Photo Credit: Kira auf der Heide
"Live above your rights"
If you work in the civil service like I do, then you are familiar with the scheming and plotting that is endemic in the system; the nauseating energy of bitter envy that emits from your colleagues towards you for no just cause. The way and manner you’re constantly shortchanged as they repeatedly withhold from you benefits due to you. They throw all kinds of poisonous darts your way and the intent is to sting you with venom and then watch your gradual but certain extinguishment. LOL. It sounds cruel and unbelievable but that is exactly what it is. Cruel. And unbelievable. If you’re not familiar with the civil service, it will astound you to know the extremes that the gunners in the civil service go just to fulfill their selfish desires and insatiable lust for money and material gain.
But you see, Daniel was also in the civil service. And because he knew exactly what was obtainable, he made a vow from the very onset not to defile himself with the king’s meat. He knew that in order to stand against the stratagems of the system, he would have to be immune from within. A resolution to win by righteousness. I made that same resolution myself from day one. Resolution and all, it would be tested and greatly too. I have had to go through many fires and many tests. All kinds of temptations have come my way in my seven months of sojourn here with Bayelsa State government. And within a short time, I learned quickly that I must be willing and ready to forfeit my rights if I am going to be right with God in this system. I have to overlook the areas where I am cheated and the manner in which I am resented. I have to live above simmering anger, frequent irritation, rage, being bitter, and the urge to insist for my rights and my dues.
It is a constant battle and I need not be told that God requires victory from me every day. Another reason why I cannot go in my strength but in His. I must constantly also remind myself that the reason why I am here is not to make gain but to make a mark. One that would stand the test of time. And for that reason, I must be ready and willing to suffer loss regardless of my circumstances and my increasing needs. I must become like Paul and learn to abound and abase as the situation permits. Because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I must become like Daniel, and be resolute and unwavering in my stance upon God’s word. For therein lies my victory. If we will overcome the spirit of this age then we must be ready to call its bluff. We must be bold to say, “Do your worst. My God shall supply my needs according to His riches in Glory. And even if my needs are not met, I will not bow.”
However, if you are one of those who believe that you are entitled to your rights and what is your due then be ready to kiss many asses. And there is no way you are going to do that without lowering your standards or denying Christ one time too many. It takes great courage to walk away from the shiny, glittering rewards that come with compromise. And I am not talking about fraud or embezzlement just yet. I am talking about what is due to you. Your right. The many perks that come with working for government. If you are not bold enough to walk away even from that then you are not ready for the greater risks that lead to glory.
Philippians 4:12
I know what it is like to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
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