In today's world, many things compete against God for our devotion. Idolatry is usually defined as worship of any cult image. These are some of the things that can become modern-day idolatry if we let them become too important to us: Excessive attention to material things such as houses, cars, clothes, jewelry, physical appearance, entertainment, etc. Pursuit of wealth, power, fame, pleasure or status. (Example legislators can have another job while serving country but the civil servant is not allowed too. How can we trust Pastor and Senator Jules James?) Excessive devotion to self, job, hobbies, country, ideologies, heroes, leaders, even family. Arrogant lips are unsuited to a fool-- how much worse lying lips to a ruler!
A leader should be humble an honest. (Our Prime Minister Sarah Wescott is a humble lady, but far from honest, she could not acknowledge that her colleague Maria Buncamper Molanus break the ethic rule of good governance.) From Humility or being humble is a quality of being courteously respectful of others. It is the opposite of aggressiveness, arrogance, boastfulness, and vanity. Acting with humility does not in any way deny our own self worth. Rather, it affirms the inherent worth of all persons. Humility is exactly what is needed to live in peace and harmony with all persons. It dissipates anger and heals old wounds. It allows us to see the dignity and worth of all God's people. Humility distinguishes the wise leader from the arrogant power-seeker. (Example, our former minister of health Maria Buncamper Molanus acting like she is a victim) If there was any one group of people that Jesus couldn't stand, it was hypocrites! (While William Marlin is accusing Maria Buncamper Molanus of conflict of interest he also awarded his son company the contract for the legislative hall of country StMaarten) The Pharisees of Jesus' times were a religious and political party that insisted on very strict observance of Biblical laws on tithing, ritual purity and other matters. At the same time, many of the Pharisees forgot the true spirit and intent of the law and became self-indulgent, self-righteous, snobbish, and greedy. That led Jesus to remarks such as; No one is perfect; we are all sinners in one way or another. If we treat people we consider to be "sinners" with scorn, or think we are better than they are, we are guilty of the sin of self-righteousness. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Those who desire life and desire to see good days, let them keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another. Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD
There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? (Legislators and minister that are in government for self enrichment are Leroy De Weever, Patrick Illidge, Roy Marlin, and Theo Heyliger.) And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? The Golden Rule, spoken by Jesus, is possibly the best-known quote from the Bible and is the standard Jesus set for dealing with other people. If we wish to be loved, we must give love. If we wish to be respected, we must respect all persons, even those we dislike. If we wish to be forgiven, we must also forgive. If we wish others to speak kindly of us, we must speak kindly of them and avoid gossip. If we want happy marriages, we must be faithful, forgiving and kind to our spouses. If we wish to be fulfilled in our lives, we must share generously with others. To all legislators and leaders I hope you have read and understand well.
Yours truly,
Brother Richard Gumbs