The Tribune

By REV ANGELA C BOSFIELD PALACIOUS

There is so much that makes us who we are, but as we move toward the next stage of national maturity, let us think about our personal contributions to this growth, focus on our strengths and develop them as much as possible. If we all pool these strengths, there is no telling what we will accomplish.

Our country is a blend of many people from different backgrounds, with varied experiences. The gift of dialogue will help us to learn each other's personal language.

For those of us who find ourselves in a particular grouping, with a common goal, there is strength in unity of vision. For example, those of us who are Christian people in the Bahamas, we are called to express ourselves in the ecumenical family. Let us all remember the calling of our baptism to make disciples:

"For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, '…how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!' " (Romans 10:12-15)

If what Jesus Christ has done for us is good news and our baptism commissions us to share that good news, then let us embrace both our identity as a gloriously redeemed sinner and adopted child of God. Let us also engage in our life purpose of joyfully serving the Lord, and minister at home and abroad, as instruments of God's love, peace and saving grace.

We all have a vital role to play in the development of our country, and our Church. Our call as Christians is to love and worship the Lord, to model and teach Christian values, to work for justice and for righteousness to prevail. Shared leadership embraces the reality of the pooling of resources while recognising our strengths and weaknesses.

"So then, my friends, because of God's great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer. Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God--what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect." (Romans 12:1-2 GNT)

This season of Independence demands from us all, a vision of healthy partnerships in relationships in the home and wider society. If we exhibit attitudes of respect, consideration, while liberally offering encouragement and sincere praise, we foster an image of humanity at its best, that is, one made in the likeness and image of God.

"We have many parts in the one body, and all these parts have different functions. In the same way, though we are many, we are one body in union with Christ, and we are all joined to each other as different parts of one body. So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. If our gift is to speak God's message, we should do it according to the faith that we have; if it is to serve, we should serve; if it is to teach, we should teach; if it is to encourage others, we should do so. Whoever shares with others should do it generously; whoever has authority should work hard; whoever shows kindness to others should do it cheerfully. Love must be completely sincere." (Romans 12:4-9 GNT)

The future has been entrusted to us; let us handle it with great care. Let us dream about the country we want our children to inherit, working to be known as a godly people with a "goodly heritage" Psalm 16; 5-11 sums it up well: "The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage. I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your faithful one see the Pit. You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

• Rev Angela Palacious, a motivational speaker and author of several devotional books, is an Anglican priest. She may be contacted at 393-9000 or by e-mail at angelapalacious@gmail.com.