The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

ON July 10, 1973, The Bahamas made a giant step in removing its shackles from the British Empire and becoming an independent nation. In our preamble to the constitution, it states that we are a Christian nation, abiding by Christian principles. This now remains to be seen.

Fast track to 42 years later, and what remains of The Bahamas in terms of its social order is indeed pale in comparison to 1973. Some will say that this is to be expected because things change. Very true, we are changing all the time, but what about our Christian principles? Are these supposed to change?

The Bahamas is currently experiencing its greatest battle in terms of social chaos in its short, independent history. There are not many good examples for our citizenry to look up to and when good examples are present, they are eventually overwhelmed by the abundance of scathy characters that exist.

A lot of Bahamians believe that the government needs to do more in its effort to assist with our social chaos. I hold this view, but the government alone cannot effect positive change.

It will take civic groups, parents, teachers and the church to take a stand and be a shining example for our people. I also believe that an effective church can be the main catalyst in keeping our citizenry on the “straight and narrow”, but something seems to be afoot with the Church body.

If you passed a carpenter on the road, more than likely you would know him by his works. He would be repairing a roof, a door or installing windows. If you passed an electrician on the road, wouldn’t you know him by his works? If he were installing a meter or fixing a breaker there would be no mistake as to what his profession is.

If you were pulled over and given a ticket for speeding, would you have any doubt in your mind who gave you that ticket? Odds are that this person is a police officer.

In the instances mentioned above, the persons would not need to identify who they were.

But what are the characteristics for identifying a Christian in the Bahamas?

Is it when we see them in church on Sunday, singing to the top of their voices and shouting the name of Jesus?

Is it when they become a deacon, a member of the church choir or read the weekly announcements?

Or is it when they are seen carrying a Bible in their car and give the occasional whisper that they are saved, sanctified and holier than art though?

Christians are supposed to be the bedrock of the Bahamian society and they have a significant role to play if we’re going to reverse our current social chaos, but society must know them by their works.

There should be no mistaking who a Christian is. They are supposed to be identifiable from a mile away. Their peers are supposed to recognise them as disciples of God, not because they are wearing a collar, or because they say so, but by their works.

The choir singer will not be able to change people’s lives positively if he continues to hang out in the club all Saturday night drinking and partying and then sing songs of praise on Sunday.

The married deacon must not be engaged in sexual activity with church members and be leading Sunday school teachings.

The pastor cannot be so focused on his income and neglect his flock because when the shepherd neglects the sheep negative things happen.

These mixed messages confuse the impressionable members of society and further alienate those who may have an inclination to become saved.

Christian principles are supposed to transcend civic organisations, political parties and family ties.

True Christians speak truth to matters because this is their mandate and they live by a moral code that never gets old, but stands up to the test of time.

Jean Toomer eloquently said, “Acceptance of prevailing standards, often mean we have no standards of our own”.

This should not apply to Christians because they are supposed to be known from their actions in all spheres of their lives, not just on Sunday or when it is convenient.

As the song says, “We will know they are Christians by their love, by their love. Yes we will know they are Christians by their love”.

Christians are known by their works, not by their sweet talk or “show boating”. They are kind, loving, share with others are saved and pray to God.

They effect positive change because their Godly values radiate in them and this inspires others to do better and accept God as their personal saviour.

They should be our moral authority and prevailing standards do not sway their belief in Biblical teachings. When there is a question of right and wrong, their conclusions should be supported by Biblical principles and not the most popular opinion of the time.

These are the people that the Bahamas needs more of because they can bring healing to our nation. Will the real Christians please stand up?

DEHAVILLAND MOSS

Nassau,

February 23, 2015.