN THE WORLD Can we feed the world without breaking it?

WORLDWIDE

Can we feed almost 10 million people by 2050? A major new report from the EAT-Lancet Commission says yes—if we drastically change how we eat and farm. Food systems are the biggest driver of biodiversity loss and make up nearly 30 per cent of global emissions. But cutting back on meat and dairy and increasing consumption of wholegrains, fruits, nuts and vegetables could put us on a sustainable path. The comission’s “planetary health diet” aims to promote human health while protecting the planet— potentially saving trillions in health and environmental costs each year.—The Lancet

Beating blindness According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Fiji is now free from trachoma, the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness.

Fiji’s improved water sanitation, monitoring and education have stopped its transmission. “Future generations of Fijians have been given a precious gift,” said WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.—World Health Organization 4

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UNSPLASH, MIDJOURNEY

FIJI

Extra-enhanced athletes UNITED STATES

Las Vegas will host the inaugural Enhanced Games in May 2026—a controversial new event that allows athletes to use performanceenhancing drugs without being subject to testing. Promoters call it the “Olympics of the future”. Founder Aron D’Souza believes athletes should be able to do what they wish with their own bodies. Others say it challenges values of athlete safety and sports integrity. It will feature events in swimming, sprinting and weightlifting.—The Conversation

Dogs in wigs UNITED STATES

US animal care centres have found creative ways to pull on people’s adoptive heart strings. Staff have been placing curly wigs on the dogs with the label “Golden Doodle”, “Schnoodle” and “Labradoodle” and posting footage of them online, in an attempt to highlight that these dogs deserve homes just as much as designer breeds. The tactic worked and sparked an influx of visitors.—The Washington Post

New Year’s traditions ITALY

In Southern Italy, people celebrate the New Year by throwing old pots, pans, clothes and even furniture out of their upstairs windows to banish bad luck. But that’s not all.

Lucky lentils and sausages are eaten to welcome wealth, red underwear is worn for love and fortune, and fireworks or firecrackers are set off to scare away evil spirits. How did you celebrate coming into 2026?

—Ripleys Believe it or Not

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WIKICOMMONS

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AI THE WORLD. It’s not delivering AI proponents make huge promises.

But is it too good to be true?

DR RYAN STANTON

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origin of the company. While Holmes may have lied about plenty regarding the company, her stated motivation for creating Theranos seems noble on its face: their attempts to create a blood testing process which used minimal amounts of blood stemmed from Holmes’ fear of needles—a fear which many can relate to. Unfortunately, at the beginning of the venture, Holmes was told by multiple experts in the field that her hope of creating a full suite of tests which worked from a pinprick of blood was not viable2—advice she ignored and which would later be vindicated.

This, I think, is the most interesting part of the Theranos story: despite knowing that the reality of their dream was impossible, the company continued to sell an impossible promise.

another impossible promise

On August 8, 2025, OpenAI unveiled the long-awaited fifth version of their large language model chatbot ChatGPT to the public, claiming it could provide “PhD-level” abilities.3 The world’s richest man, Elon Musk, took the claim a step further, hyping up his company’s AI Grok as being “better than PhD level in everything”.

In May of the same year, Mark Zuckerberg touted the ability for AI chatbots to replace human relationships and friendships.4 Zuckerberg has also made similarly lofty claims about Meta’s other technologies, arguing that in the future, anybody who doesn’t own and use AI glasses

AIRAMDPHOTO—PEXELS

F

or those who know the story of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos, it may seem hard to remember a time when the company was unstoppable. While her name is now permanently associated with fraud and deception, the truth of the matter is that for a time, the company founded by a 19-year-old Holmes in 2003 seemed poised to change the world.

Their promise to revolutionise the healthcare industry by providing fast, accurate and painless blood tests caught the attention of many and led to the company’s peak valuation of US$9 billion in 2014. Combining the potentially paradigm-shifting technology with Holmes’ captivating public persona, the company seemed poised to change the world.

There was only one problem. It was all a lie.

Despite claims that they could do a full range of blood tests from a pinprick of blood, the company never developed the technology and instead engaged in a variety of deceptive practices to hide this fact. Of course, as is often the case, Theranos’s secret eventually broke and led to the downfall of a company which had once been praised for its “phenomenal rebooting of laboratory medicine”.1 Indeed, Theranos’ Holmes now serve as a prime example of a company both overpromising and underdelivering—or in this case, failing to deliver at all.

One of the most interesting facts about Holmes and Theranos comes not from their downfall, but from the

There are plenty of good reasons to be suspicious of those with a vested interest in the success of AI will “be at a disadvantage”.5 Increasingly, AI is being integrated into every aspect of our daily lives, with its loudest proponents claiming that it will solve all our problems. In the fast-food industry, the owners of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell claimed that they were adopting an “AI-first mentality”6 (though the company is reportedly rethinking the approach after a customer used AI to order 18,000 glasses of water).7 Interested in learning a new language? Duolingo believes that AI can help the process, with the CEO claiming AI can make employees “four or five times” as productive8 (though once again, their adoption of the technology has led to a significant backlash from customers who doubt its effectiveness9).

Keen to play some games to relax?

EA—the publisher of a wealth of large franchises including EA FC (formerly FIFA) and Battlefield—recently announced a $US50 billion sale, relying heavily on the promise of AI to streamline development costs

(though gamers and developers alike are less than thrilled). Everywhere you look, AI promises the world. But promises aren’t reality—and there are plenty of good reasons to be suspicious of those with a vested interest in the success of AI.

the unfortunate truth

As a media scholar (and one of the PhD-level people who OpenAI is aiming to replace), I am deeply sceptical of AI. Many of my doubts stem from fundamental issues with how the technology works. While the title “artificial intelligence” implies a level of thought, and the term “large language model” (LLM) seems to indicate an understanding of language, the reality is that these tools neither think nor understand the meaning of words.

A full explanation of the ways they work is beyond the scope of this article, but on the most basic level, the way that LLMs and generative AI view language is more akin to JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 • SIGNSMAG.COM

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a complex maths equation. Your prompt is one side of the equals sign and the technology attempts to “solve” for the most likely response. In addition to this process being extremely power intensive (and having negative environmental impacts10), it is also the reason that despite the hyped improvements in more recent models, AI continues to suffer from widespread “hallucinations”11—where the chatbot either regurgitates inaccurate information or invents entire falsehoods. Indeed, CEO of Open AI Sam Altman has admitted that hallucinations are not an engineering flaw for LLMs but are “mathematically inevitable”.12

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The issues caused by these hallucinations are significant and may further exacerbate societal issues rather than solve them. A recent report indicated that 45 per cent of AI responses based on news articles contained “significant” errors—with a whopping 81 per cent of responses having some form of issue.13 In this age of misinformation, relying on AI seems like a recipe for disaster. More importantly, current research points towards AI having a negative effect on its users, “eroding critical thinking skills”.14 Furthermore, while it is often thought of as neutral, numerous studies15 have exposed biases in AI models16—an unsurprising reality when one acknowledges the potential biases of their creators which may filter in.

I could go on and on about the issues with AI (and indeed, some of my poor friends have had to endure my rants on the topic in the past). Ultimately however, all these criticisms can be summed up in one sentence. That is, the reality of AI falls drastically short of the promise its creators espouse.

With all this in mind, I should acknowledge that I am sympathetic to those who want to believe the promise of AI. The world we live in is fundamentally broken in so many ways with political polarisation, environmental destruction and unspeakable injustice occurring daily.

And that’s not even acknowledging the more mundane tasks that it could

DARLENE ALDERSON—PEXELS

is AI making us dumber?

help with. The promise of a “magic bullet” technology that can ease any of the issues we face—just like the promise of a needle-free blood test—is enticing. And it is true that this technology can help in certain situations. As a tutor to international students, machine learning can be a helpful tool in translating complex ideas discussed in our courses (though it still has imperfections that need correcting). My friends who work in software engineering are adamant that it can help make the tedium of coding less strenuous (which is understandable considering coding, like LLMs, also treats language as a sort of maths). AI-assisted live transcription is also potentially revolutionary for the hard of hearing.

But these are individual solutions for individual problems—and we should not be forced to swallow all the issues with these AI models in order to benefit from them.

no silver bullet?

The reality is, there is no one solution that will solve all our problems.

AI cannot create. Every response it gives is based on the existing work of talented artists, writers and experts who it often fails to properly credit.

Working as a tutor, I have seen firsthand its negative effects—seeing students inadvertently turn in assignments with invented information and incorrect sources. In seeing AI as the solution to their problems, they have only created more—and greater—problems.

This, more than anything, is the danger of AI. Proponents like Zuckerberg and Altman want you to believe that it can enhance—or even replace—human connection, but the opposite is true. If you want to learn, create or connect, you can’t do so through AI. You should go to the source, read what others are saying and listen to the experts who have dedicated their lives to solving these problems. Step outside the tech bubble these companies want to trap you in and connect with the real world.

The truth is, no one machine can save the world, nor can any one individual—that is, aside from Jesus Christ. So don’t give in to the promise of the technology. Connect with reality. Connect with others.

And connect with the God who made it all—and made you. As author and ex-activist Paul Kingsnorth recently said, “If God is real . . . then God is real. And that means everybody has a longing for God. That’s where we’re supposed to be orientated.”17 Ryan Stanton is a PhD graduate from the University of Sydney. A media and communications scholar, he is constantly torn between wanting to believe the promise of new technologies and being disappointed by the reality.

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For a full list of references, visit the web version of this article: <signsmag. com/2026/01/ai-promisedthe-world-its-notdelivering/>

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You don’t need more willpower Why trying harder isn’t the answer SIMON MATTHEWS

MIDJOURNEY

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I

t’s 9pm. You’ve had a long day and you’re standing in front of your open refrigerator. You know you’re not hungry. You know you said you’d stop late-night snacking. But somehow, you watch your hand reach out for ice-cream or leftover pizza.

Later, lying in bed, you get mad at yourself. What is wrong with me?

Why don’t I have more willpower?

Here’s the truth that might surprise you: willpower isn’t your problem. In fact, willpower as we understand it might not even be real—or at least, not in the way we think.

the story we tell about willpower

GETTY IMAGES

For most of us, willpower feels real. It’s the thing we’re supposed to call upon when temptation strikes—the thing that separates people who achieve their goals from those who don’t. When we succeed at something difficult, we credit our determination. When we fail, we blame our weak will.

This story is deeply embedded in Western culture. Ancient Greek

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philosophers talked about self-control. Medieval scholars linked willpower to moral character. Victorian thinkers saw it as the foundation of discipline and virtue. Even today, we admire people with an “iron will” and shame ourselves for lacking it.

The concept is appealing because it seems to match our subjective experience. When you don’t eat that second slice of cake, it feels like you’re flexing some internal strength.

When you give in, it feels like that strength has failed.

But what if that feeling is misleading? And what if the whole framework is wrong?

it’s too vague to be useful

Ask 10 people what willpower means, and you’ll get 10 different answers. Is it resisting temptation?

Persevering through difficulty? Following through on a commitment?

Possessing a good character?

This vagueness makes willpower a useless concept for change. When something can mean almost anything, it explains almost nothing.

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Recent research suggests that what we call “willpower” is actually a collection of different mental processes—impulse control, persistence, emotional regulation, habit strength and more. There’s no single “willpower switch” to flip.

the “limited tank” theory

You may have heard willpower described like a muscle—it gets tired with overuse, so after a day of resisting temptations, you simply run out. This “ego depletion” theory was popular for a while, but studies have found little evidence for it.

What does seem to matter is what you believe about willpower. People who think willpower is unlimited show better self-regulation than those who think it runs out. Believing your willpower is depleted can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

And the opposite is also true— believing you have bucketloads of willpower can help you. But it’s not willpower doing the heavy lifting; it’s what you believe about yourself.

the blame game

The thing I most dislike about the willpower story is that it places all the responsibility on you, while ignoring all the other things that influence behavioural change.

I’ve been a psychologist for the better part of 30 years and one thing I’ve come to appreciate is how much the things around you matter—where you live, who you live with, the opportunities you have and the resources you have at your disposal.

It all makes a difference.

Is it easier to avoid eating biscuits when they’re in a jar on your kitchen counter or when they’re still on the supermarket shelf? Is it easier to go to the gym when it’s two minutes from home or half an hour’s drive? Is it easier to change a habit when your friends are too, or when they’re still doing what you’re trying to stop?

Your environment matters enormously. So do your skills and knowledge. So does whether the change aligns with what you truly value, not just what you think you should want.

When we frame everything as a willpower problem, we overlook these other factors. Worse, when we struggle—as we almost always do at some stage—we conclude that we’re weak or flawed, rather than recognising that the conditions for change weren’t in place.

This self-blame creates shame.

And shame is one of the biggest barriers to meaningful change because it makes us less likely to seek help or be honest about our struggles.

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it doesn’t explain how we keep things going

Most successful behaviour change doesn’t feel like an act of will after a while.

When you first start exercising, it might require significant mental effort to get yourself to the gym. But after several months, it usually

becomes automatic. That’s not because your willpower got stronger— it’s because you built a habit that matters to you.

Think about brushing your teeth.

I’m certain you don’t use willpower for that. It’s become a stable routine, most likely paired with another routine—like what you do after breakfast or before you go to bed—and it communicates important information about who you are, ie, I’m someone who looks after my teeth.

So if willpower isn’t the answer, what is? Modern psychology offers far more useful frameworks.

understand your emotions

redesign your environment

Make the healthy choice the easy choice. This is the principle behind 16

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GETTY IMAGES

Many behaviours we might see as willpower failures are actually “emotional regulation” challenges.

You’re not eating because you’re weak-willed; you’re eating because you’re stressed and haven’t learned other ways to comfort yourself.

You’re not avoiding the gym because you’re lazy; you’re avoiding it because exercise triggers anxiety about your body, feelings of physical discomfort or because you worry about all the things you’re not doing while you’re at the gym.

When you learn to identify and work with your emotions—rather than ignoring them and trying to “will” yourself to act—change becomes much easier.

“nudging”—making small changes to your environment that guide you toward better decisions.

Want to eat more vegetables?

Put them at eye level in your fridge and pre-chop them so they’re ready to go. Want to read more? Put your phone in another room and leave a book on your coffee table or pillow. Want to save money? Set up automatic transfers on pay day so you just don’t see the money in your account. Small changes like these make new behaviours much easier.

build skill, not will

Sometimes what we call a willpower gap is actually a skill gap. You don’t lack the will to eat healthily—you lack the skill to cook or meal plan. You don’t lack the will to manage your money; you lack the skill to budget or simply financial literacy.

Seeing change in this way gives you something to act on. Skills can be learned. But you can’t simply “will” yourself to have more will.

a more compassionate way

The willpower story is seductive because it’s simple and because it aligns with a lot of societal, cultural and even religious messages we’ve been raised with. But it makes change feel like a moral test you’re always failing. It keeps you stuck in cycles of self-blame instead of solving problems.The good news is you don’t need more willpower. Here’s what you need to do:

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Address the emotions driving unwanted behaviours • Design environments that support your goals • Build habits that make good choices easier • Develop specific skills for specific challenges • Connect your actions to values that matter to you This approach treats yourself as a whole person navigating complex circumstances, not as a moral failure who just needs to “try harder”.

So next next time you find yourself standing at the refrigerator at 9pm, instead of asking, “Why don’t I have more willpower?” ask, “What emotion am I trying to manage right now?”

Once you’ve answered that, then ask, “How else can I satisfy that need?”

Those questions will lead you somewhere useful—to greater understanding of yourself and your needs.

The willpower question just leads to shame. And you know you deserve better than that.

Simon Matthews is a psychologist and leadership coach. He is a dual Fellow of both the American College and the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine. He is an adjunct lecturer at Avondale University Lifestyle Medicine & Health Research Centre.

He loves talking about his passions of travelling and cooking. He writes from Madrid, Spain.

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If you’re interested in exploring these ideas further, scan the QR code or follow the link: <signsmag. com/2025/11/you-dontneed-more-willpower/>

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XIMIN LIN—UNSPLASH

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The sacred everyday You may not need a retreat or a perfect 10-step routine to find rest from life’s busyness. Sometimes all you need is a few unhurried moments to reset and notice the beauty all around you.

TIANA STORM

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JULIO LOPEZ—PEXELS

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magine, just for a moment, waking up on a bed of grass as the warmth of the sun kisses your face. You wander to a nearby river for a refreshing dip before harvesting your crops. The day stretches ahead as you prepare a nourishing meal to share over stories and laughter with your family or local community. As the sun sets, so too does your energy. The day is slow and simple, and every moment breathes with the beauty of life.

This was the rhythm of our ancestors—slowness, simplicity and sacred pace. By contrast, today our phones keep us connected around the clock, TikTok and news keep our minds racing, and our calendars overflow before the week has even begun. Practising the art of slowness has become a newfound challenge for the modern mind and body.

I realised this on the verge of what felt like my 50th burnout—all by the age of 25. I was emotionally, physically and mentally exhausted as I tried to meet the demands of work and my personal life. My excitement for life had drained away. I felt overwhelmed, stressed and inadequate. My life was centred around work—preparing for it, recovering from it and thinking about it all day long. To-do lists would replay in my mind long after I had clocked off, leaving my thoughts overstimulated and my body drained. I searched for relaxation in the usual places—on my phone, through screens, through noise—but it didn’t work. I was depleted. Every single day.

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I can’t name the exact straw that broke the camel’s back, but one day something shifted. I decided to intentionally create moments of slowness in my life outside of work—to give my mind an opportunity to breathe, rest and rejuvenate.

At first, this just meant spending 15 minutes in a nearby park before my shift. Truthfully, it didn’t feel easy.

I didn’t know how to just be. I felt guilty and anxious as my mind asked questions like, Are you sure there isn’t something you should be doing right now? or, Can you afford to take this pause? To do nothing felt absurd to my system—almost irresponsible.

But before long, the sunshine and time in nature had an undeniable effect on my mood. I knew studies had long proven the positive effects the outdoors has on our mental and physical wellbeing, but only now was I experiencing those benefits firsthand.

I continued to experiment with slowness each morning before work.

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Some days I spent a few minutes noticing the birds, the shades of green brushed upon the tree leaves or the whistles of the wind. Other days I simply sat and breathed slowly.

Sometimes I let my mind rest on paper, writing out my thoughts and bringing presence to my internal world instead. It didn’t matter what form my slowness took each day. The more I practised, the more alive I felt to the present moment. My mind and body were finally in the same place.

I started noticing the small changes that made each day unique. What surprised me most was that I was returning to the same park every day, yet no two mornings were ever the same. My commitment to slow down had opened my eyes to the everchanging, living beauty around me that I’d missed in my rush to get things done.

Life stopped feeling repetitive and mundane. It began to feel alive, vibrant and full of surprises. Soon that sense of curiosity began to spill into

YOHAN—PEXELS

slowing down had created space— a sacred space where I was noticing the handiwork of God

the rest of my day. I showed up to work more grateful and came home energised rather than empty. Simple acts like taking my morning shower or making dinner began to feel like a moving meditation. From the water on my skin to the texture and smell of food as I prepared it—every detail of life began to feel meaningful.

The irony was that, on the outside, my life hadn’t changed much at all.

But inside, slowing down had created space—a sacred space where I was noticing the handiwork of God in every detail around me.

The art of slowness doesn’t have to happen in a park. It doesn’t have to happen before the work day begins. It doesn’t have to look like my practice, or anyone else’s at all. You can simply set the intention to pause, notice and pay attention to your surroundings in any given moment.

Step outside and bask in the sun. Eat a meal without distraction, paying attention to the smells, flavours and textures. Take a few deep breaths

when overwhelm hits you throughout your day. Just experiment with a pattern of life that gives you space to breathe and take notice of the world around you.

While the days of living tech-free and off the land may be far gone for most of us, we can still learn from the natural flow of those who lived this way—a rhythm marked by presence, gratitude and simplicity. In that rhythm, we remember that God is always with us—waiting and wanting to connect. All we have to do is slow down and take a seat at His table.

Tiana Storm is a writer with a background in sociology. She is fascinated by the beauty and complexity of what it means to be human.

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To learn more about taking rest in Jesus, explore this course: <biblestudy.com.au/ how-to-pray/>

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MIDJOURNEY

LOVE ON TRIAL: THE CASE FOR GOD’S JUSTICE

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The Bible describes a courtroom scene with God as Judge, the devil as accuser and Jesus as your defence.

The surprising verdict?

Grace.

OLIVIA FAIRFAX

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thoroughly and passes judgements with the intent to promote the right and moral course of restitution.

the roots of justice

The legal system is founded on several primary principles: fairness, equity and access to justice. Each of these serve a vital role in ensuring that individuals are granted not only a right outcome, but also a right treatment throughout the legal process. Justice systems adopted across the world are each based on these fundamental principles, which largely originated within the Judeo-Christian tradition.1 This is perhaps no surprise to many when we consider the 10 Commandments and the Golden Rule of “do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12). Even in secular educational institutions when jurisprudence (the philosophy of law) is taught, educators cannot but acknowledge that much of the justice system had its quintessential birth in Christianity.

The philosophy of law considers why we need justice and where morality stems from. And, however one argues it, every school of

MIDJOURNEY

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he word judgement is often associated with negative connotations of punishment, criticism or retribution. But as a linguistics enthusiast, I feel like this word has been hard-done-by and poorly represented in our modern-day context.

I work part-time in the legal field where judgement has a very different meaning. In the legal world, “judgement” carries with it meanings of “finality” or “closure”. Individuals involved in disputes for years can receive vindication and peace after a decision is handed down. Lives turned upside-down by atrocities can experience closure and solace.

Judgements can make possible the beginning of a new chapter for someone’s life. Our justice system is a beautiful thing (when it works as intended). It governs the very fabric of society and safeguards against corruption, abuse of power and crime. Each person is treated with equity and is given the dignity of being heard. Even when someone is guilty of a crime, the justice system does not abandon them but instead protects their right to a fair trial. The justice system investigates matters

jurisprudence acknowledges that the need for justice extends beyond personal experience and is a transcendent quality of existence.

While the fundamental principles of law originate largely from the Christian tradition, they actually extend much further back than this.

At creation, God set out the laws by which our world would operate: the laws of physics, time, aerodynamics, gravity, mathematics, morality, psychology and sociology. When God created our world, He established the structures by which good governance would be naturally infused into it. Each of these laws were premised on one fundamental principle—love.

Love was designed as the ultimate guiding principle for life, to keep us safe and to enrich our lives. It’s not surprising, given God’s fundamental nature is also love.

the disobedience in rejecting God’s governing law of love. In choosing to trust one’s own knowledge rather than the principles of selfless love intended for our good, sin happened.

Sin is the corruption of these governing principles of selfless love and leads to disease, distrust, corruption, discord and dissonance with one another—and with God. When we sin, we break the law of God and harm our relationships. Sin is a cancer so malicious that its very existence demands judgement.

But even from the beginning, God made provision for our spiritual lawbreaking. The punishment of eternal death was too great a loss, and the price of restoration was far beyond our reach. So He promised the “seed” of the woman would crush the head of the serpent of sin.

when love was broken

Ancient Israel had a system of justice that foreshadowed God’s ultimate plan of redemption in Jesus—the sanctuary practices of the Day of Atonement (see Leviticus 16).

Just as the justice system we now know was created to reflect the ideas of Christian principles, each

In the Garden of Eden, God gave humanity one simple rule: not to eat from the tree of good and evil (Genesis 2:16). The consequence of disobeying God and eating this fruit was death. It was not the fruit itself which would kill them; but rather

a plan for redemption

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punishment by dying the death that they deserved.

In dying for us, Jesus paid for our sins with His blood. His death paid the penalty for our rebellion against God’s law of love. And when Jesus ascended to heaven after His time on earth, He presented Himself to God as the sacrifice on our behalf, making us “clean”.

the judgement that sets us free

This scene in heaven is much like a court of law: God serves as Judge, the Devil our accuser, and Jesus Christ as our defence Attorney. This is what is referred to as the “investigative judgement” where God will look intently into each of our lives and judge us justly to determine our eternal future. But the advantage is that if we choose to accept Jesus’ gift of mercy and grace, Jesus will not only defend us, but He will stand in our place as the “accused”. In Jesus, God can find no fault. When Jesus takes our place, we are free from any condemnation.

People often see God as judgemental, cruel and exacting—but that is not His true nature. That may be the god of other religions or of false Christianity, but true Christianity sees a God who, even when being scourged with whips and nailed to a cross, sustained the very breath of the religious leaders and soldiers condemning Him to death, loving them and praying for their forgiveness: “for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:24).

God is not a God of “judgement”,

PLANET VOLUMES—UNSPLASH

component of the Sanctuary system, in structure and practice, reflected a different phase of God’s plan to redeem us.

The Day of Atonement involved the High Priest taking a perfect, blemish-free animal and symbolically transferring the sins of the entire community of Israel onto it before sacrificing it. The blood of this animal was then taken into the Most Holy Place and presented before God as a reparation for humanity’s sins— symbolically dying in their place.

After the High Priest concluded this practice, the community of Israel would be considered “ceremonially cleansed” and the price for their sins paid (Leviticus 16:30). All of this was designed to point towards the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.

Justice demanded that payment be made for wrongs committed. Otherwise, where would be fairness, order, equity and love in this world? But God did not want to see His beloved children die and be lost forever to their sins and destructive habits. So, He removed the punishment due us and transferred it to Himself.

God came down as a human in the form of Jesus and lived a perfect, sinless life. He wrestled with temptation, struggled with loneliness, experienced hunger and thirst, He faced abuse and inhumane cruelty, all without breaking the perfect law of God—the law of love. Even as He was being killed, Jesus loved those who nailed Him to the cross; He sought their forgiveness and carried their

but a God of just mercy. He is the God who stands in our place and defends us when we sin, empathising with our weaknesses. In 1 Timothy 2:4-6 we are told that God “wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all people”.

The purpose of God’s investigative judgement is not to condemn humanity, but rather to seek any and every excuse to get us into heaven to share eternity with Him, where we can experience true peace, freedom and love (John 3:17). God’s “judgement” does not mean punishment, but rather it means finality and closure—marking the end of the sin which wreaks havoc and dissension in our lives and our world. And when this atonement is made complete, Jesus will return to make this world anew, free from sin, suffering and pain—forever.

Olivia Fairfax is an eager student in all things psychology, theology and literature. She enjoys spending her time writing, learning and investing in people. She writes from Sydney, Australia.

1. Augusto Zimmerman, ‘Constituting a ‘Christian Commonwealth’: Christian Foundations of Australia’s Constitutionalism’ (2014, The Western Australian Jurist, Vol. 5, 123).

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To learn more about God’s future plans for the world, go to <biblestudy.com.au/ bible-prophecy/>

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make a difference LOVE SERVED HOT: HOW A SOUP CARAVAN IS FEEDING HOPE IN BLENHEIM, NZ

I

wait for the caravan every week.

I wouldn’t survive without it.”

Every Sunday in the South Island town of Blenheim, a small team gathers. They load up a caravan with pots of soup, buns and vegetables, then serve anyone who shows up.

No forms, no questions—just food, kindness and prayer.

For 18 years, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Caravan, led by Grant and Chrissy Ingersoll, has been on the streets serving those doing it tough.

What began as a service to ferry passengers coming into Picton on the delayed ferries has grown into a beacon of hope for the community.

“We asked the police where help was needed most,” Grant recalls. “They told us, ‘the streets’. So that’s where we serve.”

Today, the team of 22 volunteers— including youth and teens all from Blenheim Seventh-day Adventist Church—meet every Sunday. In winter, they cook three big pots of soup. In summer, they offer fruit, vegetables and sometimes toys for families. Local businesses pitch in: Pak’n Save donates buns, Sanitarium provides breakfast cereals and a local couple supply honey when they can.

People come because they know someone will look them in the eye and care. Grant pauses, recalling the

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day two boys arrived with dog bowls to collect their soup. “That one still gets me,” he admits quietly.

A recent report from ADRA’s Disaster Ready Churches coordinator captured what happens there: “A particularly moving moment was witnessing Grant pray with many of the people we served. He has such a genuine heart for people and it was inspiring to see his compassion in action. We are truly blessed to have him as an ADRA Champion, being the hands and feet of Jesus in his community.” Those being served speak just as powerfully: “I’ve been coming for two years. I get food for me and my daughter—I wouldn’t be here without them.

“WINZ (Work and Income NZ) fails, government fails. I’ve got nowhere else to go but this caravan always turns up.”

Grant laughs when asked how they manage to keep going. “You know, bears go to sleep in the winter—we don’t.”

Some Sundays, someone will ask how much it costs. “I tell them, ‘Nothing, man. God gives it to us to give to you.’”

When the caravan needed repairs, the team prayed. A man Grant had once studied the Bible with a builder by trade—offered to fix it at a low cost. Donations followed. “The tap’s

loaves of bread, through listening ears and quiet prayers. Because in a world where many have given up on church, they’ve found that love still speaks loudest when it’s served hot.

Maranatha Fidow is the communications and connections coordinator for ADRA New Zealand.

Visit <adra.co.nz> to find out more.

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never run dry,” he says.

Week after week, through rain, wind or sunshine, the ADRA Caravan reminds Blenheim that the church is still here and still cares.

This small team doesn’t preach with microphones or stages. They preach through ladles of soup and

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Spiritual, not religious

until the darkness visited Religion, the Bible, church—it didn’t make sense to me. But that changed when I unwittingly stumbled into the world of the supernatural.

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JAKE STEVANJA

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I

grew up in a Croatian Catholic family. We went to church every Sunday but the services were always in Croation, so I never understood what was being said. I remember one day asking Grandma, “Why do we come to church?”

She shooshed me and said, “Stop complaining. God just wants you to come for one hour a week.” I thought, Really? He wants us here at 10:30 on a Sunday? I had many questions back then but never felt like I was getting answers.

My family made me become an altar boy. I’d carry things down the church aisles, help the priest with services and go with him on home visits. I routinely went to confessional, silently suspicious of the two feet peeking out under the

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curtains. The more I forced myself to follow these rituals I didn’t understand, the emptier and more confused I felt.

Religion, the Bible, church—it made less sense with time. I remember asking questions at church and receiving answers that made no sense at all. So, at eight years old I vowed, “I will never again pick up the Bible as long as I live.”

During this period, there were a lot of shows and films about the supernatural—ghosts, paranormal activity, people rising from the dead. The Matrix came out when I was in primary school and it was the first film to plant the idea that there might be more to reality than what we see. Unsurprisingly, my family sent me to a private Catholic high school. Most students were Catholic

Religion, the Bible, church— it made less sense with time

the search

The more I explored, the heavier I felt. The evil in the world, the wars that followed 9/11, the darkness, the unanswered questions—it all started to mess with me to the point where I became completely overwhelmed.

I’d explored religion but found no compelling answers. I’d explored evolution but saw many holes in it.

The idea that we were just sitting on a rock, floating through space by random accident didn’t make sense when I looked out at the world around me.

For a while, I became dependent

on alcohol to rest my mind. I’d have a few drinks, put on some music and relax. But the alcohol quickly stopped having any effect and my questions remained just as loud.

when things got weird

Then I started experiencing supernatural events. I’m not sure if it was because I had watched so many films of this nature—or because I denounced God as a young boy—but it sure seemed like something was out to get me.

One morning at around 2:30am, I laid in my bed wide awake. My eyes were open, but suddenly everything around me took on a strange blue hue. I tried to sit up, but my body was locked in place. Next minute, my cupboard doors started opening and a smoky figure appeared saying, “I’ve come to destroy you”. At that time, I truly believed the most powerful, binding force in the universe was love. As I laid there afraid, I tried to dwell on this concept of love, not knowing what else to do. Suddenly, a

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but I had one friend who came from a family of strong atheists. One day he told me he had decided to become a Buddhist and I thought, Wait, you can just change? Just like I was ethnically Croatian, I thought I was ethnically Catholic. Just as my friend decided to stop identifying as an atheist, I stopped identifying as Catholic. But I kept identifying as spiritual. I knew the truth had to be out there.

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white light covered me, causing the smoky figure to become enraged. It came up to me and started thrashing around, but it couldn’t break through the white light. Then it disappeared.

I remember feeling myself peacefully drift off to sleep while the white light still surrounded me. You would think something like this would keep me wide awake but instantly, I fell into a deep sleep.

This wasn’t my first—or last—supernatural experience. Over the following year, my nights were haunted by spirits, shadow figures, alien-like beings and all sorts of strange things. And they were all the same.

They’d approach me softly to start and request access to my heart, but when I would say no, their presence would become aggressive until they’d eventually give up and leave.

From the beginning, I wondered if I had completely lost my mind. I moved house, thinking it may have been cursed, but the same things kept happening. I moved again, this time buying a place of my own, thinking it might help. Things only got worse.

After a few years, I hit a point where I hated everything. I hated work, hated where I was living, hated feeling fatigued. So, I made massive lifestyle changes. I began running, training for marathons and getting up early for bootcamp. I stopped drinking alcohol, caffeine, soft drinks, energy drinks and became fully plant-based—a very big deal for my meat-loving Croatian family.

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Everyone around me started seeing the change. I loved how I was feeling. But the dark nights remained.

I never told anyone what was happening to me during this time because I didn’t want people thinking I was going crazy. I continued living a normal life throughout the day, going to work, going to CrossFit and meeting up with friends. On the surface I looked fine. I was social, fit and was always joking around with my mates.

But underneath I was crumbling.

breaking point

One night, another figure appeared in my room. It was a blue-veiled Mary, who I was used to seeing on church stain-glassed windows and paintings. Again, she came politely, gently and with a soft voice said, “I’m everything you’ve been searching for. Give me your heart.” The more I refused, the more aggressive she became. In utter desperation, I yelled out, “Save me!”

I wasn’t necessarily calling to God, but to anyone or anything that could save me from this torment. As soon as these words left my lips, the white light appeared again. Then the Mary figure transformed into a red demon, full of rage. She tried to charge toward me but again, a white light protected me and the figure disappeared. Without hesitating, I got on my knees. The magnificence of this presence was so powerful that it completely awed me. Suddenly, I was no longer afraid. I knew I was safe. I knew I was in the presence of God.

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With clasped hands I confessed, “You are Jesus Christ. You have made Your presence known.”

I got back into bed and had the most peaceful sleep I’d had in years.

The next morning, I woke up to a message from a friend I hadn’t spoken to in a long time. He had sent me a link to a video of a preacher talking about Jesus and in his message said, “Hey, you should watch this”. The video made so much sense, considering everything I’d been experiencing. I knelt by my bed and this time, gave my heart to Jesus.

light in the darkness

Suddenly, all my free time was filled with prayer and seeking for answers about God, Jesus and Christianity. Funnily enough, the one reluctance I had was that I felt really convinced by this plant-based lifestyle, but I had it in my mind that the Christian philosophy taught God created animals to be killed and eaten.

I prayed to God and heard Him

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say, “Seventh-day Adventists”. I thought, What in the world is that?

Months went by and I kept pondering the events that had happened. I prayed a second time, telling God I would like to talk to people about my experiences. Again, I heard Him say, “Speak to My Adventists.”

Eventually, I went for a drive one weekend to try to find an Adventist church. I drove around my suburb for hours. I passed the Anglican church, the Methodist church, the Baptist church. But after failing to find an Adventist church, I gave up.

Months later, it was still nagging at me. While praying I asked, “God, who are these Adventists?” When I had moved into the place I bought, I noticed a building across the road had my name spray-painted across the bricks in big, purple, graffiti. I thought, Great. Someone’s going to think I did that. I looked again at my name as I walked to my car on my way to work and in frustration thought, What is this dumb wall?

I walked across the road with my

going to church

The next Saturday, I went to church, but it was closed. I found a number to call and they told me to go to another Adventist church in Geelong, Victoria. When I walked in, two young guys said hello and gave me my first Bible.

For a while, I was on edge, sceptical and looking for an excuse to call it quits altogether. There were days where I would show up, listen to the preacher and think, Once this is finished, I’m out of here. But when I got to the door, someone would stop me and we’d have a conversation that would make me think, Maybe I’m wrong. I still had big questions about Creation, space, DNA, nutrition, dinosaurs—all the things that seemed to contradict Christianity. Over time, God either gave me answers to these questions or peace about their mystery. But I remember getting to the point where I thought, I’ve just had this two-year conversation with God as to why He doesn’t exist. In my search for answers, He graciously joined me in discussions and debates.

This was almost 10 years ago now.

Since then, there’s been highs and lows. In the lows, I have often slipped back into treating faith like a per-

formance or trying to be perfect for God. I remember once feeling God ask me to do something and I did the opposite. I thought, That’s it. I’ve lost His love. I was crushed. But even then, He gently reminded me that’s not how it works with Him. As I sat on my couch, I felt this outpouring of wondrous love, filling me up.

I keep on learning how wonderfully amazing, patient and kind God is. Looking back and seeing how He has transformed my life, how He’s walked with me and changed me even after all the times I ignored and doubted Him, I can’t help but get emotional. It’s so beautiful.

Jake Stevanja loves being immersed in nature, especially during peak sunrises and sunsets. He enjoys an açai bowl, a good Bible study, and a restful night’s sleep. He’s from Victoria, Australia.

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breakfast in one hand and my bag in the other and looked around the building. On the other side was the front entrance of the building with a sign that read “Hungarian Seventh-day Adventist Church”. “Unbelievable,” I said in shock.

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To learn more about the spiritual world, read this article: <lnk.bio/s/signsmag/b9c8e>

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What does it mean to be a man?

What it means to be a man has become a divisive issue in our culture.

GETTY IMAGES

JOSHUA NEWBEGIN

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R

ecently I was at my friend Brendan’s house preparing for a camping trip. One of my favourite things is getting away for the weekend—escaping the hustle and bustle of modern life, immersing myself in nature and exploring new places with friends—with the boys!

We had a few jobs to do with the vehicles and equipment before we hit the road. As we headed out to the shed, Brendan said to his threeyear-old son, “Jonty, do you want to come out to the shed with Josh and I to help us?” Without hesitation Jonty threw his arms in the air, sprinting flat-stick towards the shed, and shouted with delight, “Maaaan stuff!”

That memory brings a smile to my face as a I think about Jonty’s joy.

But it also makes me wonder—what exactly is “man stuff”? More importantly, what does it really mean to be a man?

defining masculinity

This question can seem somewhat provocative in our current cultural moment. What is a man? Is it merely the possession of an X and Y chromosome? And perhaps more importantly, what is it that makes a man great?

Sometimes it can help to define what something is by looking at what it’s not. It’s easy to recognise when men fall short of the mark, when they fail to meet society’s expectations.

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of masculinity toxic? Is there an ideal version that’s missing from the world today?

first, failure

How do we know when men have failed? Throughout history there have been numerous great men that we have looked up to as ideals. And yet, even the greatest among them were imperfect. Perhaps you can recall a public scandal—a presidential affair or an elite athlete brought down by substance abuse.

These are public examples, but many failures happen in private: fathers who abandon their families; boyfriends who physically or emotionally abuse their partner; men who use strength or power to dominate or manipulate.

At their core, these failings come down to a lack of self-control—abusing power and strength at the expense of others, typically the vulnerable. That’s what I mean when I use the term toxic masculinity: dominating those who can’t fight back.

But to be clear, it’s not just a male problem—it’s a human problem.

Toxic humanity. The depravity of the human heart. Ultimately it boils down to self-centredness, self-preservation, anti-love—or as we Christians call it, sin. This problem plays out in our natural makeup of either masculine or feminine, but the root issue is the same.

To dig deeper would be beyond the scope of this article so I’m going

Peter Pan syndrome

One reason many men struggle is because of a lack of solid masculine role models in their lives. Psychologist Jordan Peterson refers to this as the “Peter Pan” syndrome. Peter Pan is an eternal child—full of potential—and that’s the problem. Peter Pan never grows up. You can hardly blame him, though. His model of manhood is none other than Captain Hook—a dangerous man, driven by fear of his impending demise, spiralling into chaotic and violent madness. Hook is hardly a role model worth aspiring to.

And so, Peter’s potential remains unrealised. Sure, he’s king of the Lost Boys, but that’s hardly something to strive for. He has the opportunity to connect with a real girl, Wendy, yet instead prefers the company of

[Jesus] was a defender of the defenceless and a liberator of the burdened Tinkerbell, the fairy. Sadly, that’s not far from reality today—a generation of young men who’d rather stay home with the comforts of OnlyFans than take the risk of pursuing something meaningful—and risky—with a real woman. After all, a woman on OnlyFans is always available and won’t reject your advances.

where do I look?

The best example I’ve found of healthy masculinity is none other than Jesus of Nazareth. This might surprise some, especially because of effeminate artistic depictions of Him throughout history. Despite this, I would argue that Jesus is the epitome

COREY YOUNG—UNSPLASH

to focus on the masculine side, which raises the question: why does this happen? What leads to the downfall of men?

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of what it truly means to be a man.

Jesus was a first-century Middle Eastern tradesman, a countercultural revolutionary and a fearless man full of passion and empathy. He was a teacher, but also a voice for the voiceless and oppressed. He wasn’t petty. He was humble and patient, able to absorb cruelty without retaliation. Yet when it came to the oppressed, He was relentless—a defender of the defenceless and a liberator of the burdened.

Jesus was a man in the truest sense of the word. So, what empowered Him to be the man He was?

he who has a why

One of the defining features of Jesus’ life was His purpose. Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl once wrote, “He who has a why can push through any what.” In other words, having a clear purpose is vital for men to thrive—especially when navigating the inevitable obstacles and difficulties of life. Frankl observed that in

the Nazi concentration camps, men who lost their sense of purpose were the first to crawl up in the corner and literally die.

You may not be immediately threatened with death but without purpose, you’ll likely pursue pleasure—pleasure to distract yourself from the pain that comes from a meaningless life. Without purpose, you remain a boy, attempting to avoid the challenges of becoming like the men you once admired or have come to despise.

Throughout history, men have taken a stand when they had a clear “why”. Purpose enabled and transformed boys into men. From that foundation of a clear purpose flow courage, bravery and service.

power under control

Being a man isn’t just about strength—it’s about strength under control. In the words of author Ty Gibson, “True masculinity is power under (self) control. It can then flash

Pressing On

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strength in numbers

misconceptions I held growing up was the belief that being a man meant going at it alone—suffering in silence. As I’ve matured, I’ve learned how detrimental that idea is. The truth is, it’s a sign of strength to ask for help. Motivational speaker Les Brown once said, “We ask for help, not because we are weak, but so that we can remain strong.”

In a world full of chaos, we need men who will stand—men willing to grow up, who will move on from Neverland and step into a life of purpose. The world needs men who not only live up to their potential but empower others to live up to theirs—not for their own glory, but for the greater good of everyone they encounter.

It’s time for men to become more like Jesus.

Joshua Newbegin is a coach, minister and communicator passionate about helping people grow through clarity, courage and connection. He is the founder of Kaizen Coaching Solutions and host of the Unchained Brotherhood podcast.

One of the most detrimental

TIM MARSHALL—UNSPLASH

forward when it’s needed to defend the defenceless, but always under the control of righteousness and love.”

That’s true masculinity. It takes far more strength to control our temper than to fly off the handle in a fit of rage. It takes far more strength to serve than to be served. True masculinity is power under control—power to protect, power to serve, power to empower. When that power becomes self-serving and self-centred, it crosses into the realm of toxicity.

In the words of 19th-century writer Ellen Write, “The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold . . . men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.”

Throughout history great men have stood against tyranny, liberated the oppressed, defended the powerless and sacrificed themselves for the good of others.

Discover a clear mission and purpose for yourself.

Surround yourself with men you’d like to emulate, a guide for your journey. Luke Skywalker had Obi-Wan Kenobi; Daniel LaRusso had Mr Miyagi. Who do you have?

Develop self-control. If you don’t control your body, your body will control you.

Take responsibility. Responsibility is the ability to respond. It’s a muscle. So, start where you are and build from there.

Serve others. The heart of masculinity is service. Find something you’re passionate about that helps others. This is true leadership.

Ask for help. If you don’t know where to start, that’s your first step.

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MIDJOURNEY

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SIX FOODS FOR

2026

Here are six plant-based foods to try in 2026 for better nutrition and healthier eating.

DR CHRISTIANA LEIMENA-LEHN

F

ood is far more than fuel for survival—it is culture, identity, community and joy.

Many of us relate to sayings like “life is uncertain, eat dessert first” or “a party without cake is just a meeting”. Food brings comfort and celebration to life’s milestones, from New Year’s gatherings to weddings and family events. Yet, food also plays a profound role in health. As Hippocrates said, “Let food be thy medicine.” What we eat fuels our body and mind, supporting energy, cognitive function, mental wellbeing and resilience. Healthy food choices nourish the brain, improve mood, boost energy, protect against free radicals and help build a strong body and clear mind. In contrast, highly processed, sugary diets can contribute to anxiety, depression and poorer performance at work and in life.

Health, of course, is holistic— movement, sleep, sunlight, hydration, stress management and purpose all matter.

But food is foundational, and research continues to reveal strong links between nutrition, gut health and conditions like depression, heart disease and diabetes. With food more accessible than ever through services like Uber Eats, this is a reminder to eat foods that help your body thrive. Here are six to try in 2026.

nuts

I absolutely love nuts.

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pistachios, cashews or Brazil nuts.

Nuts are rich in protein and dietary fibre, feed beneficial gut microbes and support digestive health. For gut health, nuts provide non-digestible components that act as substrates for microbial fermentation, which means they are great prebiotics. For cardiovascular benefits, regular nut consumption is linked to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, reduced inflammation and a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Despite being energy-dense, studies show that nut intake (such as almonds) is not associated with weight gain but helps promote satiety, with parts of their fat content less fully absorbed, supporting abdominal fat-loss and healthier body composition. Interestingly, pistachios contain natural melatonin and other compounds (tryptophan, B6, magnesium) which may help regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Thus, including pistachios as an evening snack or in a “pre-sleep” lineup may support a more restful night—bearing in mind portion control (since they are calorie-dense).

Because nuts supply a synergy of 48

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healthy fats, fibre, plant-protein, micronutrients (like magnesium, vitamin E) and bioactive compounds (polyphenols), they deliver broad nutritional benefits: gut-microbiome support, cardiovascular protection, improved fullness and metabolic resilience.

cruciferous vegetables

Remembering when my mum used to tell me to eat my broccoli, I learned and have appreciated cruciferous vegetables as a nutritional powerhouse. The contenders are broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, rocket, turnip, kale, bok choy and good old Brussels sprouts that kids sometimes throw into the bin. Their high dietary fibre content supports gut health by promoting regular bowel transit and feeding beneficial gut microbes. For instance, fibre from these vegetables is a key component in microbiome diversity and short-chain fatty-acid production.

Emerging research highlights that their unique bioactive compounds— especially glucosinolates and their metabolites (isothiocyanates)—are converted by gut microbiota and help regulate gut-microbe interactions and intestinal health. On heart health, observational studies link higher intake of cruciferous vegetables to reduced cardiovascular risk and improved markers of vascular (circulatory) function, reducing risks in hardening and blockage of the arteries. Amazingly, cruciferous vegetables are rich in

glucosinolates which, on breakdown, yield compounds that help detoxify carcinogens, reduce inflammation and protect DNA from damage— several human reviews support a protective effect. Broccoli specifically has the highest content of the cancer fighting compound sulforaphane, which has been linked to reduced risks of prostate, breast, colon and oral cancers. Broccoli sprout, which are the young broccoli plants, have an even higher sulforaphane level. This makes this curly vegetable one to add to your grocery list.

Highly processed, sugary diets can contribute to anxiety, depression and poorer performance at work and in life

Legumes are amazing: they are rich in fibre, plant protein, iron and bioactive compounds that support gut, heart and metabolic health.

Their non-digestible carbohydrates— including resistant starch—act as prebiotics that feed beneficial gut bacteria and promote short-chainfatty-acid production, essential for colon health. Regular legume consumption is associated with lower cardiovascular risk, improved

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Berries are not to be missed in any year as they are packed with JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 • SIGNSMAG.COM

MIDJOURNEY

legumes

cholesterol, healthier blood pressure and reduced inflammation. Legumes also serve as an excellent source of plant-based iron, especially relevant for women of reproductive age who have increased requirements. Iron from legumes (non-heme iron) is less bioavailable but absorption improves significantly when paired with vitamin C-rich foods. A stand out plant-protein, soy bean—that includes tofu, edamame, tempeh—provides all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein, with studies showing benefits for heart health and metabolic outcomes.

Growing up in Indonesia, this has been a staple for both meat eaters and vegetarians.

Additionally, yellow pea protein, which has beneficial effects on blood pressure and lipid markers has often been made into vegan protein powders (eliminating the starch and fibre) for fewer carbohydrates, ideal for muscle building exercise.

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fibre, polyphenols and vibrant antioxidants that deliver powerful benefits for gut, heart and cancer-prevention health.

Berries are part of my daily selection as often as I can get them. Their high fibre content supports digestive health and nurtures the gut microbiome, helping to regulate gut transit and microbial diversity. The deep-coloured pigments in berries (eg, anthocyanins) function as antioxidants that neutralise free radicals—thus protecting DNA, lipids and proteins from oxidative damage linked to cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Blueberries stand out for exceptionally high anthocyanin concentration and cognitive and vascular benefits, improved endothelial function and reduced oxidative stress.

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their very high fibre content (about eight grams per cup) and ellagic acid—a polyphenol associated with anti-cancer effects. Add berries routinely (fresh/frozen) to your breakfast or dessert dish to enhance fibre, bolster antioxidant defences and support wellness.

mushrooms

When you think of fungus on food, it’s hardly appetising—but mushrooms are the delicious exception. Often called the “vegetarian’s meat”, mushrooms supply complete protein, B-vitamins, selenium, copper, potassium and fibre. They add a meaty, savoury, umami flavour to any dish—similar to meats, fish or aged cheese. Beyond flavour, mushrooms such as portobello, shiitake, oyster, enoki and even humble button varieties offer impressive health benefits. They contain beta-glucans, prebiotic fibres that support gut microbes, improve cholesterol and blood-pressure control, and may protect against cancer. The stems are especially rich in beta-glucans— so keep them! Choose whole mushrooms when possible, as pre-sliced ones lose some vitamin C and B vitamins.

Mushrooms are also one of the few plant-based sources of vitamin D—sunlight or UV exposure transforms ergosterol

wakame seaweed

Though some may cringe at the thought of wakame seaweed, they stand as a marine vegetable super-food offering dietary fibre, bioactive compounds and plant-based omega-3 fatty acids (including EPA/ DHA precursors), making it beneficial for gut, heart and cancer-protection health and depression. Other wellknown plant sources of omega-3 are linseeds, chia seeds, walnuts and hemp seeds, which are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Interestingly, wakame is better than linseeds for active omega-3s because it contains both ALA and the EPA and DHA forms, while linseeds only provide the ALA form. The body must convert ALA into EPA and DHA, and this conversion is often inefficient, making wakame a plus. You can also source out algae oil from health stores for access to both EPA and DHA forms of omega 3 fatty acids. Fish are rich in omega 3s because of consuming seaweed and algaes. These seaweed also serve as prebiotics, feeding

beneficial gut microbes and supporting microbiome diversity and bowel regularity. Their omega-3 content contributes to heart health—studies show seaweed species can supply long-chain PUFAs that support lipid profiles and vascular function. Next time you’re at a Japanese restaurant or at an Asian supermarket, source out some seaweed for your omega-3 fatty acids.

As you explore new food habits, remember to check in with a trusted healthcare professional or dietitian to ensure these changes are right for you and your health needs.

Dr Christiana Leimena-Lehn has worked in cardiovascular research in molecular cardiology and hypertension. She has a passion for education and in promoting whole-person health and nutrition.

MIDJOURNEY

into vitamin D2, allowing a small serve to meet daily needs. Trending adaptogenic mushrooms such as lion’s mane, reishi and cordyceps are promoted for stress resilience. Lion’s mane can be eaten as food; reishi and cordyceps are typically taken as teas or extracts. Early human studies show potential cognitive benefits but evidence remains limited, so they’re best used as medicinal supplements under professional guidance.

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For a full list of references, visit the web version of this article: <signsmag. com/2026/01/six-foodsfor-2026/>

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how to win at parenting

Do you know your child’s n 1997, Dr Gary Chapman released the book The 5 Love Languages of Children as a follow-up to his bestseller, The Five Love Languages.

The concepts that Dr Chapman shares in his book are essentially about how to increase a child’s sense of self-worth, love, belonging and role in the family. He narrowed down the ways children feel loved to five

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key ones (not dissimilar from the original).

While many parents have reported the book has helped children feel more deeply understood, valued and, most of all, loved, Dr Chapman’s work is not without controversy. Critics have pointed out a lack of scientific evidence to support the theory, its vagueness and potential

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love language?

oversimplification of the categories, and the potential for misuse.

There is however, still merit in the ideas behind love languages in that focusing on them can help you strengthen your relationship with your child. The key is to remember, and as pointed out by Dr Chapman himself, even if your child has a dominant love language, they will benefit from all five ways of receiving love.

It is crucial that you still practise all five love languages. Show them love in all the languages and then teach them how to use these for themselves. The value is not only for your children but for the people with whom they will live and associate with.

Here’s a bit more about the five love languages for kids:

1. words of affirmation

Compliment them or their work.

Have interactive conversations with them, both sharing your thoughts.

These kids may love a good book, thoughtful gifts which include words, and heartfelt messages (think a note in the lunch box).

2. acts of service

Allow them to help you and offer your help whenever appropriate.

Thoughtful acts and unexpected assistance can make them feel like you appreciate them. There are lots of practical ways you can show your child you love them without saying a word.

3. gifts

Give them something tangible that lets them know you were thinking about them. Something in their favourite colour, animal they love or food they enjoy to show you know what they like. Gifts don’t have to be expensive or even cost at all. Be creative!

4. quality time

Every child wants to connect with their primary caregiver. Quality time doesn’t necessarily look like hours on end of uninterrupted play, but it does require genuine undivided interest to make it count.

5. physical touch

All children thrive on physical contact. This could be a pat on the back, a hug, holding hands while going on a walk or a game of tickles.

Melody Tan is a passionate advocate for empowering mothers through connection, faith and digital engagement. She is project manager of Mums At The Table. She lives in Sydney with her husband and their primary-school-aged son.

Do you need help showing the different types of love? Download some suggested activities that speak all five love languages: <mumsatthetable. com/love-language-test-for-kids/>.

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When freedom hurts: Freedom of choice is a gift—but it also explains much of the world’s mess. The question is, what is God doing about it?

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why God lets us choose

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I would love to live through some good old “precedented times” again, whatever they were

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f there is a good and loving God out there who knows us and loves us, why is there so much pain and suffering in the world? Why doesn’t He do something about it?

We live in an age of what appears to be a never-ending surge of bad news and unprecedented events. I don’t know about you, but I would love to live through some good old “precedented times” again, whatever they were. As we also live in a more connected age than ever before, which definitely has some awesome perks, but also means that we hear about drama more quickly and with

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greater detail than we would ever need.

With this constant deluge of the worst things happening in our society being poured into our daily lives, it leads to us asking some important questions. A key question is the one I started this article with. While I can’t promise to give a perfectly satisfying answer to everyone wrestling with this, I want to offer you some thoughts that have helped me.

the human condition

Evil in this world is a big and messy problem. It can be easy to point the finger at everyone else for causing issues while forgetting that we aren’t perfect either. While we don’t all commit the same horrible things we see others do, we all have the propensity to do things that perpetuate the problems in our world.

This stems from two things: 1. Our freedom to choose 2. Our broken human condition Let’s start with our freedom to choose. I believe that all human beings have been given freedom of

why doesn’t God just stop it all?

So, what could God do about this?

How could He get rid of evil without taking away our freedom of choice?

If He did, it would be problematic because it would turn us into mindless drones—beings who can’t choose and are just pre-programmed. To do so would break our freedom of choice, which God would never do. No good.

The other option was for God to just eradicate all those who sin—but that would be even more problematic. Brilliant biblical author Paul even wrote in his letter to a church in Rome that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). So, that would mean none of us meet God’s requirements.

That doesn’t really sound like good news either.

God’s solution

But God has a solution. First, he sent Jesus to die for us so that we can all have the opportunity to be saved if we choose to accept it.

There is so much more I could say on this—and perhaps in another article I will—but right now, we’re going to focus on God’s promise: that one day He will return and take care of the problem of evil once and for all.

After Jesus’ death, He was resurrected by the power of God and then returned to heaven. He has promised to come back again and when He does, it will be huge—something that no-one can ignore. In this second coming, God promises that all those who have accepted His free gift

DIBERT—PEXELS

choice and that it was a deliberate gift from God when we were designed. This seems to be the way Jesus saw humanity too as we can see in the Gospel of John when He says, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me.

Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own (John 7:16,17).”

He invited people to choose for themselves how they wanted to live.

But, as Uncle Ben says in Spiderman, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Freedom of choice gives us great power, but with it comes great responsibility for the choices we make. Small, selfish choices may seem insignificant but when multiplied by a population of roughly eight billion, it can have catastrophic effects. This leads us to our second issue at hand.

We weren’t always like this. We were created to be “very good” and designed to be a blessing to the world around us. If you read through Genesis 1 and 2, the Bible’s story of our origins begins really positively!

Then, chapter 3 takes a sharp, sad turn when humanity is deceived and a destructive presence called sin enters the world. Without going down the rabbit hole, I would describe sin as the propensity for us to do bad things—from the smallest act to the biggest atrocity. Not only has sin broken humanity—it has broken the world itself.

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KAROLA G—PEXELS

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of life will be saved and the earth will be cleansed of sin forever. The good news is, all of us who don’t hit the mark get to be saved—not because we’ll suddenly become “good enough”, but because we’ve accepted what Jesus has done. Wow. In a picture of what this end will look like, the book of Revelation describes it like this: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). That’s a day I’m looking forward to.

hope in the meantime

So, what about all the evil happening now? Jesus has something intriguing to say about it. In Matthew 24, He is having a deep conversation with His followers about the end of time. He tells them that they (and us) will see things like wars, nation rising against nation, famines and earthquakes. He describes these things as the “beginning of birth pains”. While I’m not an expert on the subject, I know that the beginning of birth pains—as well as birth itself—can take longer than we think. And these things are signs that the end of the world is on its way. Now we know that the end the Bible talks about is not a bad end, but a good one—a truly happy ending with no more of the bad stuff.

When we see all the pain in the world around us, my desire is to step into it with compassion for those

suffering; a yearning to serve, to do what I can to help those around me but ultimately hope that one day there will be justice for all; that all we see on this earth is just temporary.

I don’t say that to belittle those suffering but to encourage you to lift your eyes to the promised good to come and remind you that there is a God who cares and will do something about it. I don’t exactly know when God will do this, and I don’t need to. I trust His timing and I trust His promise because He has never broken one yet.

So, to return to my original question: if there is a good and loving God out there who knows us and loves us, why is there so much pain and suffering in the world? Why doesn’t He do something about it?

The answer is that He has done something about it on the cross and He will end all pain and suffering one day. Step forward today in hope.

Josh Stothers is a musician, podcaster and pastor. He lives and ministers in Sydney, Australia.

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Get to know the God of hope today: <biblestudy.com.au/ jesus_studies/>

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SMART FOOD PAIRINGS

Did you know that specific food combinations can help your body absorb more nutrients? This means you get more nourishment and value from every bite. We asked Sanitarium dietitian Trish Guy to share her top six power pairings that can boost your nutrient intake.

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1. citrus + leafy greens

Pairing foods rich in vitamin C with plant foods containing iron will help your body absorb more iron. Iron is important for keeping you energised, supporting a healthy immune system and helping you remain mentally sharp.

Try: Squeeze citrus juice over a spinach salad or toss orange segments through a salad mix.

2. fortified plant milk

Sanitarium So Good™ Soy Milk is enriched with both calcium and vitamin D—a dynamic duo crucial for building and maintaining strong bones. Vitamin D helps your small intestine’s ability to absorb dietary calcium.

Try: So Good™ Soy Milk in a nourishing breakfast smoothie.

3. healthy fats + deep colour

Healthy fats improve your absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K). For healthy fats think avocado, extra virgin olive oil, nuts and seeds. For foods rich in fat soluble vitamins, think deeply coloured vegetables (orange, red and dark green).

Try: Carrot sticks with a homemade guacamole or drizzle olive oil over your roasted vegetables.

Cooking cruciferous veg (think broccoli, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts) can lower the activity of enzymes needed to make sulforaphane. Adding a little bit of mustard (a natural source of these enzymes) to your cooked veggies helps bring sulforaphane back to life.

Try: Kale with a drizzle of mustard sauce.

5. tomatoes + olive oil

Tomatoes are high in the antioxidant lycopene, which is a powerful carotenoid. To help your body absorb these nutrients, it’s best to pair tomatoes with a healthy fat—like a drizzle of olive oil. Studies have shown that lycopene may help protect your heart and flight inflammation.

6. turmeric + black pepper

Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant with powerful anti-inflammatory properties that has been shown to reduce joint pain and inflammation. When it’s combined with piperine, found in black pepper, your body can absorb it much better—with research suggesting up to 2000 per cent!

Try: A Golden Turmeric Latte.

4. cruciferous veg + mustard

Sulforaphane is a compound found naturally in cruciferous vegetables.

It acts as a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and can support healthy blood sugar levels.

Article courtesy of Sanitarium Health Food Company.

Visit sanitarium.com.au or sanitarium.co.nz and subscribe to Recipe of the Week for a delicious plant-powered recipe in your inbox each week.

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Crossword Puzzle

CROSSWORD

How closely have you been reading? (Almost) every keyword in this puzzle is also contained within this issue of Signs of the Times. Happy digging!

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7. The sanctuary practice that po 9. Antioxidant in tomatoes that’s

crossword clues DOWN 1 Tiana Storm experienced this at age 25 3 Elon Musk’s AI 5 Knowing your child’s ___ ___ will help them feel more loved 5 A compound in cruciferous vegetables 8 Persona the evil spirit took on when tormenting Jake Stevanja 11 The opposite of secular ACROSS 2 Better absorbed with black pepper 4 You don’t actually need more of this 6 What the ADRA Caravan serves to people in Blenheim 7 The sanctuary practice that points to Christ 9 Antioxidant in tomatoes that’s better absorbed with olive oil 10 Athletes will use these during the Enhanced Games 12 Said, “With great power comes great responsibility” 13 Founded by Elizabeth Holmes 14 The best example of healthy masculinity

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