Dear Editor,
Sad to say, but the oft-repeated statement of many politicians that they are here to serve the people always evokes a disbelieving snort from me. Their recent action or should I say inaction towards a proposed wage cut, plus the Azan issue, hasn't make things any better.
I couldn't help but be reminded of a Bible study in which I participated some time ago which looked at the various Greek words for servant as used in the Bible. The first one is the Greek word diakonos from which we get the English word deacon. That basically refers to a table waiter -- one who serves others, waiting on their needs, helping them to live. Then there is leitourgos from which we get the word liturgy. This refers to a humble public servant who was willing to sacrifice personal comfort, even his life, in service to the State, for the welfare of the people. The next one is the Greek word latris, from which is derived the English word latrine. The latris, or worshipper, did work that no one else would do. He expected nothing from life but to be debased. How about the Greek word huperetes (the under-rower), which is likened to the personal aide of the commandant of the Greek army. The huperete was a loyal underling. Our politicians who say they serve, know how to have these, not be these.
Then there is the oikonomos -- the steward or trustee of property and affairs for the good of the people. Finally, one with which our politicians can relate. But hold a minute. The oikonomos was assigned to the pantry, kitchen and dining hall of the household. Hmm. Given our Jamaican aptitude for scams, they would soon find a way to become trustee of the office or the vault, raping the country of all its wealth.
Finally, there is the slave, the Greek word being doulos. Jesus said in Matthew 20 that "Whoever would be great among you, must be your diakonos, and whoever would be first among you must be your doulos."
Slavery is a bad word to us Jamaicans. Too bad we don't seem to realise that many politicians have taken on the old backra massa mentality that our forefathers fought to overthrow.
Forgive me, but I don't want to hear another politician saying he or she is here to serve me. I want to see that service in action. Take a wage cut, deny yourself the new car and, please, use the money raised on behalf of the people to actually help the people.
Sharon Knight
noche@flowja.com
Politicians don't know meaning of service
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Sad to say, but the oft-repeated statement of many politicians that they are here to serve the people always evokes a disbelieving snort from me. Their recent action or should I say inaction towards a proposed wage cut, plus the Azan issue, hasn't make things any better.
I couldn't help but be reminded of a Bible study in which I participated some time ago which looked at the various Greek words for servant as used in the Bible. The first one is the Greek word diakonos from which we get the English word deacon. That basically refers to a table waiter -- one who serves others, waiting on their needs, helping them to live. Then there is leitourgos from which we get the word liturgy. This refers to a humble public servant who was willing to sacrifice personal comfort, even his life, in service to the State, for the welfare of the people. The next one is the Greek word latris, from which is derived the English word latrine. The latris, or worshipper, did work that no one else would do. He expected nothing from life but to be debased. How about the Greek word huperetes (the under-rower), which is likened to the personal aide of the commandant of the Greek army. The huperete was a loyal underling. Our politicians who say they serve, know how to have these, not be these.
Then there is the oikonomos -- the steward or trustee of property and affairs for the good of the people. Finally, one with which our politicians can relate. But hold a minute. The oikonomos was assigned to the pantry, kitchen and dining hall of the household. Hmm. Given our Jamaican aptitude for scams, they would soon find a way to become trustee of the office or the vault, raping the country of all its wealth.
Finally, there is the slave, the Greek word being doulos. Jesus said in Matthew 20 that "Whoever would be great among you, must be your diakonos, and whoever would be first among you must be your doulos."
Slavery is a bad word to us Jamaicans. Too bad we don't seem to realise that many politicians have taken on the old backra massa mentality that our forefathers fought to overthrow.
Forgive me, but I don't want to hear another politician saying he or she is here to serve me. I want to see that service in action. Take a wage cut, deny yourself the new car and, please, use the money raised on behalf of the people to actually help the people.
Sharon Knight
noche@flowja.com
Politicians don't know meaning of service
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