The Tribune

By ANGELA PALACIOUS

IN ONE of the New Testament healing stories, the man with the leprosy asks the Lord to please heal him by making him clean. It was a medical condition, a physical ailment that led one to be isolated, ostracized and rejected by society. It also involved the spiritual position of considering oneself to be cursed by God, forever separated from one's family. Leprosy was considered far worse than HIV/AIDS is perceived today, where the stigma can still leave the infected person rejected and lonely.

If we wish to prevent certain diseases which often come as a result of lifestyle choices, we have to eat nutritious meals on time and in appropriate amounts. We need to exercise regularly, drink water, sleep, rest, have annual physical examinations and follow directions given for taking medication. The healthier we are the longer we can serve the lord. Cleaning up our act involves seeking to become whole along with being well.

In the Old Testament, the story of Naaman, a general who has leprosy, we find him to be an arrogant and opinionated leader who needs a physical cure and a spiritual healing. Initially, his attitude is one of disobedience and defense is not willing to submit to the prophets instructions. His healing eventually comes when he is compliant. He comes to trust God after he finds the benefits of obeying God.

What is our physical and spiritual condition? How do we dismiss the godly advice of others? How do we defy God? Are we missing our blessing because we will not do things God's way?

We each need to consider how healthy our relationships are as well. Are they faithful, committed, loving, forgiving and caring? What needs to change for us to have a more abundant life?

We all become new creations when we come to the lord, seek and receive God's forgiveness, and obey God's commands. To live to the honour and glory of God, we have to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us.

As we read the bible and put ourselves in the place of the different characters, we are able to recognize our own faults and failing, and to apply similar remedies to our situations. It is never too late to turn over a new leaf. Now is still the time of salvation, and today is always the best time to get things right with God.

We speak of keeping the environment "clean, green and pristine" for us as residents to enjoy and for our tourists to better appreciate the gifts of God to us. As we contemplate the state of our nation, we, the citizens, need to check ourselves and ask the question just how "clean, green and pristine" are we?