Our Readers' Opinions
April 1, 2011
A warning to our Nation to repent and turn to God

01.APR.11

EDITOR: This our beautiful and blessed nation (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) is slowly rolling down a path of destruction right before our very eyes, and many are not aware of this phenomenon.{{more}}

It is a fact that we are living in the last days (end times) and that perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud… (See 2 Timothy 3:1-5). Yet God in his love and mercy has made provision for the healing of the nation(s), and the “key” to this healing, is repentance… Nevertheless, with provision in place for healing (restoration) of our nation, many choose to neglect, directly or indirectly, God’s provision, and are plunging deeper and deeper into sin (wickedness).

But hear the Word of the Lord: Proverbs 14:34 – Righteousness exalted a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people. I pause here for a moment to ask this question: Why is it that so many of our people have turned away from the “fear” of God who has been so good to us? And, as though we have forgotten, the many years that he has been so gracious to our land, the many storms (natural disasters) that he protected us from – even at “last moment”, and the many blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon us, we can boldly say that we are a blessed nation. At times, many complain that things are “bad”. While that may be so in some quarters, if we were to really take stock of what is happening in many nations around the world, with respect to disasters and economics, we would find that we have little or no reason to complain but to be grateful to God for his goodness to us here in S.V.G.

Therefore, I ask again, why is it that so many in this land have turned away from fearing the true and loving God who has been so good to us? Is it because of the prosperity that so many are enjoying?

While many are complaining that things are “hard”, a quick glance around most of our villages and a look at the kind of homes many now possess and the elegant cars etc., it paints a different picture (we have come a mighty long way), but as a servant of the Lord, I warn – let’s not set our hearts on the prosperity, but upon the Lord: Proverbs 23:5 – wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

As I continue to look around our beautiful nation, I can see the plunge unto wickedness is getting deeper e.g. traditionally, we as a people – saints or sinners (most) on Easter, especially on Good Friday (also on Sundays) ,we’ll take time out to reverence the Lord God Almighty (Bless His Holy Name) especially on radio, where music will be played to honour the Lord (in whom every breath is) and can take it any moment. But now, it seems that some have taken it upon themselves to break up or destroy that beautiful tradition, and to “blaze” some of the most degrading music, thus turning many away from the fear of God, “jamming” their way to hell. So please take heed to the warning and hear the word of the Lord, 1 Samuel 2:30…For them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

Again, I take this time to warn of the music on most of our mini buses, (most of which portrays violence and illicit sex). It is sad to say that there are some people who just wouldn’t travel on certain buses if they don’t have the “sound”. I ask these questions: Did we not travel before on the buses, without the noise pounding in our heads? Why must there be music on buses for us to travel?

By the way, I believe that many of our bus drivers and conductors have done a gross evil to many of the travelling public, especially our children. Think of this, every day, they pack up their buses with our children and pound their brains out with music full of violence and illicit sex etc. Some of them (children) have grown to love it, and I believe that this evil practice (among other things) is having an adverse effect on our schools. No wonder some of them behave the way they do in the classroom etc.

I believe that it is high time that the work, which had begun some time ago, to strip the buses of their sound systems continue regardless of the protests, for if this practice continues, it could have a grave effect on many of our people (including the bus drivers and conductors themselves), and most of all, our young people.

Also, I must warn of the danger of the widespread use of illicit drugs in our land.

While certain laws have been “relaxed” and little or no penalty is being imposed on the “one-splif” (marijuana), many seemed to be taking advantage of this, especially our male (youths), and many have been abusing this – “relaxation” day and night, even in the heart of Kingstown. Think of what could happen to our nation a few years from now (if the Lord spares our lives), especially to a large cross section of our male population.

I am a former substance abuser, mainly alcohol. Therefore, I know what I am speaking about. I say thanks to God who has delivered me when I called upon Him about 20 years ago, and today He stands ready to help whosoever shall call upon Him.

Remember, the devil wants to drag your soul to hell (see St. John 10:10). Now I urge our people to repent! Turn to God! Deut. 18:10-12, there shall not be found among any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that use divination, or observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, v 11, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. V 12, for all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord…….

There is also a call for many believers (Christians) to return to the Lord – to holy living. Many of us have fallen and have become carnal and need to return to the Lord and be the shining lights that he intends for us to be. Our nation can be healed. Hear the word of the Lord. 2 Chronicles 7:14 – if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turned from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and heal their land.

Praying for Healing