WICKEDNESS IS A CHOICE WITH A HIGH PRICE ... EXAMINE YOUR WAYS
HELLO MI neighbour! Plotting to hurt or destroy an innocent person because of covetousness or just to satisfy a strong craving is wickedness. To carry out this plot is gross wickedness, deserving of the ultimate penalty in this life and the next.
Harsh?
But God can be merciful – not wise to always bank on mercy, though. In my book, wickedness is the deliberate and malicious act of depriving another creature of the right to life and pleasure as designed by the Creator for His creation. Quite a mouthful, but chew on it and you’ll discover the truth in it.
All acts of wickedness stem from selfishness, which blossom into stupidity, resulting in extended pain and misery and sometimes death of both victim and perpetrator. And what’s the sense in that by the end of the day? Rapists, murderers, thieves, scammers and all evildoers, consider your ways.
There are Jamaicans who take so much pride in being wicked that they’ll boast of their accomplishments on people who crossed their path. For them, wickedness is not only a protective device, it’s a vice that every ambitious person should acquire to ward off certain people.
If people know that you are wicked enough to “duh dem bad tings if dem stan in yuh way, dem woon faam fool wid yuh”, to put it bluntly in Jamaican parlance. But caution, every act of wickedness has a not-so-pretty payday. Be careful!
WICKEDNESS IS EVERYWHERE
In my lifetime I’ve come across some real wickedness in white collar. And you can check the corporate world where this is legal, for more information. In these spaces, some employees ‘suck salt through wooden spoon’ – a Jamaican expression for oppression.
It is widely known that some bosses often use company policies, organisational privileges and technicalities to oppress junior staff for their own pleasure. Sadistic, you would say? Or it is just one of earth’s realities to grapple with until such time?
And yes, wickedness is everywhere to varying degrees: to deliberately cause unwarranted embarrassment, pain or discomfort to a fellowman/woman is wickedness, however mild. Church brothers and sisters who refuse to greet one another because of some petty grievance are practising wickedness and may not realise it. Repent!
To refuse to feed a hungry neighbour, if you can, is also an act of wickedness. The man who diligently provides for his family but cheats on his wife is also wicked.
Getting the point?
This article is not about finger-pointing but a call for self-examination to see where we might be guilty of wickedness in some shape or form and amend our ways.
A parting question: How many of us have the moral authority to condemn a wicked criminal?
Until next time, remember, wickedness is a choice that carries a high price.
Please help a needy person from list below, ease the pain of lack.
THANKS TO NEIGHBOURS
Rema, St Andrew – for contribution Neighbour, overseas – for offering to assist Bro Barrett with medication
Ms Mckoy, St Andrew – for books and clothing Karlene, St Andrew – for contribution
OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP
Neighbour, got evicted with children, trying desperately to build a little house and reaching out to neighbours for help. She is at her wits’ end and would really appreciate a little help from neighbours.
Carlos, St James, unable to work due to ill health. Asking for a refrigerator and plywood to build a stall so that he can generate an income; needs to purchase medication, etc.
Neighbour, Kingston – asking neighbours for a stove. Desperately needs one.
Neighbour, unemployed senior citizen needs a stove to cook her food; reaching out to neighbours.
Pastor Rose, St Mary – asking for food kind and utensils to help provide food for the hungry in the community.
‘There are Jamaicans who take so much pride in being wicked that they’ll boast of their accomplishments on people who crossed their path. For them, wickedness is not only a protective device, it’s a vice that every ambitious person should acquire to ward off certain people.’