BUILD A GOD-FEARING LIFE

My late father once shared a story from his time as a young civil servant. He had a tribal friend who worked at Julius Berger Plc. One day, this friend invited him on what he thought was a casual outing. Instead, the friend took him to a brothel. After booking a prostitute for himself, he handed my father money to do the same. As his friend disappeared into a room, my father quietly walked to a nearby drink stand, bought a malt drink, and waited. When the friend returned, he asked if my father had “enjoyed” his time. My father pretended to say yes.  

The next day, on his way home from work, my father stopped at the market and bought beautiful panties with the remaining cash for his twin daughters, who were barely five years old. He later cut ties with that friend entirely.  

A year after the incident, I recall accompanying my mother to visit that same friend at the Julius Berger Clinic in Life Camp. He was gravely ill. The next day, we learned he had died in his 40s, leaving behind young children and a hardworking, impoverished wife.  

In contrast, my father who chose a life of Christian decency lived past his 71st birthday. He built his own house, retired as a civil servant, married off three of his children, and departed peacefully to glory.  

Some people cut their destinies short through careless lifestyles. What seems “smart” or thrilling in the moment often trades long-term purpose for fleeting indulgence. You cannot, for instance, lose your hands to theft, find salvation in Christ, and expect new hands to sprout miraculously. While Christ welcomes repentant souls into His bosom, karma ensures we face consequences for harmful actions or inactions.

Until the moment when will shall dance in white Greater Grace.

Oyugbo Osagie Jonah