Change

I’ve been thinking about a lot of things, but primarily my country Nigeria. I’m of the opinion that Nigerians complain more than most, we never find it hard to complain or criticise people or processes. Having said that, we do all the criticising but never go beyond that to actually make that change, or even channel our grievances to the right avenue. To speak up and stand for what we feel is right or should be is where we are usually found wanting.

  We complain about the police, how corrupt they are and all that, but yet when we are in public transport and the vehicle is delayed a little because of bribe we quickly get at the driver to settle the police. We complain that “a certain” mobile network is so poor, greedy and heartless, but yet we continue with that same network. We gossip about our boss and those in Government, how they’re cruel and wicked but yet we act the same to the few we have power over.

  So tell me, who’s fooling who? How can you be doing the same things and expect a different result. We all pray for a better Nigeria, we always say “God help us”, but God has and still is helping us. The growth and development of this country is not God’s sole responsibility, its a mutual responsibility between us and God.

  If Nelson Mandela hadn’t stayed shrewd and decided enough was enough, SA may still be Governed by others. But trust me it wasn’t funny then, he passed through a lot to get it and it took long but it finally came. I’m sure a lot would have felt he was foolish, some would have said “does he think he’s wiser than all of us” and such. But today he is celebrated, not just in Africa but all over the world, even by the Whites he fought against.

  I challenge us today, refuse that urge to cut into the queue, hold out and don’t give that bribe/tip, take that risk and be totally honest when your retiring all expenditure from your company trip. One step at a time and before you know it our values will change, our children will meet a totally different Nigeria.

   And I cannot end without pointing out Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot..” and Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” It all falls on the church and the saints, we have the responsibility to create that Nigeria we want, its all up to us to show what and how its supposed to be and to prove that its possible.

More grace to us all, to do what must be done and to do it with ease!