Bribe Opens Doors

There was a time in Nigeria when bribe was said to be a foreign concept to how business was carried out, be it social engagements or political. Many saw it as colonial, associating it with those whose mission was to sell the nation out. But unfortunately, this has become a common occurrence not just in Nigeria, or Africa, but a way of making the way in the world.

Most feel to have an open door to decision makers, something has to pass hand. The receiver, be it a charity, religious organisation, political party or individual is bought and made to compromise and favour the donor in their programmes.

Proverbs 17:8, says that bribe works like a charm. Although many people reject the Bible, when it comes to giving bribe, even those who claim to be atheist's believe in the benefit of bribe, as sadly as it sometimes turn out.

There is nothing wrong in giving a gift that has no hidden agenda attached.

In my household, the common saying was, if you give in to having your back scratched, a day comes when the person will return to have theirs scratched and that could cost you more than you are willing to pay. And you will be forced to oblige because you opened the door.

#Scratch my back, I scratch yours

Boldness and a strong character to stand firm and resist the temptation to compromise ones integrity lies in not having your back scratched, because there is always a pay day.

It is better to avoid what deprives you of the ability to reject what might cause the ground you stand on to shift.

In the September 17 devotional, Oswald Chambers says, "A man's disposition on the inside, i.e., what he possesses in his personality, determines what he is tempted by on the outside."

A giver of bribe is seeking access and it leads to the temptation to compromise by the receiver. It takes a strong character to reject or having received, draw a line and refuse to submit to the control.

Some of us grew up at a time when people worked hard to build a community of honest people that offered genuine service for the benefit of all.

#Love overcomes

We all need a belief that is able to transform hearts that cause people to offer the best of their lives to impact the world for good as people are desperate to see things turn around. It is possible, but it starts with dealing with what is on the inside.

The beauty of having Christ inside us unlike other religions, is that He is the only one who was without sin, and as our Maker, has the power to change lives from inside. Hence, He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

We can live above the desire for self-gratification by looking at what we can do now to build a world where all people can live in love and peace.

#We all need Christ the only way to God

There's a limit to what the earth can bear as destruction and violence cannot last forever. The Maker will one day step in or there will be nothing left as nature takes action, as it was in the days of Noah.

Copyright--Ofonmbuk Ufot--2024