The Tribune

By Rev. Angela Palacious

In Part I, we focused on the first three of the proposed seven building blocks with which to build this nation: Leadership, Inspiration, Trustworthiness, Faithfulness, Dedication, Commitment, and Good Stewardship. Let us now examine the last four.

FAITHFULNESS: This can mean full of faith as an individual, or being a person in whom others may place their faith. For most persons it is a matter of both. Our relationship with God makes all of the difference. Our love for God drives us beyond our selfish limits. We cannot do enough for the One that did so much for us.

When we look at the cross, we see love, forgiveness and suffering. We see One who was so faithful that we have access to God in prayer. How faithful are we? How much do we love God? How close are we to God? How does this influence our character and affect our behaviour? When the Lord comes, if it is in our lifetime, will he find us faithful? What needs to change? Do we need to pray, worship, serve others, and study the Bible more regularly?

DEDICATION: The special bond that encourages us to place great importance on a relationship or a job that makes it a high priority reveals this quality. We may dedicate a book or song to someone indicating the great affection we have. To be dedicated to a nation is to possess a deep love, to speak with obvious pride, to labour for its advancement sacrificially.

COMMITMENT: To make a commitment is to make a promise. And to keep that promise over the years is a sign of the level of commitment. Sometimes we say yes to a task that we have no intention of completing, or we say no without hesitation because we consider it beneath us or not our job description. Sometimes we are easily distracted and we lose focus. It is the difference between being half-hearted and whole-hearted.

To what are we committed? Do we make money at the expense of others with no regard for their wellbeing? Do we take care of our own family and have no regard for anyone else? Is building a better Bahamas anywhere on our agenda?

GOOD STEWARDSHIP: This is a lifestyle of care and concern. It may be expressed in engaging in activities to preserve the environment, to handle money well in order to assist others, to enjoy a modest lifestyle, or to manage our time well. It requires balance and discipline toward all obligations. It is reflected in humble gratitude that wants to manage, protect, and develop the blessings that we have entrusted to us as a people. Let us build our future together with faithfulness, dedication, commitment as good stewards, blessing the generations to come.