AS a born-again, evangelical Christian, I am shocked at the buffoonery and antics of Christians in the present Linden saga.  The abusive language, the vituperative tone of voice and the vulgar utterings of those identifying themselves as followers of Jesus are a mockery to the Christian faith and derision on the Lord’s name. Before the unfortunate July 18th incident in which three lives were lost, I heard some of the proceedings on the airwaves.  It was shocking to hear the raucous atmosphere of those gathered to air their grievances in the name of Christ.  You’d think that that cacophonous disposition was that of the woeful, ignorant heathen.  The anger, the hate, the diabolic gestures were not concomitant with the Christian faith.  One of the speakers concluded that they would get what they were demanding because “God is on our side”!
Let me take this opportunity in expressing my sadness over the deaths of the three Lindeners.  Every Guyanese life is precious, and it is truly unfortunate that those lives were lost.  My sincere condolence goes out to the grieving families, friends and community.  Also, let me express my empathy with the people of Linden, as they face a more difficult future with the possibility of the increased electricity tariff.  It is hard enough to cope, and a skyrocketing increase in electricity bills would cause immense hardship for many, if not most.
Kaieteur News, it seems, have gone the extra mile in stating the involvement of Christian leaders in this fight.  On July 24, the KN stated that vigils were staged in front of State House, where Doreen Lynch of YCT declared, “We are here tonight to stand in solidarity with Linden for our fallen brothers, and we stand heartbroken. We are not brothers in blood, but we are brothers though the body of Christ”.  On July 28, the newspaper indicated that Pastors Selwyn Sills and Rennis Morian, among others, “exhorted the people to stand up for justice and their rights”.  Again, on July 30, KN reported that “Pastor Selwyn Sills read the 13- point plan which was put to President Ramotar’s government, making it clear that these are recommendations the churches as one of the stakeholders are in agreement with, as the general objective is to improve the livelihoods of all in the town and region. Pastors and ministers turned out in more numbers than last Sunday’s service and their involvement could not be mistaken.”  That news piece also stated, “Simultaneously there were prayer requests for God’s intervention to speak to the hearts of those in government including President Donald Ramotar in hearing the cries of the people of Linden”.
I do appreciate Christians getting involved in political and social issues, as we are commanded to be ‘salt’ and ‘light’ in the world.  We surely need to take a stand on issues of the day.  However, as Christians, we should remember that our primary duty is to Christ; we are a people who are marked by our love.  We are Christians not so much by what we say, but what we do.  Our every action and thought should reflect that of Christ.
Are the pugnacious, bellicose calls and mayhem that of the Lord?
For those militant Christian leaders, I ask, which religious book do you adhere to?  If it is the Bible, are you conveniently ignoring Romans 13:1-7, which states, “Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you’re irresponsible to the state, then you’re irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you’re trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.
If you’re breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren’t there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That’s why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it’s the right way to live.  That’s also why you pay taxes—so that an orderly way of life can be maintained. Fulfil your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders” – (taken from The Message version)

The Christian believer must ask oneself, what is justice, and who defines justice, justice for whom, and who is the justice giver?
Though seemingly harsh, St. Paul exhorted slaves to be ‘good’ slaves, for the glory of Christ’s name.  Christians are entreated to honour authority structures, and harbour godly contentment.  Paul instructed slaves to exhibit Christian virtues, as the new life in Christ was all that really matters.
We need to remember that we are saluting the office, not necessarily the officer.  Believers are admonished, to harbour godly contentment, as true contentment is independent of outward circumstances; contentment finds its roots in the all-sufficiency and sovereignty of God.
In his exhortation to the slaves, Paul admonished in 1Tim. 1:2-5, “These are the things I want you to teach and preach. If you have leaders there who teach otherwise, who refuse the solid words of our Master Jesus and this godly instruction, tag them for what they are: ignorant windbags who infect the air with germs of envy, controversy, and bad-mouthing, suspicious rumours” (taken from The Message version).
As Christians, we must ask ourselves, is God being glorified by what we say and do?
We may take pride in our religion.  But the day might come for some of us when our zealousness would mean nothing, and when the Lord could declare, “Depart from me, I never knew you” (Matt. 7:21-23).
If Christians are serious with their faith, we would pray not so much for God to speak to President Ramoutar’s heart, but pray ‘change my heart, O God…’
It could be true that God is on our side.  The pertinent question, however, is, are we on God’s side?