Dear Editor,

Our best example of paradise is the Moses-described Garden of Eden (Genesis 1 – 3), but with the disobedience of Adam and Eve we have been forced to live, work, operate businesses, and raise families in as wretched place.

Jamaica could be regarded as being blessed enough to qualify as a paradise were it not for a similar disobedience, which transcends individuals, communities, a people and its leaders.

Highly practical and piety-focused religions such as Islam (peace be unto it) strongly encourage the pursuit of performing good deeds, and not only the resisting of doing evil. Islam teaches that there are unimaginable rewards to be had in doing good and every little good deed adds up. Likewise, so it is with obedience in all God-centred religions. Jesus was so insistent on obedience that he acceded to the soul-tearing will of His heavenly Father at Gethsemane, which was to suffer a wicked betrayal and death. He even recommended obedience to the implicit desires of God and one’s superiors, as alluded to in His “hidden talent” parable, where servants were expected to do more or beyond what was commanded of them.

Prophet Samuel, speaking on behalf of God, exclaimed that: “To obey is better than sacrifice,” to King Saul, first king of ancient Israel, because he did in accordance with his fear and will of the people, rather than God. If we wish for Jamaica to meet its true potential of being blessed and prosperous, obedience must reign supreme.

So, if Jamaicans continue to be rebellious and disobedient to that which is true and good, the people, are doomed.

Andre O Sheppy

Norwood

St James