I can never go into politics based the kind of person I am
As I grew up in Nigeria, elders often gathered to talk politics. Their voices held mixes of anger, disgust and sad resignation. I hovered nearby, taking in their warnings. They said politics here is a dangerous, ruthless game marked by greed and needless bloodshed. Listening wide-eyed, I was determined to avoid such dirty business when I came of age!
The old men spat about crooked politicians who smile slick but have devil hearts. Election times they turn desperate, ready to damage anyone in their way. Some hire violent youth as political thugs to bully citizens, steal ballot boxes, even shed blood to gain power. The leaders make proud promises but rarely follow through. Their real agenda gets hidden by grand words that dazzle our ears but later ring hollow.
Our wounded land needs honest, wise leaders ready for selfless service. But the old timers said noble, upright people hesitate to enter the political arena here. Some who go in with pure intentions lose their way in the tangled jungle. In time, lust for money or thirst for status twists their good character. The rotten system changes them more than they can change it.
As for the rare ones who stay clean, opponents scheme to taint their reputations or otherwise force them out. Politics demands a tough skin, but also a loss of sensitivity to people's real needs. Big egos and small ethics drive the governing machines. With so much corruption, violence and deception poisoning Nigerian politics, I tucked away my childhood dreams about making positive changes in our society.
"Politics is not for small boys like you," the elders warned. Their weathered faces held little hope for national redemption, at least not in their lifetimes. "Focus on taking care of your own household first," they advised. So I turned my back against the political storm clouds brewing in our land and pursued my studies, then my career, keeping clear of public office with all its entanglements. I aimed to live an honest, quiet life caring for my family, leaving government drama well enough alone.
But lately I hesitate. If all the concerned, caring people avoid politics to preserve personal peace and safety, what hope have we for breaking corrupt systems? Bad go unchallenged while good stand by. Passivity will not breed progress. Of course political life here means wrestling real demons - not just opposing candidates but unseen principalities thriving on greed and hate behind the scenes. Politics is spiritual warfare, make no mistake. I feel too small for all that, too fragile...too tired.
Yet God shapes ordinary people into leaders able to challenge giants. With His courage and power working through yielded lives, not personal prowess, mountains move. Am I utterly unavailable to the Most High for such purposes? Do I trust God enough to take on Goliaths through me if He calls? I still hesitate...still pray...still ponder what good might come if concerned citizens like me engage more directly to shape our nation’s course. First by seeking God wholeheartedly, then moving where He leads without hesitation, whatever the cost. What future might God write through my small life offered willingly to His mighty hand?
As I move forward in my career, more opportunities arise to influence people and policies. My bosses take notice of my strong work ethic and problem-solving skills. I get invited to submit proposals for new initiatives that could impact thousands in surrounding communities. It feels good to use my talents helpfully. But it also feeds that old itch to make a bigger difference on a wider scale.
My peers from university now work in various government agencies. Some landed jobs as political aides and adjutants. They invite me to use my connections and join the system to see how things work from inside. I feel tempted; their enthusiasm charges me up for a day or two. Then my old hesitations resurface as I remember the backroom deals and compromises playing out behind the scenes. Can I engage without being tainted?
At church too, brothers and sisters urge me to bring Kingdom values into the political realm. They see gifts in me that with maturity could reinforce integrity in public policies that get shaped behind closed doors. Much prayer covers these appeals; I cannot shake them lightly without seeking God's heart. But doubts and fears of falling short still run deep in my soul. This battle between longing and reluctance rages hot some seasons, then lies cold and dormant during others.
I know many good leaders who give me hope. They tenaciously confront injustice in humble but bold ways. They offer wise policies and defend those oppressed and marginalized. God does have reformers in place confronting evil systems. So prayers continue: "Here I am Lord sending me...but please equip me fully first! Give me neither cowardly retreat from righteous battles, nor foolish rushing ahead in my own meager strength." By God's grace alone comes power to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly before Him. That kind of leadership can change nations. So my soul waits on Him with seeds of availability sown deep.
Thank you so much for reading my post
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