GOVERNOR GENERAL SHARES EASTER MESSAGE
CAPTION: Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae
My fellow Papua New Guineans,
In the coming days, we will join millions of Christians throughout the world, commemorate a significant event in the Christian calendar, Easter, the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ more than 2,000 years ago.
More than a commemoration, this event reminds us of the significance of the Christian faith and the hope that our Lord has through his death and resurrection, made possible for mankind to look forward to.
The Bible reminds us in the Gospel of 1 Corinthians 15: 22 that, “For just as in Adam all are dying, so all in the Christ will be made alive.”
In order to enjoy everlasting life under the kingdom and rulership of Jesus Christ, we must demonstrate our faith as Christians in the way we conduct ourselves, our thoughts and in our relationship with others.
Economic hardships, poverty, escalating crime and lawlessness and moral decline in our society continue to affect our way of life. The rise in violent crimes in both our urban and rural communities, domestic and gender based violence poses greater challenges and danger for many families, women and children.
Events unfolding in the Middle East and among countries that we are ally with causes a great deal of uncertainty, fear and anxiety within us all. No longer are we an island in isolation from the rest of the world. We are all affected by global events such as wars, rising costs of living due to global economic recessions, and breakdown in moral decency and humanity that is prevalent throughout the world.
Faced with all these challenges, it is easy to succumb to temptations that promise a better life but which compromises Christian values and our personal integrity. The Bible warns us that “those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and all kinds of evils. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” (1 Timothy 6:9, 10)
Sadly, the breakdown in moral decency is widespread and more worrisome is that it is becoming a norm, a way of life in today’s generation.
We must not forget however, that as Christians, the future prospect of life everlasting in God’s new world depends on how we live our life now.
The greatest love demonstrated by God for humankind was the sacrifice of his beloved son, our Lord Jesus Christ which now provides us imperfect mortals the possibility of life everlasting through faith.
Through faith we have hope. But faith alone is not enough. We manifest our faith through our actions. It is not enough to say we are a Christian country. Our personal conduct must be in accordance with Bible teachings in all that we do. Practicing good honest deeds results in lasting benefits. The Bible book of Proverbs 21:21 remind us that “He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.” (KJV).
The world is changing now more than ever and will continue to do so in the years to come. As Christians, we do well to seek ‘first the Kingdom and righteousness’ (Mathew 6:33). Guided by godly principles we can enjoy a measure of happiness and contentment even in this turbulent world. But most importantly, when we strive to uphold our faith and conduct ourselves accordingly we demonstrate our appreciation for the greatest sacrifice made on our behalf and a better future that we can all look forward to.
Lady Emeline joins me in wishing each and every one of you Happy Easter and God’s blessings.
Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae GCL, GCMG, KStJ
Governor General of Papua New Guinea
