The Challenge to Be Good

One practice I observed in the political, public and private life of our country is that when it comes to election of leaders, appointment of government functionaries and employment of people, we always try to make sure that only those who have ‘clean record’ so to say, will get to those posts. 

We don’t want people who have proven record of corrupt practices to come to power because we believe that when corrupt people get to power, they will steal our money.

This is a very good practice and it is advisable we keep to it. As it is said, you cannot give what you don’t have. It is what you have that you can give.

Hmm, dear reader, it is gratifying to note that in a world where sin is glorified and righteousness is no longer fashionable, we still believe that only good people can provide good leadership. This goes to show the importance of choosing to be good.

Be Inspired to Be Good

I am really inspired by this revelation. Being good is still recognized in a world where iniquity is the order of the day.

The implication of this revelation is this: to enjoy peace, progress and prosperity, we need more good people. We need more good people to make the world a better place to live in.

No wonder, the Bible says: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to all people.” (Prov. 14:34)

Dear reader, IF, IN SPITE OF OUR DEPRAVED MIND, WE STILL REALIZE THAT IT IS GOOD TO BE GOOD, THEN, THE CHALLENGE BEFORE US IS THAT WE SHOULD STRIVE TO BE GOOD.

When the worse comes to the worst, it is only people of proven character, integrity and good reputation that will stand tall and high.

The challenge before us, therefore, is the challenge to be good. It is true we can never be perfect. We all have our weaknesses and shortcomings. We may even be worse than those we are criticizing. Nevertheless, we can be better than we are now. 

There is always room for improvement. We don’t have to remain in our sinful ways. If we make up our mind to change positively, we will actually turn over a new leaf.

WE NEED TO REALIZE THAT WE HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE BY TRYING TO BE GOOD; RATHER WE HAVE A LOT TO GAIN FROM BEING GOOD. We have heard of the saying times without number: “HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY.”

I tell you, nothing is truer than this. I HAVE COME TO REALIZE THAT IN OUR MOMENT OF CRISIS, IT IS ONLY HONEST MEN AND WOMEN THAT WE TURN TO.

Again, it is worthy of note that when it comes to choosing a person to man a position of trust, leadership or position to deliver great dividend, it is only a honest and trustworthy fellow that people will choose.

Dear reader, at all times, be inspired to be good. It is better to be good than to be bad.

One challenge you will face when striving to be good is that you will end up displeasing others. A man was criticized by his other colleague that he was always doing things to please their boss. The man replied that he was not only trying to please their boss, he was doing those things because he felt it was the right thing to do.

In trying to be good, you may offend others. Some people may not be happy seeing you do the right thing. Don’t let that stop you from striving to be good. It is good to be good. If you do good, you are doing it for yourself, not for anyone.

So, regardless of what anyone says or how anyone feels, it is better to be good than to be bad. There is a reward to every of our actions. There is a reward to every good act and every bad act.

Anything that is good is good and anything that is bad is bad. No matter how colourful or attractive we make a bad thing to look like, it can never be a good thing. And no matter how ugly or horrible we make a good thing to look like, it can never be a bad thing.

WE MAY NOT BE PERFECT, BUT WE CAN ALWAYS BE BETTER WHEN WE MAKE UP OUR MIND TO BE BETTER. REMEMBER, THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT. LET THE BENEFIT OF BEING GOOD INSPIRE YOU TO BE BETTER.

The Bigger Challenge

The big challenge is not having a ‘clean record’ but maintaining the clean record. Our clean record may earn us enviable positions in life, but the big challenge is maintaining that clean record. It is really bad how a reputation that takes a person many years to build can be destroyed in a moment.

We have seen this happened to people many a time. These people were selected to positions of trust based on their record of proven character, integrity and reputation. They vowed to maintain their excellent records.

But no sooner had they manned these positions than they got their hands soiled. We are not condemning anybody here, it is not in our habit to do so. One reason we should not condemn anyone is because when one is coming into a system that is already corrupt, you must take heed lest you fall into the very corruption you are dealing with.

It is even more difficult to maintain clean record when you try to fight the same corrupt system that puts you into the position you are occupying. You don’t bite the finger that feeds you, or do you?

What we are saying is: you may not have to fight a corrupt system headlong. Only God can do that. On your part, you should try your best to maintain your clean record in the midst of others.

Don’t allow unpleasant situation to influence you to be bad. Don’t allow the corrupt system of the world to influence you negatively.

It is easier said than done, you may say. O yes, I am quite aware of the fact that we can never be perfect no matter how hard we try. But I do know that if you are quite determined to live a positive life, and you ask God to help you, God will give you the grace to do so.

THE EXTENT TO WHICH YOU TRIUMPH OVER EVIL IS THE EXTENT TO WHICH YOU REMAIN IN TUNE WITH GOD. THERE IS NO WAY GOD WILL ALLOW EVIL TO TRIUMPH OVER GOOD. NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES, GOOD WILL EVENTUALLY TRIUMPH OVER EVIL.

The only way we can triumph over evil is to strive to be good. This is the challenge before all of us. You should aspire to be good. Always strive to be better and you will be victorious now and always!