The Lord detests double standards

Apr 13, 2020 Letters

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DEAR EDITOR,
Your April 10 editorial, “Where are our religious leaders?” is a befitting condemnation of religious leaders in Guyana. The article correctly points out that religious leaders have transgressed by their sins of commission and omission – that is, what they have done or failed to do – with regards to their spiritual and moral responsibilities. As an (evangelical) Christian, I address this letter to the church leaders in the country.
Why is it that Christians in Guyana only seem to criticize those in government when the PPP is in power? Is it because the PNC leader is always a good church-going person? Is their allegiance to the truths of God’s Word, or loyalty to a party or race?
When the PPP was in power, their complaints were heard loud and clear at in their meetings and beyond. However, the eerie silence of the Church over the last few years when the country is at a social, political and health crisis is troubling. This is undoubtedly a double standard, which is condemned in God’s Word, for “The Lord detests double standards; he is not pleased by dishonest scales” – Prov. 20:23.
A case in point of negligence is the recent video by the Pentecostal Assemblies of God of Guyana (PAOG) on March 20. The leaders of the denomination mentioned the problem of racism (and the wonderful brotherhood that they have!) They spent substantial time on the pandemic health crisis but avoided any mention of the political dilemma that is threatening the social fabric of the country even though Bishop Dr. M. Raphael Massiah indicated that they would.
Bishop John O. Smith issued a weird and incomprehensible statement: “We need to move from ‘facts’ to ‘truth,’ to which Massiah interjected by blurting, “Excellent”. These gentlemen need to know that ‘truth’ is a generally accepted outcome or reasoning; fact, however, is a proven truth.
Smith also stated, “the church is almost two-thirds of the nation, and we are the biggest constituency in this nation…” If that is the case, why does he not condemn the violence on opposition political forces? Freddie Kissoon, in his Mar. 22 column, cringes: “Windmills in my souls were spinning out of control when I saw video clips last Friday night in Kingston of APNU+AFC supporters literally and visibly manhandling opposition party officials and media workers (both cameramen and journalists) and there were graphic video clips of policemen laughing as the victims ran from intended violence.” If Mr. Kissoon is so stirred by such violence, what about Christians? Are they guilty of such violence? Are their leaders moonlighting like Nero did when he played the fiddle while Rome burned?
Those leaders emphasized the need to obey the Bible. But, have they forgotten that God’s people were intricately involved in political goings-on of the day throughout history? Joseph and Daniel, in the Old Testament, were used by God to influence policies. Jesus was engaged in holistic ministry. He cared for the spiritual and physical needs of people while at the same time taught the importance of our responsibilities as people of God to the secular government (Matt. 22:21). The apostle Paul instructed God’s people should be model citizens and do whatever it takes to embody and reflect Godly character and righteousness (Rom. 13).
Jesus’ incarnated message was that of reconciliation. The apostle Paul affirms this message (Gal. 6:10, and Eph. 2:10). The “good works” that is mentioned by Jesus and the apostle include that of calling on people to do what is right and just (Micah 6:8) – not to sit on the fence. Consequently, St. Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan, rebuked the Roman Emperor Theodosius, and refused to allow the Church to become a political prop, despite concerns that doing so might endanger him. His Christian conviction and desire for holiness took precedence over political expediency.
Many in more recent history followed suit: William Wilberforce, Abraham Lincoln, Dietrich Bonheoffer, and Martin Luther King!
Philip G. Asante, in his book, “The Truth About Racism Its Origins, Legacy, and How God Wants Us to Deal with It” correctly states: “Many Christians were censorious of Dr. King for getting involved in what they saw as worldly issues outside the church; they believed a Christian’s job was to evangelize and proclaim the gospel only. But in reality, how can anyone separate the gospel from life? Life is social and political as well as spiritual. To do that would mean isolating oneself from society, perhaps becoming a monk or nun. It is no use to be “all heavenly minded but no earthly good.” (page 56).
The path that these people took was uncomfortable and often very unpopular. Yet, because of the persecution they endured and the risks they took, others greatly benefited. Jesus taught us that the greatest way to love others was not by disengaging, but by laying down our lives for others.
The PAOG lost a glorious opportunity to be salt and light by ignoring the palpable political problem that could affect the economic, social, political, and spiritual lives of the Guyanese people for decades to come.
The good news is that all is not lost. There is time to acknowledge our transgressions as individuals and as a nation. This is especially true for us who label ourselves as Christians; we need to make the right move to do what is right and just (2 Chron. 7:14). There is still time for all religious, civic, and forward-thinking Guyanese to condemn attempts at corruption and fraud and espouse godly principles for the good of our peoples. Church leaders need to:
• Condemn Mr. Granger, a church-going person, for his apparent disdain for the constitution of the land where he repeatedly claimed to respect this “supreme and sacrosanct” document of the land.
• Call for the stakeholders to be completely honest and transparent with regards to the election process and finalization of results.
• Implore the Guyanese people to desist from violence especially in circumstances when one’s political aspirations have not come to fruition.
We, the religious people (especially those who wave Scripture in the air and from their tongues and embellish Bible verses in their Facebook but betray our allegiance to Christ by our sins of commission and omission) risk losing our savour (from not being salt), and thenceforth become “good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” (Matt. 5:13). Or we can let our light so shine before ALL the Guyanese people that they may see our good works and glorify the Father in heaven (Matt. 5:16).

Yours truly,
Dr. Devanand Bhagwan

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