In order to organise your life effectively and live it to the fullest, you must be guided by your purpose. This means that you must be able to say no, even to a good idea or to someone you love, when what they are asking of you does not align with your purpose.
I have previously shared that one of the simplest ways to discover your purpose is to pay attention to what you are passionate about and what makes you uncomfortable when left undone.
For instance, if seeing people in pain or suffering makes you uncomfortable and you cannot find peace knowing that nothing is being done about it, then perhaps you should work towards being in a position to alleviate such suffering, whether as a doctor, nurse, advocate, or in another capacity.
Do not be like some people whose purpose happened to them instead of discovering it for themselves.
Recently, in Niger State, about 37 able-bodied young men were reportedly kept in horrible conditions, and they eventually lost their lives.
Behind every person who lost his life is a father, a son, an uncle, a husband, a brother, or a friend.
What then becomes of their families?
This raises serious questions, not only about negligence, but also about the values and priorities of those entrusted with responsibility. When material resources and interests are placed above human lives, it raises an even deeper question: What is our purpose?
The Word of God reminds us that we are in the world but not of the world. Over time, we have seen images and stories of wealthy people from generations past. Their houses eventually fall into ruin, their cars are abandoned, and their material possessions remain behind, ultimately in the custody of the living.
I am not advocating poverty, nor am I against prosperity. What I sincerely stand for is that our purpose in life should not be the accumulation of material possessions at the expense of other people’s lives.
It is important that people begin to speak up and stand against evil wherever they see it. Everyone seems to think, “It is happening in another state; it does not concern me,” until it eventually reaches their doorstep.
This is also a campaign season. Do not allow yourself to suffer temporary amnesia and be swayed by momentary gains.
Remember what is happening. Remember whose responsibility it is to protect you. And remember who those in positions of responsibility are choosing to protect or prioritise.
Above all, do not simply exist. Organise your life around your purpose.
Develop the courage to say no to anything that does not align with, or bring you closer to, your purpose—even when it appears to be a good idea.
It is about living an impactful life. It is about becoming fulfilled and using the tools at your disposal—money, influence, intelligence, knowledge, and character—to make the world around you a better place.
Many people who have lost their sense of purpose end up living someone else’s dream. You see this when people become involved in activities such as thuggery and other forms of criminality.
It is our responsibility to help redirect such people back to themselves, to help them discover their own purpose, reclaim their dignity, and become their authentic selves. It is also our responsibility to speak up against evil.
Reality check:
You are not here forever therefore you should not allow your passion to die within you.
Make no excuses.
Get up and keep moving forward, because no wind favours a ship without a direction and destination.
May the souls of the 37 young men who lost their lives find peace, and may their deaths inspire the courage and collective action needed to ensure that such tragedies do not continue to prevail.
I remain your friend and brother,
Maazi Onuora Obodoechi
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