TO BUILD A NATION WHERE PEACE AND JUSTICE SHALL REIGN (lines 8 and 9)

TO BUILD A NATION WHERE PEACE AND JUSTICE SHALL REIGN (lines 8 and 9)

I acknowledge the Creator of the universe, the Maker of the black race, the Foundation of Nigeria, my Source of strength, and ever-flowing Spring my inspiration. How time flies! We’ve come to the end of the analysis of the second stanza of the national anthem. I have been blessed so far. Reactions have greatly differed. Responses have been encouraging, critical, sometimes abusive, but never discouraging! Readers have made me better. Friends have made me determined. Critics have made me stronger. Co-analysts have made me more creative. Commentators have made me more articulate. Thanks to everybody for the roles you’ve individually and jointly played in my life, mission, and vision so far.

“To build a nation…” – Building is a process. The most fundamental and indispensable part of a building is the foundation. The foundation of Nigeria has already been laid. The name “Nigeria” was suggested by Miss Flora Shaw, a journalist, in January 1894. She later got married, in 1902, to Fredrick Lord Lugard, the then High Commissioner for the protectorate of Northern Nigeria It was laid when the northern and southern, who was also destined to become the Governor General of Nigeria. The foundation was laid in January 1, 1914, though the British colonialists did it for their selfish economic reasons. They never knew they have established the would-be greatest country in Africa! The foundations were physically and politically liberated from the colonialists on October 1, 1960. Since then, the people have not been totally liberated. The religions that civilized us, disappointingly, have torn us apart, and brought this country into chaos. A nation that cannot feed its people is dead (Rufus Olapade, September 1, 2014 Vanguard news). The white man’s culture has crippled our lovely culture and high-moral values. All our elements of culture (language, customs, arts and literature, greetings, feeding, etc.) have been bastardized. Well, I believe building is a process, and it that be supported and engaged in by everybody. Nobody should work against the development of this country. Let’s build this nation. Together we can. Yes, we can!

“…where peace and justice reign…” – I’ve written on peace and justice in my previous analyses. It is unarguably obvious that these two concepts are missing (lost) in Nigeria. We need to pursue peace and live in justice. Remember, this second stanza, as I’ve earlier said, is a prayer. Now, let us pray:

O God of creation, restore peace in our country
O God of creation, render the enemies of this country powerless
O God of creation, if these enemies refuse to repent, kindly eradicate them
O God of creation, establish your justice in our country
O God of creation, teach our judiciaries how to promote justice
O God of creation, give us leaders who will work and rule in peace and justice
O God of creation, come to our aid, because we are helpless!

Thanks for taking your time to read my line-by-line analyses on the national anthem. Watch out for another series of write-ups. I hope and believe you will enjoy them too. Lastly, please keep praying for me. I need your prayers.

Fawole V.O., a concerned but patriotic Nigerian youth, writes from Osun State.

There’s a proverb
‘United we stand divided we fall’
Ten’s sticks together unbreakable
Can be broken easily if given to all.

Wind easily blows the dust
But cannot move the rock;
Birds trapped in net, united,
Along with net, flew the flock.

As well, If people are united
For valid and right cause,
There can’t be any reason
Their efforts will pause.

By S.D. Tiwari

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GREAT LOFTY HEIGHTS ATTAIN (line 7)

GREAT LOFTY HEIGHTS ATTAIN (line 7)

Giants are natural beings, but with (maybe super) natural and extraordinary endowments. These endowments may be physical, spiritual, intellectual, financial, or unthinkable. Giants become giants because they activate the giant in them. A giant cannot be easily killed (except by a superior power) but could be made to feel like a mere being. There may be a reverse change in mindset that makes a giant look upon himself with inferiority complex and catastrophic fear. Climbing the normal mountains would look like impossible tasks. Those bones a giant should crush easily (for more sharpening of his teeth) could be made to appear like irons that are too hard for the teeth. In this kind of situation, the giant is confined to one circle (with a very small radius). He cannot think beyond the radius, and by the time he gets to the circumference of the circle (his constrained limit), he feels on top of the world. What a shame! An unbefitting scenario when an eagle feeding on worms with fowls in the earth. Shame indeed!

There is a giant in you. There is a giant in me. There is a giant in everyone. However, the excruciating fact is that the giant in us is asleep. The sleep is not a natural one, I believe. Probably the giant in us has been well fed with lies and treachery, making him too lazy to work, reducing his productivity, and plummeting his efficiency. Probably he has been given lots of wines mixed with some sleeping tablets, and this has caused him fatigue, leading to sleep. Probably he has been bathed with sullied waters and has made him pursue ephemeral things, thereby leading to negligence and nonchalant attitudes towards the essentials. Probably he has been tied down to one spot with ropes of political blindness, religious bigotry, tribal sentiments, and relational bias. Probably the giant has been brainwashed… I can go on and on…

“Great lofty heights attain” – How do you attain great heights when you dine with, think like, and act as a fowl? How do we (Nigeria and Nigerians) attain great heights when destinies are being sold cheaply? Abortions are prevalent, sexual promiscuity has gotten beyond control, and careers are dying. Certificates have turned to national dailies that you buy without writing a single exam! Graduates are not better off illiterates. Religious leaders perpetrate and sponsor evils and their doers. Everyone is running after something – power! Some run after it through (corrupt) political means, some through (unholy) religious means, some through (illegal) economic/financial means, some through (immoral) sexual means, and some through (shameful) educational means. They have forgotten that these forms of power – combined together – cannot defeat the giant in a single man. The giant in David killed the giant called Goliath, though the latter had all resources available to him.

The glory of this country, with my least controversial estimation, is at stake if we continue to sleep. Arise O’ Compatriots! Let us wake the giant in us. Let us accept and work on some beliefs. The belief that we can be one great nation. The belief that we can be successful without engaging in any fraudulent practices. The belief that no politician is worth dying for. The belief that a political giant is not greater than you, an intellectual giant, are. The belief that we can attain lofty heights. The belief that hard work, perseverance, honesty, and unity are elements needed for progress and sustainable peace.

Our security, educational, leadership, religious, agricultural, economic, social, and followership systems need urgent revival, without which no positive change can be made. Positive progress is solely dependent on being on the right track. Then with steady progress, we will get to the peak with much determination, little stress, but unknown period of time (that depends on our definition of “peak”).

Great lofty heights can be attained by a ONE NIGERIA, ONE PEOPLE, ONE VOICE, ONE NATION.

Fawole V.O., a concerned but patriotic Nigerian youth, writes from Osun State.

IN LOVE AND HONESTY TO GROW AND LIVING JUST AND TRUE

IN LOVE AND HONESTY TO GROW AND LIVING JUST AND TRUE (lines 5 & 6)

Youths, I mean those that read my last edition of this line-by-line analysis, by now, I believe, should have known some essential truths and that should kick-start their freedom. Sincerely, I have so far been encouraged by many. Criticisms, comments, and suggestions have improved my level of reasoning. We are getting closer to the end of the second stanza (as it remains only three lines).

“In love…” – In the analysis I made on lines 3 and 4 of the first stanza, I expounded how “to serve our fatherland with love…” The strength of unity lies in love. The bond of love, throughout ages, has been arguably the most difficult to break. Let’s not only profess love, let us show and act it. Love shouldn’t be made abstract in the society. It is a practical concept!

“…and honesty…” – Honesty is a virtue that is lacking in Nigeria. Nobody longer cares about honesty. Honesty has not only been neglected, it has been silenced, wounded, and killed by many. The few honest ones are seen as fools by the majority. They are ridiculed and sometimes imprisoned/implicated because they stood for the truth. The police force has been a den of thieves. I wonder how citizens would be honest when those who should checkmate their activities are full of dishonesty. They demand bribe. Market traders shamelessly use dishonest scales. Teachers use dishonest scales. I can go on and on… Hmmmmmn!

“…to grow” – The fifth line can be rewritten as “to grow in love and honesty”. Indeed, that was the meaning intended. Growing in love and honesty means we will not just exhibit love and honesty, but we’ll also grow in them. This growth should and must not have a limit. This growth should and must be axial. This growth should and must be welcomed, nurtured, and promoted. Those who refuse to grow would soon and easily find their level and would shamefully be fished out.

The conjunction “and” links line 5 with line 6, so I have decided to treat them together.

“And living just and true” – Living just means allowing, upholding, and promoting justice. Living just and true connotes doing everything and making all judgments in truth and justice. I read something relevant to this in the Christians’ Holy Bible in Proverbs 23 line 23, “Buy the truth, and do not sell it…” I will interpret that verse this way, “Spare no cost for truths sake, neither depart from it for any gain.” I will go further by saying, “Acquire truth in all situations; and in order to do this, too much pains, industry, and labour cannot be expended. When once acquired, let no consideration deprive you of it. Cleave to and guard it, even at the risk of your life.” How I wish all Nigerians could take this seriously as I am taking it.

I see line 5 as a continuation of line 4. When we read it this way, “Help our youths the truth to know, in love and honesty to grow and living just and true”, we get the clearer meaning. This shows that the youths are the future, backbone, and strength of the country. Though much rests on the leaders, I still believe that much more rests on the youths. It is the voice of the youths that is most heard in the society. Why have we been useless? Why have we neglected the right, and have been running after the wrongs? May God revive us!

This is a clarion call to all Nigerians, most especially the youths. We need to stand up, stand right, and stand still our feet. At the same time, we need to keep moving ahead, in our bid to achieve our national goals and personal-cum-collective aims. I rest my case here.

Fawole V.O., a concerned but patriotic Nigerian youth, writes from Osun State.

HELP OUR YOUTHS THE TRUTH TO KNOW (line 4)

HELP OUR YOUTHS THE TRUTH TO KNOW (line 4)

A friend told me that he was eagerly awaiting my analysis on this line. I asked him why, and he said that is what concerns him most! I furthered my interrogation by asking why. He replied, “I am a youth. When I was young, I was told that I am a leader of tomorrow but we are still being led by old people of the past generations.” Then I told him, “Maybe there are some truths our youths need to know”. He finally replied, “That’s the reason why I’m expecting your analysis”. I nodded in agreement.

Who are the youths? The word “youth” has been widely and differently viewed by many different people and cultures in different ways. Some view it using chronological age, some with physical development, some with mental ability, some with academic achievement, some with psychological development, some with level of knowledge, some with level of public, social, and political participation, and some others have combined two or more of the aforementioned criteria. Therefore, I will not explicitly define who a youth is. I will leave you with your personal or societal-and-culturally-imposed views of a youth.

“Help our youths the truth to know” – Which truth? The truth of their usefulness and relevance in the society. The truth that their destiny is greater than the peanuts dropping from selfish politicians. The truth that acting as political thugs and terrorists only drags their values to the mud. The truth that they only can successfully and gloriously fly our flag high in the presence of the whole world. The truth that they need to be educated, not just attending schools. The truth that they really don’t need white-collar jobs. The truth that they must discover the evils of the past and stop them! The truth that selfishness has turned our fathers against themselves, and we should not permit that to happen to us. The truth that we must not because of those old shameless politicians begin to hurl curses upon ourselves on social media. The truth that we should work with our brain and hands, no matter how little, instead of resorting to fraudulent practices, prostitution, and stealing. The truth that we shouldn’t accept the lies of our leaders (Imagine someone telling you that, “Stealing is not corruption”, and you could still believe that! Isn’t that ridiculous?). The truth that we have a power. The truth that we must be in one accord in order to checkmate the activities of our leaders. The truth that we must not be denied our educational needs and rights due to incessant strikes by our lecturers due to the breach of agreement by the government. The truths that we must not be driven by religious bigotry, tribal sentiments, sport fanaticism, and political bias when dealing with one another. Seriously and obviously, these truths are more than I can count.

Why have we not known these truths? Maybe because our fathers never told us. Maybe because they were busy building empires for themselves instead of building the future (the youths). Maybe because we never dared to know the truth. Maybe because the leaders hid the truth from us. Maybe because they thought we would be a threat to them and displace them. Maybe because we, youths, have been neglected the necessities and are running after the irrelevances. Maybe because we need proper orientation and re-orientation. Maybe because our leaders (at all strata) did not tell us the truths. To me, not telling the truths is synonymous to telling the lies, although you may not totally agree with me.

Knowing the truth will spur us into action. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Knowing the truth will set us free from the shackles hindering us from shining. Probably we were wickedly shackled by our elders, or we ignorantly and foolishness walked into their traps. The most important thing is that we should know the truth. If we know the truth, we’ll know our worth, our vision will become clearer, we’ll move this country forward, and the country will indeed be free. There is a power in the truth, which is: “The knowledge of truth does not walk alone, it is always accompanied by action!” Martin Luther King knew the truth and he acted! Apostle Paul encountered the truth and his life experienced a turnaround. The truth magnetizes freedom. The truth paves way for fulfillment of destiny.

O God of creation… help our youths the truth to know… help our youths to hate the lies… help our youths to embrace, walk and work with the truth… help our youths to reject deceit…

Fawole V.O., a concerned but patriotic Nigerian youth, writes from Osun State.

GUIDE OUR LEADERS RIGHT (line 3) Part 3

GUIDE OUR LEADERS RIGHT (line 3) Part 3

The line 3 of the second stanza of the national anthem is a prayer that, I think, we need to beg God to give prompt answers to. Seriously, I doubt if our present leaders are being guided by God, even the religious leaders! Well, this is the last part of the line 3 analysis, and I want to write about two past leaders. Enjoy it!

SOLOMON
He was favoured to have been appointed king despite his background and position in the family. He started brilliantly. He built God’s temple and offered the most expensive and acceptable sacrifice ever made by a leader, to the extent that the Shekinah Glory of God filled the temple. He got a blank cheque from God. He requested the perfect thing a leader needs – God’s wisdom. God was very much happy about his request, that the willingly blessed him with every other goodies of life. He later fumbled. He formed unholy alliances with the ungodly nations that are God’s enemies. He married their princesses. Someone asked, “Why then should he experience war, when he was an in-law to the enemies?” His political marriage alliances no doubt contributed to the country’s peace and security. But he breached God’s laws – do not marry their daughters, and do not give them your daughters in marriage. Each of his wives (700) and concubines (300) brought along her father’s pagan idols to Israel. Solomon not only worshipped these idols they brought, he also built temples (shrines) for them. The once God’s follower left God for other idols. He led the nation into apostasy, national idolatry, and moral decline. Ungodly practices flourished in the land. What a pathetic state! God became angry. He tore his kingdom into two – gave Solomon’s son (Rehoboam) only two tribes (just because of God’s love for David, Solomon’s father), and the remaining but massive ten tribes to Jeroboam. We need leaders who will lead according to God’s wisdom. Leaders who will never form unholy alliances with other countries (remember, the USA almost tricked us legalizing homosexuality). Leaders who will not lead the people into more corrupt practices. Leaders who will never forget God’s faithfulness, and will never forget to remain being reciprocally faithful to Him.

NEHEMIAH
The land had been devoured by stronger nations and now the people are back in their land. Then there was the need to rebuild the broken walls of the temple. The need for national repentance and restoration. The walls stood as security. Someone had to stand up to this task. Thank God for Nehemiah. Oppositions came from within, but he maintained his stand. We need leaders like Nehemiah. Leaders who would lead the whole nation to national repentance, rebuild the broken walls of holiness, morality, unity, serenity, sanity, and security. Leaders who will help purge our already corrupt systems. Leaders who will strengthen our security. Leaders who are passionate about the well-being of the temple of God.

Now I have arrived at some important conclusions. I did not just arrive at my conclusions. I have carefully studied history, observed the present, and foreseen the future. Although you may not totally agree with me, or you may have contributions, please kindly drop your comments, so that we all can learn from you.

1. God was man’s first leader. Thus, we should hand over everything to Him and follow his directives. Failure to do so may attract generational pain (ask Adam and Eve).

2. We should be very careful when people (the majority) are very much concerned about imposing a particular leadership system or leader on themselves. The result is not always palatable. The Israelites imposed monarchy on themselves. Millions of Nigerians are after a particular man to be their leader. They do not care about what may happen when he becomes their leader. They have forgotten that history has always been repeating itself. The once wicked king still has the same stuff in him. Once bitten, twice shy!

3. Leadership is a case anytime any day. It determines the fate of any organization or society. It is an institution on its own. Leaders usually represent the image and the voice of the people they lead.

4. By their vision, influence, and judgment, leaders make the people follow their paths

5. God, throughout the ages, deals mostly with the leaders of His people. He believes that the leaders’ actions can be taken to represent what the people may likely do. No wonder when the leaders err, the punishment is not coming upon the leader alone. It is spread over the led, since the people usually choose who leads them.

6. The quality of leaders determines the quality of the present living of the people, and the quality of their preparations for the people.

7. When people groan under the leadership of a particular man, he is moving towards destruction, because God will hear the cries of His people, pardon their foolishness for choosing the leader, and save them from the leader. Then, power has to change hands. If the leader refuses, God would destroy him.

Now I come to the end of this analysis. I have a lot to write on this, but I have decided to stop at this point. Too much of words are not necessary to pass a message. God bless you, God bless me, God bless Nigeria! Thank you.

O God of creation… guide our leaders right!
Fawole V.O., a concerned but patriotic Nigerian youth, writes from Osun State.

GUIDE OUR LEADERS RIGHT (line 3) Part 3

GUIDE OUR LEADERS RIGHT (line 3) Part 3

The line 3 of the second stanza of the national anthem is a prayer that, I think, we need to beg God to give prompt answers to. Seriously, I doubt if our present leaders are being guided by God, even the religious leaders! Well, this is the last part of the line 3 analysis, and I want to write about two past leaders. Enjoy it!

SOLOMON
He was favoured to have been appointed king despite his background and position in the family. He started brilliantly. He built God’s temple and offered the most expensive and acceptable sacrifice ever made by a leader, to the extent that the Shekinah Glory of God filled the temple. He got a blank cheque from God. He requested the perfect thing a leader needs – God’s wisdom. God was very much happy about his request, that the willingly blessed him with every other goodies of life. He later fumbled. He formed unholy alliances with the ungodly nations that are God’s enemies. He married their princesses. Someone asked, “Why then should he experience war, when he was an in-law to the enemies?” His political marriage alliances no doubt contributed to the country’s peace and security. But he breached God’s laws – do not marry their daughters, and do not give them your daughters in marriage. Each of his wives (700) and concubines (300) brought along her father’s pagan idols to Israel. Solomon not only worshipped these idols they brought, he also built temples (shrines) for them. The once God’s follower left God for other idols. He led the nation into apostasy, national idolatry, and moral decline. Ungodly practices flourished in the land. What a pathetic state! God became angry. He tore his kingdom into two – gave Solomon’s son (Rehoboam) only two tribes (just because of God’s love for David, Solomon’s father), and the remaining but massive ten tribes to Jeroboam. We need leaders who will lead according to God’s wisdom. Leaders who will never form unholy alliances with other countries (remember, the USA almost tricked us legalizing homosexuality). Leaders who will not lead the people into more corrupt practices. Leaders who will never forget God’s faithfulness, and will never forget to remain being reciprocally faithful to Him.

NEHEMIAH
The land had been devoured by stronger nations and now the people are back in their land. Then there was the need to rebuild the broken walls of the temple. The need for national repentance and restoration. The walls stood as security. Someone had to stand up to this task. Thank God for Nehemiah. Oppositions came from within, but he maintained his stand. We need leaders like Nehemiah. Leaders who would lead the whole nation to national repentance, rebuild the broken walls of holiness, morality, unity, serenity, sanity, and security. Leaders who will help purge our already corrupt systems. Leaders who will strengthen our security. Leaders who are passionate about the well-being of the temple of God.

Now I have arrived at some important conclusions. I did not just arrive at my conclusions. I have carefully studied history, observed the present, and foreseen the future. Although you may not totally agree with me, or you may have contributions, please kindly drop your comments, so that we all can learn from you.

1. God was man’s first leader. Thus, we should hand over everything to Him and follow his directives. Failure to do so may attract generational pain (ask Adam and Eve).

2. We should be very careful when people (the majority) are very much concerned about imposing a particular leadership system or leader on themselves. The result is not always palatable. The Israelites imposed monarchy on themselves. Millions of Nigerians are after a particular man to be their leader. They do not care about what may happen when he becomes their leader. They have forgotten that history has always been repeating itself. The once wicked king still has the same stuff in him. Once bitten, twice shy!

3. Leadership is a case anytime any day. It determines the fate of any organization or society. It is an institution on its own. Leaders usually represent the image and the voice of the people they lead.

4. By their vision, influence, and judgment, leaders make the people follow their paths

5. God, throughout the ages, deals mostly with the leaders of His people. He believes that the leaders’ actions can be taken to represent what the people may likely do. No wonder when the leaders err, the punishment is not coming upon the leader alone. It is spread over the led, since the people usually choose who leads them.

6. The quality of leaders determines the quality of the present living of the people, and the quality of their preparations for the people.

7. When people groan under the leadership of a particular man, he is moving towards destruction, because God will hear the cries of His people, pardon their foolishness for choosing the leader, and save them from the leader. Then, power has to change hands. If the leader refuses, God would destroy him.

Now I come to the end of this analysis. I have a lot to write on this, but I have decided to stop at this point. Too much of words are not necessary to pass a message. God bless you, God bless me, God bless Nigeria! Thank you.

O God of creation… guide our leaders right!
Fawole V.O., a concerned but patriotic Nigerian youth, writes from Osun State.

GUIDE OUR LEADERS RIGHT (line 3) Part 2

GUIDE OUR LEADERS RIGHT (line 3) Part 2

This is the second part of the analysis of the line 3 of the second stanza of the national anthem. I am pleased, so far, with the responses I have received. In fact, Nigerians have cried out for the need of God’s guidance, both for the leaders and the followers. I thank God for helping me to awaken the souls of fellow Nigerians. I believe we are getting there. Nigeria will be better.

In the first part, we studied the lives of three past important world leaders, and here, I will analyze the lives of another three important world leaders. Through this analysis, I believe I should be able to convince you on the need to pray to God in order for Him to guide our leaders.

ELI
He was a man who, despite being the country’s spiritual head, condoned the corruptness of his sons. They defiled the Lord’s temple. We need to pray that God should help our religious leaders, and teach them how well to handle their homes. The only good thing about Eli, I think, is that he trained Samuel, who in turn became his successor. God told Samuel to warn Eli about his nonchalant attitude towards his sons’ misdeeds, but he dared God to do whatever He liked! He lost his sons in a day, died a miserable death, and the glory of God departed Israel that same day! This is an example of a bad leader. Let’s watch out for them, and pray that God should replace them without delay! We need leaders that will shun corruption. Leaders that will heed God’s warnings. Religious leaders that will pray for the nation.

SAMUEL
He succeeded Eli. What I want to highlight about him is that, as a religious leader, he performed all his duties as expected of him. He warned the people against requesting for a leadership system of their own choice. He told them God’s mind. But since the people were bent on having their way, God moved. God gave Samuel the strategies for choosing the leader. God gave them a man of stature, but not of divine grace. The king (Saul) would eventually fail, and will be replaced by another man (David). Samuel fearlessly rebuked the king. Now, the question is: “Where are the religious leaders who should rebuke our corrupt political leaders?” We need religious leaders like Samuel, Elijah, and John the Baptist who would rebuke the Sauls, Ahabs, and Herods of our generation.

DAVID
God called him “a man after His own heart”. He was divinely chosen by God, but not like in Saul’s case. God gave Saul as a king to the people because they wanted the monarchial system, while he anointed David as king over them because Saul failed. God made a prompt replacement. God did not choose based on his stature, but based on divine election. David had gathered experiences in the wilderness, where he alone shepherded his father’s flock. He played harp beautifully well. He killed a bear and a lion in the wilderness, but never bragged about it, until an uncircumcised Philistine giant blasphemed against the God of Israel. King Saul had already become a coward, and had resorted to cheap tactics in order to kill the giant – material rewards for the killer. One thing we must note is that David was not motivated by the rewards, but was angered by the blasphemies the giant made. He combined God’s wisdom with his skills and experience to kill the giant. The people hailed him, but the success never got to his head. He simply went back to his shepherd business, because his time to mount the throne had not yet come. When he became the king, he ruled well. However, he had a stain on his curriculum vitae. He should go for war but he did not. He coveted another man’s wife, slept with her, cheated her husband, and signed his death letter. However, the moment his sins were pointed out to him, he immediately cried for his sins and repented. We need leaders like this, those who will admit their sins, repent of them, and make amendments. He successfully oversaw the enthronement of his God-given successor – Solomon. Though God stopped him from building His temple, he provided the materials needed and motivated the people to support the building project. We need shepherd-like leaders. Leaders that are “men after God’s own heart”. Leaders that are not driven by lust, love of money, or love of power. Leaders that can kill bears, lions, and opposing giants! Leaders that will hand over resources to their successors. Leaders who can lead the whole nation to inspired and practical worship to the God who grants victories.

Let us always remember to pray to God to see to the political situation of our dear country. He should remove and replace the bad leaders and enthrone the people after His own heart.

O God of creation… guide our leaders right!
Fawole V.O., a concerned but patriotic Nigerian youth, writes from Osun State.

GUIDE OUR LEADERS RIGHT (line 3) Part 1

GUIDE OUR LEADERS RIGHT (line 3) Part 1

In my last analysis, I expounded how important God is in our lives as a country. This prayer-stanza begins with reverence to God, and the first request to God was to guide our noble cause – the cause of our existence and co-existence. In this piece, I will take you through the analysis of the third line, which determines the courses of actions of the country. For convenience sake, as I will not want to waste your time in reading this analysis, I have made it in three parts, Parts 1 , 2 and 3. This is the first part, so enjoy the ride.

Throughout human race, it is clear and evident that man needs to be led, governed, controlled, or supervised in order to achieve certain goals and curb some irregularities. When we talk of leaders, we should not only refer to the political leaders, but leaders in all spheres of life (including religious leaders). It is important to note here that the type of leader(ship) has effects on the follower(ship). God has always given leaders, and men have always requested for and made leaders for themselves. They even tried to make Jesus their king. According to history, the leaders given by God have always been faithful and God-fearing, and their tenures have always been peaceful, holy, and blessed with abundance except for those that derailed. However, the leaders installed by men (or themselves – the self-imposed ones) have always failed God and humanity!

I will like to write about some important world past leaders (political and spiritual) that I have read about in the Christians’ Holy Bible:

JOSEPH
Joseph was appointed as a leader right from his childhood. However, he experienced a “shut-up warning” from his parents, strong oppositions and oppressions from his brothers, slavery in another man’s land, and sexual harassment from a very influential married woman (his master’s wife). All these never killed his dream of becoming a leader! He was strong, determined, focused, and unrelenting. He ultimately saved the entire humanity from hunger! He could interpret dreams, meaning he could in turn give policies that would not only save people from disasters, but would also make other countries depend on his own country for survival. We really need to pray for leaders like Joseph. Leaders that would flee every form of corruption/defilement, save their people from hunger, improve the economy of the country, create job opportunities, create a conducive environment for their people, and bless other countries! Joseph forgave his brothers despite the fact that they maltreated him. We need forgiving leaders!

MOSES
He fought for his people. He obediently accepted the leadership position God purposed to give him. He left his business in order to save his nation. He made sure he got enough strong conviction from God before venturing into the rescue mission. There is a lesson here for our leaders: IF GOD IS NOT SENDING YOU, DO NOT GO! Though Moses was very passionate about his people (evidence: he killed an Egyptian that wanted to cheat a Jew!) despite being brought up by an Egyptian princess, he did not let his passion and zeal to run into his senses. He patiently waited for God’s time and directives. He accepted the deputy God gave him (Aaron) without complaining. He confronted King Herod without fear. He led the people out of the land of bondage. Then, he began to experience different oppositions – from his people and even the religious leaders (Aaron, his deputy, and Miriam). He could not get to the Promised Land because his people moved him to anger. Despite his inadequacies, the Bible still referred to him as a meek man (Numbers 12:3). Even his handing-over of the staff of office has been the best ever on earth! We need leaders like Moses. Leaders who will be directed by God only. Leaders (legislators) who will integrate God’s laws with our constitution. Leaders who will frown at ungodliness. Leaders who will help us seek God’s face for national forgiveness and repentance. Leaders who will lead us out of bondage, feed us in the wilderness, heal our diseases, and above all, hand us over to God-given successors.

JOSHUA
He took over from Moses, and continued from where the latter stopped. He was skilled. He got all the trainings he needed for the work. He got God’s approval. He was a good judge. He was courageous. He had good strategies. He was never afraid of giant problems. He was a great soldier. He commanded the sun to stay (here we can get the basis of the concept of “leap year”). He successfully shared the portions of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel without controversies! His strength at old age was the same as that of his youthful days! He challenged the people to serve God. We need leaders like Joshua. Leaders who will not be partial to a particular tribe. Leaders who will motivate the people to serve God, and courageously lead them war in fighting everything that needs to be fought against.

I will like to stop here for this part of the analysis. I hope you enjoyed it. Your comments and observations are welcome. You can follow me on twitter @TheAsegun. You can also read my other articles on my blog http://www.fawoleasegun.wordpress.com

O God of creation… guide our leaders right!
Fawole V.O., a concerned but patriotic Nigerian youth, writes from Osun State.

O GOD OF CREATION, DIRECT OUR NOBLE CAUSE (lines 1 and 2)

O GOD OF CREATION, DIRECT OUR NOBLE CAUSE (lines 1 and 2)

The line-by-line analyses I made on the first stanza of the national anthem were widely accepted by many Nigerians (from different tribes and geographical locations). Some people advised me to send them to newspaper companies for publication. Some funny people have told me not to stress myself any longer. Someone said to me, “Victor, if you die because of Nigeria, Nigeria will not remember you.” I happily replied him, “You may be right, but I am not dependent on Nigeria, Nigeria is dependent on me! I know Nigerians have forgotten their past heroes and heroines, but I must leave an indelible mark on the sands of time of Nigeria. If I die because of my love and passion for Nigeria, I think it’s worth it!” Well, I have noted all your comments, and they have only spurred me to do more!

I appreciate the works of my dear friend and fellow compatriot, Olaoluwa Kehinde Olakunle, for being supportive to my cause. He is my vice-president (joking)… He readily provided his ideas and views, which are complementary to mine. I am looking forward to more from you, friend.

The second stanza, as viewed by some quarters, and as also viewed by me, is a prayer and not a song. I will advise that we should say this as a prayer in religious houses, media houses, courts, schools, marketplaces, and government houses.

“O God of creation…” – the first line of the second stanza starts with a reference to Almighty God, the Creator of all creations. The God who established Nigeria. The God who helped our fathers in their struggles for freedom and independence. The God who saved us from splitting during the civil war that almost led to the breakaway of some parts of the country to form the Biafra nation. The God who has always helped us to overcome epidemics, plagues, and incurable diseases. The God who has given us the strength to cope and survive under different systems of leadership. The God who has disgraced the wicked ones, and will continue to do so. The God who gave us the 1930 revival in the southwestern part of Nigeria. The God who blessed us with western education, which has exposed us to better life. The God who cares for our needs. The God who blesses us with more cars even when fuel price is always increasing. O God of creation. The God who created the rich, the poor, the white, the black, the tall, the short, the male, the female, the good, the bad, the powerful, the weak. The God who sits in heaven and controls the affairs of men. The God in whose hands are the hearts of the kings. The God who resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. The God who is the source of my inspiration. I adore you, O God of creation!

“Direct our noble cause” – to direct means to supervise, to instruct, or to oversee. We need to pray to God to become the director of our leaders. He should instruct them so that they can drive us into more blessings and progress. He should remove the disobedient ones, and place his chosen ones in positions of authority. He should forgive us for choosing them foolishly and ignorantly, save us from their claws, and give us his own leadership. We need Him to direct our noble cause, our noble interests, reason for existence, reason for continual existence principles, laws, and our constitution. He should give our legislature his laws for them to make, give the executive the power to implement those laws, and give the judiciary the wisdom and strength to interpret and enforce those godly laws. It is dangerous when some of our lawmakers are trying to legalize teenage marriage. They even debated on the issue of homosexuality. These are abominations, and we know that you have always consistently hated them. Enough of going and doing against Your will and laws! We want to practice HOLINESS – which is Your standard. Our God, we pray that You direct our noble and high moral principles. Help us to stand for the truth, and fight against the lies.

This is my heart cry. Watch out for the next edition of this line-by-line analysis. Please, always remember to pray for me.

O God of creation, please, direct our noble cause.

Fawole V.O., a concerned but patriotic Nigerian youth, writes from Osun State.

ONE NATION BOUND IN FREEDOM, PEACE, AND UNITY

ONE NATION BOUND IN FREEDOM, PEACE, AND UNITY (line 8)

This is the last line of the first stanza of our rich, powerful, inspiring, melodious, much-cherished, but less-valued national anthem. Before I start any analysis on this line, I will only be an ingrate if I fail to appreciate my readers. Those who feel I am disturbing them with these posts should kindly pardon and accept me. The comments I have received all these while have been encouraging, though some appear to be discouraging. Many appreciated my efforts, some said I am a “hungry politician” who is only seeking public attention (maybe for future political ambitions), and few fanatically attacked my analyses, claiming that Nigeria has gone worse than the way I view her. I think it is necessary that I highlight some important points here:

1) Though I may have future political ambitions (I will not totally dispute that), all my posts for now, as I have always indicated, are written by a “concerned but patriotic” and passionate Nigerian youth, whose love and passion for his country supersedes any selfish interests or ambitions. It is NOT COMPULSORY I become the president, but I think it is VERY IMPORTANT that we orientate one another in the right senses. I know only a few will get my message, but that will not stop me from “preaching” the message.

2) Nigeria is not bad, not to talk of being worse. There’s nothing wrong with Nigeria! Nigeria is good. The only fact we need to admit (and make prompt corrections about) is that many Nigerians (irrespective of their tribe, language, gender, or position) are bad. We need to work more on our individual selves, and not the state called Nigeria. Our systems are not corrupt, only the people in the systems are corrupt. A cup is never dangerous unless it contains acid, petrol, kerosene, or other poisonous liquids. The cup is defined by its contents (e.g. a cup of water, a cup of palm wine, etc.), and not its structure! So, let us all get this straight into our senses that Nigeria is not bad, but, probably, we, Nigerians, are!

Now, let us get back to the business for the day!

“One nation…” – One people. In one accord. Having one voice. I think the first problem Nigeria has is that she is an heterogeneous state, i.e. her people are diverse in language, culture, tribe, religion, interests, needs, values, norms etc. This has made it a bit difficult for her people to be “one nation”. When we talk of one nation, we mean unity, independence, and sovereignty. Disappointingly and frustratingly, Nigerians have been enemies of one another. They cheat, oppress, and kill one another. They easily argue against one another, mostly due to selfish interests and disuniting sentiments. They have forgotten that a house divided against itself will never stand! A kingdom divided against itself will never prosper! Being one nation will not only cleanse this country of internal discrepancies, but will also protect her against external influences and attacks.

“…bound…” – bound by love. Bound by harmony. Bound by the cord of unity. Being bound means been inseparably attached to one another in order to achieve common interests. As I have said in my analysis of the first and second lines, it is only a bounded bunch of broomsticks that can sweep a floor perfectly! Being bound means equality in all areas. It means an injury to one is an injury to all! Being bound means there’ll will be nothing like “I am an Hausa”, “I am an Ibo”, or “I am a Yoruba”, but everyone will say “I am a Nigerian”!

“…in freedom…” – bounded in freedom means everybody is free! Free to voice out his opinions. Free to practice his religion. Free to acquire education. Free from military threats. Free from terrorism. Is there really freedom in Nigeria? I guess no! Let us stand up to fight for our freedom. I am not moving a campaign of violence, but of change in the mentality that some people are meant to be slaves to some others! Nigeria should stop this over-reliance on other countries for feeding her people, ensuring security, and sustenance of her economy! The fundamental human rights should be legally upheld and respected.

“…peace…” – bounded in peace means everyone will sleep and wake peacefully without any iota of fear in him. Peace is the major ingredient for progress and development. Without peace, nobody will care about another person. A Yoruba adage says, “When a person and his child are in a fire accident, the person will first quench the fire on his own body before thinking about his child.” The same is true for a country that has lost her peace. Everybody should pursue peace with all men…

“…and unity” – I think I have emphasized on this in the paragraph that started with “one nation”. I will like to avoid time-wasting and unnecessary repetitions.

Kindly watch out for my line-by-line analysis on the second stanza of the national anthem. I promise you that I will not relent in my passionate and civic efforts.

Above all, let us work towards one nation bound in freedom, peace, and unity (line 8)

God bless you, God bless me, God bless Nigeria!

Fawole V.O., a concerned but patriotic Nigerian youth, writes from Osun State.

TO SERVE WITH HEART AND MIGHT

TO SERVE WITH HEART AND MIGHT (line 7)

For those that have not read my analysis of the third and fourth lines of the first stanza of the national anthem, I will like to refer you to that analysis. The seventh line, undoubtedly and unarguably complements the third and fourth lines.

“To serve with heart…” – the heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood through the body. That is, it sees to the sustenance of life. It is the cage that houses all forms of emotion. A good heart produces good emotions while a bad heart produces bad emotions. It is only a good heart that can “serve our fatherland with love…” Let us jealously guard our hearts against every form of hatred, slander, bitterness, anger, or hostility. Serving Nigeria with our heart means we will not want to do anything to harm any Nigerian. We will not want to drag the name of this nation into the mud. We will always obey constituted authorities. We will always pray for Nigeria. If everyone serves Nigeria with his/her heart, nobody will engage in ritual killings, rape, embezzlement, drug trafficking, or any other criminal acts.

“…and might” – might means power, strength, force, or influence held by a person or a group. This means every citizen should use his power (endowments) to develop the country. Those with spiritual powers should bless the nation. Those with intellectual strength should educate the nation. Those with political power should deliver even beyond expectations. Those with economic influence should make life bearable for others. Those who can use the power in a pen should constructively write, inform, enlighten the people, and not to corrupt people’s minds, or castigate others. They should make Nigeria known for good to other countries. Those regions that are blessed with resources should not be selfish with their resources. Those with electoral power should vote. Those with capital power (the capitalists) should help improve the standard of living. Those with military power should use it appropriately. Those with legal power should fight against every appearance of illegality. The press should not use their power for political reasons/gains. Power should not be abused or misused. Serving with might means you will not sleep while on duty. You will not give/collect bribes. You will not be indolent. You will not shift duties. You will not bend the rules just to suit yourself or your people. You will use you power to earn us the world’s respect.

I can go on and on, but I guess it might be time wasting on your part. A word is enough for the wise, I believe. I really appreciate your patience in reading this post. I am sure, by now, that you are ready to make Nigeria better. Thank you, and God bless Nigeria!

Fawole V.O., a concerned but patriotic Nigerian youth, writes from Osun State.

THE LABOUR OF OUR HEROES PAST…

THE LABOUR OF OUR HEROES PAST SHALL NEVER BE IN VAIN (lines 5 and 6)

I welcome you to this edition of my line-by-line analysis of the Nigeria national anthem. I really appreciate the readers and commentators (those who commended and criticized) of my previous analyses. You have made me a better thinker. Let’s get ready to enjoy another brainstorming analysis.

Today, as I have earlier promised in my last analysis, I want to analyze the fifth and sixth lines of the first stanza, which reads: The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain.

Who is an hero? An hero is a champion with great bravery. Heroes carry out extraordinary deeds. Nigeria is blessed with many heroes and heroines who have excelled in almost all spheres of life. These people were courageous, decisive, helpful, selfless, and determined. They never cared about building castles and amassing wealth. They risked their lives. Many of them were brutally killed, some were physically and/or emotionally injured, while some were unjustly jailed.

They fought tooth and nail against all internal and external forms of oppression, racism, discrimination, cheating, and injustice. They struggled with their sweats as thick as blood, and thankfully they did not disappoint us. They were ready to shed their blood for the sake of Nigeria. They fought for national independence, cultural freedom, liberty, national unity, continental dominion, and international recognition and respect.

We have them in almost all walks of life. I will list just a few of them: Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alh. Aminu Kano, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Herbert Macaulay, Chief Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, Gani Fawehinmi, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Sam Okparaji, Blessing Okagbare, Samuel Ajayi Crowther, Apostle Joseph Ayodele Babalola, etc.

They loyally defended our cause, and faithfully projected our national image on the international scene.

It is a pity that many Nigerians of today have forgotten our heroes past, and consequently have totally forgotten their labours. That is why political leaders no longer care about the citizens. Our girls shamelessly upload their nudity on social networks. Our boys have become the world’s best fraudsters. The government, in the first instance, were cold in their approach towards terrorism in the country, thus, leading to much havoc. Almost everyone engages in one form of malpractice or the other. It is a funny but true fact that we are now in an era of examination malpractices, electoral malpractices, economic malpractices, and evangelical malpractices.

Since I am treating the national anthem, I feel unhappy that none of the composers of the lyrics of the anthem was honoured by any Nigerian government. They are John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B.A. Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui, and P.O. Aderibigbe. Only the director of the Nigerian Police Band that turned the lyrics to song by giving it melody, B.E. Odiase, was giving a national honour (MON). He was honoured instead of the composers, though I am not against the honour given to him (remember, he was not out rightly declared as the one who gave the tone, he only led the band, meaning the melody might be someone else’s achievement, may be one of his subordinates, but his position gave him the honour). However, I strongly believe that the power and strength of the anthem lies in its lyrics, and not its tone! No Nigerian government ever remembered or honoured the composers of the lyrics, and that’s very pathetic!

The labour of our heroes past must never be in vain. We must teach the upcoming generations about their works, ad instruct them to uphold, protect, promote, and maintain such good works. We must train them to become good ambassadors of the country. We must inculcate in them good values, skills, knowledge, morals, and information that they need to become responsible citizens.

We must continuously strive to make sure that “the labour of our heroes past should never be in vain”.

Fawole V.O., a concerned but patriotic Nigerian youth, writes from Osun State.

TO SERVE OUR FATHERLAND…

TO SERVE OUR FATHERLAND, WITH LOVE AND STRENGTH AND FAITH (lines 3 and 4)

To continue with my analysis of the national anthem, I will first appreciate those who painstakingly took their time to read the seemingly time-wasting analysis I made on the first and second lines of the first stanza anthem. Today, I want to analyze the third and fourth lines of the same first stanza.

“To serve”. This means to render service, or to be a servant for. We are to render all our efforts in making Nigeria a safe place to live in. Develop your self, your home, your locality, and you will in turn develop the nation. Why do we need to serve? We need to serve Nigeria because we need to develop her. She can be likened to an infant who demands the total attention of its mother, and also to an aged person who depends on others for sustenance. Nigeria depends on each and everyone of us, but none of us is expected to depend on Nigeria. We are called to serve. Leaders are to serve sacrificially, and the followers are to serve obediently. The teachers should do their work as it is expected of them. The lawyers, military officers, clerical staff, health workers, engineers, sportsmen, journalists, bankers, farmers, traders, ICT users and providers, vocational workers, in short, all professionals should render their services as expected. “Do more for Nigeria than Nigeria does for you.”

“…with love…” – Serving with love means being ready to sacrifice one’s comfort for others and for the nation. Nigeria is a multicultural, multilingual, and multi-religious state. So do not be biased based on your tribe, language, religion, geo-political zone, or gender towards others when rendering your services to them. Love Nigeria, love Nigerians. Teachers should love their students, the military officers should love the civilians, leaders should love their followers (and VICE VERSA). Treat others with love and respect. We must see one another as brothers from the same father – Nigeria.

“…and strength…” – Serving with strength means serving with everything one has. We are to use all of our knowledge, skills, talents, physical strength, power, and influence to develop Nigeria and maintain orderliness. Do not be tired while serving Nigeria. Give Nigeria your best. Use all your resources for the betterment of your community.

“…and faith” – Serving with faith means serving in truth, justice, loyalty, and faithfulness. It also means having the strong belief that one’s service will make the nation better, even when there are oppositions. It also means serving with courage. Facing the abnormalities in the society with courage, and fighting against them with strength. We should have faith in ourselves, and in one another. But this is not possible without love, hence, the need to serve with love, then strength, and then faith.

I will like to stop here, believing that you have gained a lot from this analysis. Watch out for the next edition of this analysis, which will focus on the fifth and sixth lines of the first stanza. So, please be patient with me. Thanks for your patience.

Serve Nigeria with with love and strength and faith.

Fawole V.O., a concerned but patriotic Nigerian youth, writes from Osun State.

OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM

OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM

Singing the Nigeria national anthem daily is gradually going into extinction. The anthem, as melodious as it sounds, has been neglected by many. It is a surprising fact that some members of the house of senate cannot recite our anthem perfectly. You can only hear the anthem being sung in primary and secondary schools, and in the media houses. Anyway, I have deemed it fit to tell us basic truths about the national anthem. This is the maiden edition of my line-by-line analysis of the anthem. Though, I may wish to analyze two lines in one write-up. I am hoping that you will enjoy the ride as I take you through the two stanzas national anthem.

ARISE O’ COMPATRIOTS, NIGERIA’S CALL OBEY (lines 1 and 2)

The first word of the first stanza of our much-cherished national anthem, Arise, is a verb, i.e. an action word. Arise means to get up. This means there is the need for everyone of us to get up. Now the question is: ‘Get up to what’? Another question arises here: ‘Who needs to get up’? You can only tell a person to get up if he/she is sitting, lying down, sleeping, crawling, squatting, kneeling, bending, and the likes. To be candid, all the postures I highlighted (apart from ‘get up’) are awkward postures. You can hardly get anything worthwhile done in those positions.

Before I continue, I wish to acknowledge and appreciate the works of John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B.A. Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui, and P.O. Aderibigbe, the composers of the lyrics of our national anthem. I strongly believe that they were divinely inspired to have been able to write such wonderful and powerful lyrics. Tens of millions of Nigerians do not know them. They are unsung heroes. Though their love and passion for this country have been overlooked by the majority, I will remain forever grateful to them. Thank you so much.

Now, back to business. “Arise” is an awakening call. Who were the people that were advised to arise? They are the Nigerians. O’ compatriots, my fellow patriots, my fellow citizens, my brothers and sisters, my fellow heirs of our fatherland. We need to arise from our various awkward positions. Leaders need to arise, as well as the followers. We need to get up to fight terrorism, corruption, oppression, injustice, embezzlement, child abuse, drug abuse, political madness, social vices, moral decadence, unjust killings, and so on. We must arise to our feet, maintain our stand, protect our name, sustain our integrity, repair our broken image, regain our fame, protect one another, speak in one voice, say NO to the bad and YES to the good, fight the good fight of faith, liberate our present, and secure our future. Our legs must not be shaken, bent, or weakened. Of course, I know it will never be easy, but I strongly believe in the strength of unity. A tree cannot make a forest. Only a united bunch of broomsticks can sweep a floor perfectly. Unity is power! God saw the power of unity in Genesis chapter 11 and He had to make a serious and immediate move – disunite them.

“Nigeria’s call obey”. Which call? The call to be a voice for the voiceless, help the helpless, and feed the poor. The call for national peace, unity, harmony, and love. The call for national sanity, security, and integration. The call to stop terrorism and religious intolerance. The call to enlighten the ignorant, train the youths, and judge the wicked. The call for national moral cleansing. Nigeria is calling on you and me for help in her time of distress. It is like a voice in the wilderness crying for national repentance. Let us obey Nigeria’s call by arising. Stop sitting down, waiting for a miracle. Pray for Nigeria, work very hard for her development, pursue peace, and exercise your civic rights

Arise o’ compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey!

Fawole V.O., a concerned but patriotic Nigerian youth, writes from Osun State.

ARE YOU GUILTY OF LYING?

Proverbs 6:17 says that “a lying tongue” is an abomination to God. “Lying” means telling a deliberate or intentional falsehood. There are many forms of lying. Could it be that we are guilty without realizing it?

For example, hypocrisy is a form of lying. 1 John 2:4 teaches that, if a person says “I know God” but does not keep God’s commands, that person is a liar. Yet many religious people profess great dedication to God all the while knowing they have sins in their lives that they have no intention of correcting. God says they are liars!

Another form of lying is making false promises that we could keep but simply choose not to. Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not a man, that He should lie … Has He said, and will He not do it?” The implication is that, when a person makes a promise he could keep but refuses to do so, he has lied. God does not do this, but people often do. What about you and me?

Then there is the half-truth, in which a person tells things that are technically correct but deliberately leaves out important facts or tells the story in such a way that leads people to reach a false conclusion. In the Old Testament, for example, Joseph’s brothers sold him to be a slave. Then they took his coat, dipped it in animal blood, took it to their father Jacob, and said that they had found this coat. Jacob, of course, concluded that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal, which is exactly what the sons wanted Jacob to believe, though they never came right out and said so (Genesis 37:31-33). Nevertheless, they had deliberately deceived their father to believe a falsehood. Are you guilty of lying like this?

Ephesians 4:25 says we should put away lying and speak the truth to our neighbors. Revelation 21:8 says that “all liars” will have their part in the lake of fire, which is the second death.

HOW CAN YOU GET TRUE RICHES?

How can you be really wealthy? Let me tell you about a plan that is guaranteed to make you rich. And when you obtain this wealth, you can never lose it! Interested?

First, let me tell you about a man who did not use this method. He did become wealthy, but he lost his wealth. He was a farmer who had excellent crops, so he decided to build huge buildings to store his substance. Then he went into retirement to enjoy his wealth. But that very night, he died and left it all behind. You may read about this man in the the Bible in Luke 12:15-21. Jesus said the man´s mistake was that he had laid up treasure for himself but was not rich toward God.

You see, there are different kinds of riches. The farmer´s wealth was earthly, material possessions. The problem with this wealth is that you may seek it all your life and never obtain it. If you do obtain it, you will worry about how to keep it, knowing that sooner or later you will lose it.

But Jesus tells about a different kind of wealth that anyone can obtain if they really want it. And once you have it, you can keep it forever. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19,20).

You can have eternal treasure that no one can every take away. But to obtain it, you must choose to put God first in your life and stop placing your emphasis on material wealth. “You cannot serve God and mammon (riches)” (Matthew 6:24).

SEPARATION OF GOVERNMENT AND RELIGION?

Some people say Christians should stay out of government issues (applying this, of course, only against religious conservatives, not against religious liberals). I agree that local churches should not endorse or finance candidates, but the issue goes much deeper.

Consider some practices that government officials currently debate: homosexuality, abortion, gambling, divorce, pornography, and contraceptives for unmarried teens. Who can deny that all these involve deep spiritual principles? Our Lord commands: “Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all…” – 1 Timothy 5:20. How can we obey our Lord if we remain silent about fundamental issues affecting morality and marriage?

Many faithful servants of God instructed government officials regarding such issues. Nathan rebuked David for adultery and murder (2 Samuel 12:1-15). John the Baptist spoke against Herod’s improper marriage relationship (Matthew 14:1-4). Paul warned Felix about his immoral conduct (Acts 24:25). Modern Christians can imitate these examples by public statements, by letters to elected officials, and by our vote.

The apostle Paul often appealed to his rights as a Roman citizen as a means of protection from evil (Acts 25:10-12; 22:24-29; 23:12-33; 16:35-40). Why should American Christians not likewise seek to protect ourselves from evil by exercising our rights to vote and to write our representatives?

Many current government decisions have major impact on families. But God commands parents to protect their families and provide a wholesome upbringing for our children (1 Timothy 5:8; Ephesians 6:4). If my vote can help protect my family by providing a more wholesome environment in which to raise my children, why should I refuse to vote?

To claim that Christians should keep out of politics is to misstate the issue. Christians are not the ones who have left our sphere of interest. The problem is that politicians have made a full-scale invasion into the realm of religion and morals! In that realm Christians are not only permitted to act, they are obligated to act.

THE JOYS OF MOTHERHOOD

Some women today think of family life as an unbearable drudgery. Many feminists tell women that they cannot find fulfillment by being wives and mothers, so instead they should leave home and pursue careers. It has gone so far that women who do stay home almost feel inferior and guilty.

But Titus 2:4,5 says that young women should be taught “to love their husbands, to love their children, to be … keepers at home.” Surely it is difficult for young mothers to stay at home and lovingly care for their families. It often requires hard work, tears, and many sacrifices. But excelling at anything worthwhile in life takes hard work.

Consider the joys and rewards of the job. Psalms 127:3 says: “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” What other job produces a final product to compare to that of motherhood: loving children who will someday mature to productive, God-fearing men and women? If women will not sacrifice in their younger years to raise children, they will not have those children and grandchildren to hug their necks, love them, and care for them in their older years.

1 Timothy 5:3,10 says: “Honor widows that…have brought up children…” Years ago, before modern philosophies prevailed, motherhood was an honorable profession. It ought to be the same today. Proverbs 31 includes the following statements: “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies … Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her” (verses 10,28).

Let us show our appreciation for our wives and mothers. Let us speak out for the joys of motherhood. May it again become honorable for a woman to be “a joyful mother of chi1dren” – Psalms 113:9.

WHY DO PEOPLE MISUNDERSTAND THE BIBLE?

In Mark 7:14 Jesus said, “Hear Me, everyone, and understand.” Yet today people will dismiss plain Bible teaching about moral issues (such as homosexuality, divorce, or abortion) or about salvation from sin or the church because they say the teaching is too confusing or difficult to understand.

Why don’t people understand? It is not because the Bible is so unclear. Jesus expected people to understand His teaching, and Paul said: “…do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17; see also 2 Timothy 3:16,17).

But some don’t understand because they do not study diligently. “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures…” (Matthew 22:29).

Others misunderstand because they accept teachings of men who disagree with the Scriptures. “And in vain they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9). Such teachings often come from false teachers dressed in sheep’s clothing who are really ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:13,14).

But often people do not understand the Bible simply because they do not like what it says. “Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their heart and turn, so that I should heal them” (Matthew 13:15). When the Bible does not say what some folks want to hear, they just conclude it is all too confusing and you cannot really understand it anyway!

People who want to please God must “search the Scriptures daily” with an open mind, like the honest Bereans in Acts 17:11.

To please God, we must know the truth, and that truth is found in God’s word.