Queen of Barbados

This week, Her Majesty the Queen lost her job. More accurately, she lost one of them. The island nation of Barbados became a republic; it now has a president rather than an hereditary monarch. No longer the Queen of Barbados, her Majesty sent congratulations to Dame Sandra Mason, the new President. She had previously been the island’s Governor-General, which meant she was acting Head of State on the Queen’s behalf. Interestingly, only a small portion of Barbados’ population supported the change to a republic; less than a quarter supported in 2015. This is probably because it makes little material difference to people’s lives and the same individual who was acting head of state before is still head of state now. Prince Charles attended the ceremony, and Barbados retains its membership of the Commonwealth.

Although I am a little sad at the decision, I am also pleased that for the first time ever, a Barbadian will be the nation's most prominent person, which is surely a good thing. Still, it set me a wondering. Just as the altered constitution of that Caribbean paradise makes little difference to most people, so I wonder what difference becoming a Christian makes to many others. Though they accept Jesus as their saviour, their lifestyles suggest they have not accepted Him as Lord. Is this possible? It is true that some saints are less sanctified than others, but to live in such a manner that Christ’s lordship over the believer’s life is denied or negated would, I’m afraid, suggest that one is not truly saved. Lordship and salvation are part and parcel of the same gospel. We are saved to serve; it is because He is Lord of lords that He is able to save. If becoming a Christian has never resulted in a change in your behaviour and thinking, in a bowing the knee to Jesus and submitting to His gentle yoke, you were never converted to begin with. So go seek Him now, while He may be found.

Image by Ian Dunlop from Pixabay