It is very important that you do not allow someone who is going nowhere to take you along with them.
In a game of chess, the queen appears to be the most powerful piece. She moves across the chessboard, defending, destroying, and, at some point, even giving up her life when it is established or certain that a pawn has all it needs to become another queen or one of the other powerful pieces.
I used the word appears because no matter how strong and determined the queen is, once the king is captured, it is checkmate for all of them.
Now, reflect on your life. What is your king? Upon what does all the activity you carry out rest?
This question is particularly important in a nation that often prays everything away.
I recall one day when we were getting ready for an interview, and there was no electricity. There was no light anywhere in the neighbourhood. All we were saying was, “Chukwu mee ka e weta oku,”—we were all praying that God should cause the electricity company to restore the light.
The funny thing was that we were not owing any electricity bill. Yet, the system seemed to understand that the people were peaceful and religious enough to run to God instead of demanding what they had actually paid for.
This pattern can also be seen when it comes to our health and wellness. We often hear, “It is not your portion.”
Now, before you get emotional, understand that the problem is not with calling upon God or praying. The issue lies in praying and fasting over things that God has already given us the ability to do. In some cases, we have even paid for these services, but instead of demanding what we are entitled to, we leave everything to God.
This is not just a religious issue; it is cultural as well. We are people who value law and order, but we also tend to trust others without necessarily having a reason to trust them. We leave everything to God, which in itself is not a bad thing.
However, how about we build schools, hospitals, factories, and companies, and then call upon God when our efforts are failing or have failed?, if we do our part then we can pray for God to take a lead.
It is therefore very important that you prioritise your health because it is the foundation upon which every other area of your life rests.
Let your vision and dreams guide how you live your life. Once you are alive, you are destined to die. The question, therefore, is not whether you will die, but how?
Unfortunately, no one knows the answer. But I sincerely believe that a death caused by a lack of discipline, ignorance, or the wrong company can be painful—not only for the person but also for his or her loved ones.
The message is simple: be mindful of what you eat, what you drink, and the company you keep.
We live in a world driven by business, where everyone wants you to eat and drink all the time. Among the many forms of addiction, one that people often overlook is food addiction, particularly the excessive consumption of sugar and sugary products.
It is very important that you regulate your eating habits, exercise, and then pray. We should all start demanding what we need from our government while also helping one another.
God can never be mocked. Whatever you sow, you shall reap.
Until we wake up,
I remain your friend and brother,
Maazi Onuora Obodoechi.
