Dear Editor,
The problem with Guyana is that we have not learned how to disagree without dishonouring; hence we have become a society of reckless incivility – crassness.
We have labouring among us in every walk of life and persuasion, men and women who have given their blood, sweat and tears to build this nation and we do nothing but dishonour them, simply because we don’t share the same ideology.
It is my view that we have in Prime Minister Samuel Hinds a great example of sacrifice and service, a man of decency and humility – a true Guyanese patriot, who has given thankless service to this nation.
It is unfortunate that we have become so blinded as a people, we have failed to duly honour and celebrate this distinguished son of the soil.
I don’t know the Prime Minister personally (though I have been in his presence), nor am I affiliated to any political/civic group. But as a Christian and Guyanese, I would like to see us do better as a people in the way we understand and relate to each other.
Many of us have disagreements in regards to governance. As a Christian, I believe we must stop allowing our disagreement to blind our conscience and instead do unto others as we would have them do to us.
We are going to disagree with our leaders in some areas; and in others we may agree. But whether in agreement or disagreement, we ought to honour those who are labouring among us. Especially for Christians, this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.
As for me and my household, I sincerely wish to thank Prime Minister Hinds for his exemplary service to Guyana. I honour you Sir! Just know that I am praying for you and your family.
While the specific intent of this letter is to honour the Prime Minister for his longstanding service, I also call on Christians, to pray for and show respect for the President and all in authority. Unlike those who see politics as the ultimate means to an end, we recognize that our political structures are important, but temporal, before the eternal kingdom of Christ. We don’t then need to be fomented into this crassness. After all, we see behind everything a God who is sovereign over his creation.
Instead, let’s pray for President Ramotar, Prime Minister Hinds, the Cabinet, our National Assembly, Speaker Trotman, Opposition Leader Granger and all who are in authority and service to this nation.
We can pray for our leaders to be granted wisdom and good health. We can pray that God would prosper good ideas, and change bad ones. Moreover, we must teach our children to respect and honour our leaders.
Disagree, yes, but let us not give ourselves to terms of disrespect and destruction.
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven…” There is a time to campaign, a time to petition, a time to vote and a time to govern. But, through it all, let us be the kind of people who, even when we speak with conviction, are marked by truth, kindness and respect. When we have to differ, let us do it with courage. But let us make sure we do all this with honour, with respect, with prayer, and most of all, with love.
We can do better.
Yours faithfully,
Rev Chris Bowman
Chairman
General Assembly of
the Church of God
