To be upright is to be something more than what is expected and in the words of Psalm 3:1, praise is comely for the upright.
Minister of Education and labor, Hon. Claris Charles was applauding the character and achievements of Bishop Dr. Anthony George of the Gouyave Open Bible Standard Church.
The Member of Parliament for the Constituency of St. John’s was elated to be attending a graduation ceremony held at the church for some 62 students of the Ministerial Empowerment Program and to witness Dr. George, pastor of the Gouyave Open Bible Church receive his doctorate credentials.
The minister of government declared that the measure of a man is not what he does on Sundays but rather who he is Monday through Saturday.
Min. Charles describe Bishop Dr. George as a man who leads from the front and always does what he knows is right even if it may not be popular.
She emphasized that what is right is not always popular and what is popular is not necessarily right.
The Member of Parliament pointed out that sometimes a leader of the church has to do what the majority does not understand. For example she said when Jesus hit out at the Pharisees in Matthew 23 it was not popular but it was right.
In addition the minister said Jesus did what many considered couldn’t be done and told Dr. George that as this honor is being bestowed upon him it should be noted that no one is ever honored for what he received but rather honor is bestowed for what one gives.
She said if there is to be any measure of a man other than what he does it is what he gives.
And by that, she explained, she was not talking about material things, noting that Grenada is becoming a very materialistic society.
Minister Charles condemned this trend saying we are only transit passengers on this earth on our way to a higher calling and prioritizing the gathering of material things is not necessary or desirable.
She said while material things have their uses and God gives us a lot of things some of which we don’t even deserve, it should not be the focus in our lives.
The minister was high in praise for what Dr. George gives to the church and the community. She said he gives time, energy, passion, respect, love, empathy and care for the church along with love for and obedience to God.
To the gathering she said that we all have work to do in our lives and issues to deal with in relationship to our God but no matter what a man’s past is his future is spotless.
Minister Charles encouraged that members continue to pray in the church and for the church and the nation.
Quoting Psalm 37 she said God’s blessings are with the righteous and wished the church, Bishop George and the rest of the graduating class happiness and endurance as they continue to work in the vineyard of the Lord.
She said “let’s continue to walk in the steps God wants us to walk.”
To Dr. George the minister said that the title bestowed on him is just another step in his journey and there is a lot more to be done to bring back morality in the country.