Hi ya!

A fair warning – This is a table-shaking entry.

Some years ago, I was at my youth group in Church (Jos) and our discipler asked us a question: why are you on earth? I was quick to answer (*should have known that was a trick question). “To worship him”, I said. He said if it’s just to worship him, He would have taken us to Heaven immediately upon salvation where correct worship is happening. The Master came to reconcile men to himself, and left us with the ministry of reconciliation. I could quote Matthew 28:19, but I like this one better for this purpose:

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Cor 5:18

The only way to live life purposefully is to let this consume your thoughts and drive your actions in every place you find yourself. I often hear people say that life has no meaning. But it does! Reconciliation. I have also learned that God doesn’t waste his resources. Remember the chess game, yeah? On this side of our chess board, you Christian are a key player. And your position and skills and wealth and all that he has given you are tools for this one aim.

While winding down our Masters program, it is common to find that many Nigerians do not want to return home and try all they can to stay back: applying for jobs, applying for PhDs (even those not interested in it). I remember the Pastor saying that it is those God needs in UK for his service that he will keep by way of Jobs and PhDs. I find this to be true for every sphere of life and place. There’s this verse I read a little differently:

^“But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also”.

‘All these things’ will not be given to you as compensation, or some sort of reward, for seeking the Kingdom most importantly. Nope. ‘All these things’ will be giving to you as a platform to further seek the Kingdom. A first year Christian student may not have the opportunity to have a one-on-one with the VC, but a Christian Professor will. Being a Professor in itself, though admirable humanly speaking, has no eternal significance. Gaining admission to a higher Institution takes you to a new environment and brings you to people you would not have met otherwise. Being a student is admirable, but your certificate at the end of day is what it is, paper. We certainly wouldn’t be in need of Architects in Heaven. That’s way past your pay grade. I don’t know what being the best graduate from MIT means when you’re alive, but I have a good idea what it means when you’re dead. Getting married is wonderful, but if your life as a couple does not bring people to the Cross, and you lose out on raising war veterans (children) for the course, you are better of alone. Every aspect of your life MUST be lived with this deliberate goal in mind.

“Oh, yes, true, but I must cut corners here and there so I can get to the top of my Political career. Then I will have attained a big platform to work for God”….”Hmm, true, but I have this amazing voice and will not go far if I’m in Church. I should at least sing some secular songs and get signed with the big record labels, and have a huge fan base. Then I can drop one Gospel song and have a larger platform than I would have if I had stayed in Church”. Ah, Ezigbo mmadu! You think your Enemy is passive? In the words of Voddie Baucham:

“The goal of my life must not be a scheme to gain popularity so that I can use it for God. The goal of my life must be to know God better that I might serve him more faithfully in whatever arena he opens up for me.”

Found this prayer in my Journal (I think I picked it from Voddie Baucham too) and it is a reflection of my heart now. “My prayer is that I will take these formative years and dig deep roots. That I will know God and pursue God. And that wherever you place me, I will be faithful to you. That I will place my faith not in myself, my abilities, my credentials, my popularity or anything else; but in the simple, plain, unadulterated, uncompromising gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ”. Amen.

***This entry is actually meant for Christians, and I don’t mean those that just tick it on forms. Use the platforms you have been given well, and more will be added. #Always&ForeverChronicles