UTME 2024

🎉 Breaking Records and Blazing trails! 🚀 Congratulations to the 15 brilliant students of Good Shepherd Schools who achieved an outstanding 300+ out of 400 in the 2024 UTME! 🌟📚 #UTMEChampions #GoodShepherdPride"

 Short piece: "We're thrilled to announce that 15 exceptional students from Good Shepherd Schools have surpassed expectations by scoring an impressive 300+ out of 400 in the just-concluded 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)! Their dedication, hard work, and determination have truly set them apart, making their school community immensely proud. Keep shining, UTME Champions! 🎉🌟 #GoodShepherdPride"

THE CHAIRMAN'S CORNER - January Edition

Which would you rather: having it All NOW, and losing much more in the twinkling of an eye; or awaiting it for a LOOONG while, then lasting much more than a lifetime?

As simple and obvious as the above dichotomy may be, it is sad and shocking to see that many of us often choose the former in our day-to-day lives.

Yes! We embrace death over life.

In a world filled with instant gratification, where we expect immediate results and swift rewards, the concept of delayed gratification often seems counterintuitive. However, as we explore the wisdom of Scriptures and the reality of life, we will discover that delayed gratification is not only virtuous but also profoundly meaningful.

Is your dream worth the wait?

While waiting for our hopes and dreams to materialize can be challenging, the ultimate fulfillment is compared to a tree of life – a source of enduring and abundant joy. It teaches us that the rewards of patience far exceed the fleeting pleasures of instant satisfaction.

Like many notorious Nigerian lingos: "Enjoy your life ooo, this life is too short," or “Jaiyé orí e, kò s’ení t’ó m’òla,” the modern world bombards us with messages that encourage immediate indulgence and spontaneous satiation of our wants and desires. But as Christians, we have been called to embrace the virtue of endurance; we have been chosen to embody the principle of patience. Just as God's promises may not be realized instantly, we are encouraged to endure and wait with faith. So the aforementioned infamous Yoruba rhetoric: “Jaiyé orí e, kò s’ení t’ó m’òla,” is not completely accurate because it sometimes breeds the temptation of instant gratification and a wayward approach to life.

As we have examined “hard work” in previous editions, we should remember that delayed gratification must be a coveted virtue if we are to have good and lasting success.

Which is smarter/sweeter (eating your seed or planting and waiting?)

"Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains." James 5:7 NIV

This verse compares patience to the farmer's anticipation of a bountiful harvest. The farmer invests time and effort into planting, nurturing, and waiting for the right conditions, knowing that the delayed reward will be worth the wait.

Don't break that piggybank just yet.

In our lives, we often sow the seeds of our dreams and aspirations. Delayed gratification is the key to reaping the abundant fruits of our labour. It reminds us that not everything can be obtained instantly, and that the journey towards our goals can be as enriching as the destination. We must understand that we are not mass produced by GOD but we are created unique and different from each other, i.e., we have different maturation, just like yam and coconut have different dates and seasons.

FOLÁJÌMÍ OR OLÚWAJÀRE?

Who would you rather be? Folajimi, the happening guy, who in junior secondary school was the “ladies' man”, bedding girls indiscriminately and clubbing without a care in the world, then dying slowly of AIDS and cancer of lungs as at 24; or Oluwajare, the SU, who in the university fought relentlessly against having any sexual or romantic relationship while forging accountable fellowship with the Holy Spirit, and ending up with a loving and doting wife at the same age of 24?

In a world where shortcuts and quick fixes abound, the virtue of delayed gratification is a reminder of the enduring principles of faith and patience. It doesn't mean we should never enjoy immediate pleasures, but it calls us to prioritize long-term fulfillment over momentary satisfaction.

“See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction.”

Deuteronomy, 30:15/19NIV.

As we navigate the fast-paced world around us, let's remember the wisdom of the Bible and the virtue of patience. And as in chapter 19 of the above chapter;“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live,”it is only by nurturing the ability to delay the gratification of our God-given desires can we truly choose the sweetness of life's most significant rewards over the putrid entrails of death and its fleeting entrapments; just as God admonishes.

REMEMBER THIS: Choose life!

The next time you have the opportunity to cherrypick between the ungodly and untimely instant gratification of your desires or the other unceremonious delayed gratification of such desires; CHOOSE LIFE!

God bless you!

CREATING A DISTANCE FROM FAVOURITISM AS A LEADER.

Numerous parents do aver equal and balanced love for their children. This, we all know, is a tongue-in-cheek statement. The indisputable fact is that every parent has a favourite among their children, who has earned the most special place in their hearts, probably due to his or her unparalleled academic brilliance, prodigious wisdom, cuteness, unique sense of responsibility, circumstances surrounding their birth etc.

Actually, there is nothing negative about this, except if this is made very palpable for the other children to confirm, which would certainly signal the pulverization of tranquility in the family. Thus, for any family to enjoy absolute harmony and bliss, it is expedient for the parents not to display favouritism or offer preferential treatment to any child. All the children must be equally loved, and well loved as a matter of fact.

In the same vein, leaders that resolve to achieve their organisational goals should not display open affection for any worker among their staff. Similar to families, there is bound to be some staff workers whose tremendous diligence, commitment and integrity would capture your heart as their leader, and trigger you to constantly shower encomiums on them at every slightest opportunity, which would consequently induce the contempt and envy of the other staff members. Certainly, their relationship towards their favoured colleague would become sour, even though, most of them would pretend to nurse no ill-feeling towards him/her, but their thought towards him/her would be definitely vicious.

With a frosty relationship among the staff members, output would definitely not be superb. Hence, the organisation would begin to experience retrogression owing to the leader's preferential treatment of a particular exceptional staff. The sour truth is that no human is elated to be ignored, bypassed or sidelined while his/her mate is praised, rewarded or promoted.

Every human desires success and glory, but puzzlingly, many are unwilling to pay the price to win the prize. What happens ultimately is that those indolent characters would display envy, show a scornful attitude and directly or indirectly mount pressure on the favoured staff. In some situations, these unscrupulous characters might even orchestrate the abrupt exit of the outstanding staff from the organisation either by setting him/her up or fabricating a litany of indefensible falsities against his/her personality just to assassinate his/her character or dent his/her impressive image before his/her impressed boss. Some daredevils might even toe the path of diabolism just to force his/her resignation or dismissal.

From the foregoing, it is vivid that leaders' display of favouritism among their staff would spell doom for their organisations, and should be shunned in totality.

Having a favourite among one's workers is not out of place, but displaying it openly for all to see and know, might not be the best of decisions as it creates unnecessary animosity among the staff.

So, what is the best decision? It is simply not revealing one's most preferred worker to the public as a leader. It is more rational to keep it in your heart while you call him/her personally to praise or reward him/her accordingly with a stern instruction to ensure its confidentiality.

As a leader, it is literally murderous to announce the increment of an exceptional staff member's salary in a staff meeting or make such a development public. It is like digging a bottomless ditch for such a worker, as the detestation, jealousy or pressure from most of his/her colleagues would send him/her packing from the organisation sooner or later. The most rational decision is to make such a development covert. By so doing, somebody's son or daughter would be keeping his/her source of livelihood.

HALF-BLOODS, DIFFERENT GOALS

The automobile business couldn't be discussed in Brama without mentioning Chief Gbadamosi. He was a greatly successful automobile magnate who recorded humongous breakthrough in the automobile industry. Not only was he stupendously wealthy, he was equally influential, boasting of powerful allies in all walks of life.

Like most of his peers who believed that one wife is insufficient for an opulent man, Chief married two gorgeous wives. The first wife was Mrs Tejumade, and the second was Mrs Fayokemi. Interestingly, both had a child each for Chief. However, like a moving train that abruptly derailed from its track, Chief was duped in what the media described as the biggest fraud ever carried out in that particular period. 85% of his assets was lost to the unprecedented scam. Consequently, Chief developed hypertension and stroke as he couldn't cope with the misfortune. In the frantic bid to restore his health, best medical services were sought which came with great financial sacrifice. The family spent humongous amount of money to keep Chief alive, but the result eventually gotten was Chief's demise.

Upon Chief's death, his properties were shared between his two sons as prescribed in his will which was read by his barrister. Mrs Tejumade's child, Dunsin, who had always desired to become a doctor, decided to further his education in the university while Mrs Fayokemi's child, Ayomide, never considered education as a priority. He was merely interested in enjoying his patrimony, while he went around saying that education was a scam. "Really, education is a scam", Dunsin uttered in amazement as he overheard his half-blood.

Dunsin was committed in his resolve to become a medical doctor. So, his patrimony was entirely invested in this pursuit. However, Ayomide ventured into an illegal business. With no university education, he was an easy prey for scammers, and just like his departed father, it wasn't long before the same fate befell him. Everything he inherited was lost to some callous fraudsters. Meanwhile, eight years had passed, and Dunsin became a qualified medical doctor.

Left with nothing, Ayomide became very depressed. At thirty-five, he couldn't foresee light at the end of the tunnel. Suicide screamed in his ears every time. While in a pensive mood on a certain day, Dunsin walked into his apartment and then tapped him from the back. Then he said "don't worry, my blood. Thanks to God, education has made my life worthwhile. Today, I'm a doctor and I'm wealthy. I'll sponsor your education if you still desire to acquire it, and I'll offer you three million naira in addition. I hope you now know that education is not a scam". Ayomide retorted, "Oh yes, I know very much now that education is not a scam. Thanks for giving me another chance, my brother. I'm forever indebted to you".

HAPPY NEW MONTH

GOOD SHEPHERD STAR LEAGUE: PROMOTING EXCELLENCE IN TWO WORLDS - EDUCATION AND SPORTS

A CASE STUDY OF MICHELLE CHIWENDU ALOZIE

 Michelle Alozie is an American -born Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward for American National Women's Football League team, Houston Dash and the Nigerian women's national team popularly known as the Super Falcons.  In fact, she is presently representing her fatherland superbly in the ongoing women's World Cup tournament in Australia and New Zealand.                             

Speaking about excelling in academics and sports, the talented lady is a perfect embodiment. She is a graduate of Molecular Biology from Yale University in U.S.A. And aside her professional football career, she also works as a part-time cancer research technician at the Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, U.S.A.                                               

 With the GSS Star League, we are optimistic of discovering similar talents, and also offering them the platform to showcase their covert abilities. In summary, the Star League is aimed at producing more Michelle Alozies, and promoting concurrent excellence in academics and sports.

Entrance Exam

Give a little love to a child and you get a great deal back. The future looks bright with Good Shepherd.Our next entrance exam Date: Sat.22nd July, 2023. Time: 8am.

THE IDEAL APPEARANCE FOR EDUCATORS

It is a known fact that the way one dresses is the determinant of the way one would be addressed. As an educators, it is imperative that you dress in the most appropriate way you desire to be addressed by your students/pupils. You are their principal model, and it is you, they emulate in practically all areas.  Educators are like the Holy Bible to students. Just as Christians read the Holy Bible and adhere to its teachings, commandments and principles, students read their teachers, and imitate every of their acts. Therefore, educators must endeavour to always put up excellent models for the pupils/students to emulate.

Some contemporary educators have failed to come to the reality that an educator cannot dress like every other professionals. And so they now dress in manners that are not in consonance with the noble profession. In many other professions, certain hairstyles and clothes are permitted, but it is prohibited in the education sector.

Looking good, they say, is a good business. It is not a bad business in education sector either. There is absolutely nothing bad with looking good as an educator. However, decency and moderation must be the guiding principle.

As a male educator, you are expected to sport low cut with clean shave, and not just any depraved hairstyle. Your shirt must be free on your body, and not a body hug one. It must be well-ironed and buttoned up to the neck with a well knotted tie . Your trousers must be very free on your body too. It should neither be too slim nor too big, but very free and fitting. Nowadays, it is a common sight to see young educators wearing a slim fit type of trousers commonly known as 'pencil'. This is, of course, hilarious as one can only imagine if the educators have the moral rights to dissuade students from turning up in such an indecent attire.

You are going to school, and you paint your face like someone going for an 'owanbe' party. Who really do you want to impress? Your male students or married colleagues?  This is the question some female educators need to proffer answer to. As a female educator, you need not wear a heavy make-over. It is a sheer distraction to your students, and also to your morally depraved male colleagues. What about the flamboyant hairstyles of some female educators which are capable of distracting the students, most particularly, the females. A decent simple hairstyle is perfect for the profession.

In addition, shape and body revealing dresses must be shunned by female educators. An armless top or gown should be a no-no too. After all, no one is calling for an exhibition of armpits. Short skirts or tight trousers must be shunned too. Imagine, how distracted your innocent male students would be when you turn to write on the markerboard in the classroom..Some might even muster the courage to write love letters to you since you have dressed the way you desire to be addressed. Do you apportion blame to them? It is not their fault; it is yours, who is supposed to be the moulder of their destinies, but have led them astray like an errant shepherd. Thus, it is pertinent that you regularly wear attires that keep your cleavage and butt from the prying eyes of the public. In the same vein, wearing of artificial nails and eye lashes should also be unseen among female educators.  What about piercing? No female educator should have more than one piercing each in both ears while attention seeking earrings should also be shunned.

Furthermore, bleaching is a negative act that should be avoided by every responsible person. Indubitably, it is a reckless, indecent and irresponsible act. Aside this, it has been proven to be the cause of many lethal skin diseases, among which is the seemingly intractable cancer of the skin. Thus, it is important that every educator is contented with their skin colour, and distant themselves from the unwholesome practice of skin bleaching. After all, the Holy Bible says that we are all wonderfully and fearfully made.

Wearing of perfume should also be moderately done by educators.  The extreme spraying and use of strong perfume should be avoided too as this creates distraction in the class.

As an educator, your appearance before your students matter a lot. It is one of the secrets to escape being the butt of jokes among them in your absence, and also one of the ways to endear you to them, which would be pivotal in achieving your goal with them. Like every lucrative venture, you would always record gains if your appearance is ideal as an educator.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN EDUCATION

Some parents are of the erroneous opinion that extracurricular activities are a huge distraction to their children. They believe that participation in extracurricular activities would have negative effect on their children's academic progress. All these notions are, however, faulted and the reason for this wrong notion is simply lack of knowledge about the importance of extracurricular activities. If those parents know its benefits to their children, they might enjoin the school to make it a daily affair in their curriculum. The benefits of extracurricular activities are numerous, and it would be highlighted in the succeeding paragraphs.

First, what are extracurricular activities? They are activities done in the school which do not include academic works. They include sports, music, arts, dance, drama, debate and so on.. Extracurricular activities assist students to imbibe the culture of teamwork. It assists them to learn to work together to achieve a common goal. Collaborating with others to achieve a set objective would also impact on their social life. Their human relationship and interaction would be greatly enhanced.

Another benefit of extracurricular activities is the opportunity it offers students to learn the skill of time management. For students who desire to excel in both their academics and extracurricular activities, time management is a vital skill they must possess. Such students adhere strictly to their study time, and allow nothing, including extracurricular activities to encroach into that time. And when it is time for extracurricular activities, their academics would not interfere in anyway. They have learnt to strike a balance among academic works, extracurricular activities, domestic works and school assignments.

It has been proven that extracurricular activities do not negatively affect the academic performance of students. It has huge positive impacts on the academic performance of students. Participation in activities such as debate, spelling bee, scrabble and chess are no doubt beneficial to the students' academic progress.

Participation in extracurricular activities also offers the students the opportunity to learn life skills that are not regularly taught in the classroom, such as how to be humble in both victory and loss, how not to be a sore loser, how not to taunt one's conquered opponent,  how to always display the true spirit of sportmanship and so.

Furthermore, extracurricular activities in school offers the students the opportunity to learn new skills and ignite new passions. Learning a musical instrument, robotics, swimming, photography, painting and drawing can prove to be skills that would be of colossal benefits to the students in the future.

Participation in extracurricular activities also boosts the students' morale and confidence. Students who are academically weak or small in stature might excel in drama, playing of musical instruments, sports and so on. Excellence in these activities would no doubt improve their self-esteem, and boost their morale and confidence.

With the uncommon and ingenious thinkers in great demand by the greatest employers in the world, it is palpable that it would become very difficult for conventional thinkers to secure lucrative jobs sooner or later. However, extracurricular activities spur students to bring out their creative abilities.It encourages them to think in a variety of ways. Participation in painting and drawing, drama, photography, sports and so enables them to be creative, which rubs off in other areas including academics.

It is very significant to state that extracurricular activities in schools  assist students to discover their talents, and also develop it. Many talented footballers, chess players and thespians in the world today were first discovered and developed in schools.

The significance of extracurricular activities in schools cannot be overemphasized. Hence, schools and parents must encourage their children, and endeavour to strike a balance between it and academic works.

THE IDEAL APPEARANCE FOR EDUCATORS

It is a known fact that the way one dresses is the determinant of the way one would be addressed. As an educators, it is imperative that you dress in the most appropriate way you desire to be addressed by your students/pupils. You are their principal model, and it is you, they emulate in practically all areas.  Educators are like the Holy Bible to students. Just as Christians read the Holy Bible and adhere to its teachings, commandments and principles, students read their teachers, and imitate every of their acts.Therefore, educators mustendeavourtoalwaysputup excellent modelsfor the pupils/studentstoemulate.

Some contemporary educators have failed to come to the reality that an educator cannot dress like every other professionals. And so they now dress in manners that are not in consonance with the noble profession. In many other professions, certain hairstyles and clothes are permitted, but it is prohibited in the education sector.

Looking good, they say, is a good business. It is not a bad business in education sector either. There is absolutely nothing bad with looking good as an educator. However, decency and moderation must be the guiding principle.

As a male educator, you are expected to sport low cut with clean shave, and not just any depraved hairstyle. Your shirt must be free on your body, and not a body hug one. It must be well-ironed and buttoned up to the neck with a well knotted tie . Your trousers must be very free on your body too. It should neither be too slim nor too big, but very free and fitting. Nowadays, it is a common sight to see young educators wearing a slim fit type of trousers commonly known as 'pencil'. This is, of course, hilarious as one can only imagine if the educators have the moral rights to dissuade students from turning up in such an indecent attire.

You are going to school, and you paint your face like someone going for an 'owanbe' party. Who really do you want to impress? Your male students or married colleagues?  This is the question some female educators need to proffer answer to. As a female educator, you need not wear a heavy make-over. It is a sheer distraction to your students, and also to your morally depraved male colleagues. What about the flamboyant hairstyles of some female educators which are capable of distracting the students, most particularly, the females. A decent simple hairstyle is perfect for the profession.

In addition, shape and body revealing dresses must be shunned by female educators. An armless top or gown should be a no-no too. After all, no one is calling for an exhibition of armpits. Short skirts or tight trousers must be shunned too. Imagine, how distracted your innocent male students would be when you turn to write on the markerboard in the classroom..Some might even muster the courage to write love letters to you since you have dressed the way you desire to be addressed. Do you apportion blame to them? It is not their fault; it is yours, who is supposed to be the moulder of their destinies, but have led them astray like an errant shepherd. Thus, it is pertinent that you regularly wear attires that keep your cleavage and butt from the prying eyes of the public. In the same vein, wearing of artificial nails and eye lashes should also be unseen among female educators.  What about piercing? No female educator should have more than one piercing each in both ears while attention seeking earrings should also be shunned.

Furthermore, bleaching is a negative act that should be avoided by every responsible person. Indubitably, it is a reckless, indecent and irresponsible act. Aside this, it has been proven to be the cause of many lethal skin diseases, among which is the seemingly intractable cancer of the skin. Thus, it is important that every educator is contented with their skin colour, and distant themselves from the unwholesome practice of skin bleaching. After all, the Holy Bible says that we are all wonderfully and fearfully made.

Wearing of perfume should also be moderately done by educators.  The extreme spraying and use of strong perfume should be avoided too as this creates distraction in the class.

As an educator, your appearance before your students matter a lot. It is one of the secrets to escape being the butt of jokes among them in your absence, and also one of the ways to endear you to them, which would be pivotal in achieving your goal with them. Like every lucrative venture, you would always record gains if your appearance is ideal as an educator.

THE REJECTED STONE

"I'm sorry, son, for giving up on you. After making tremendous efforts to see you improve academically without any sign of improvement being seen, I was forced to throw in the towel regarding your matter. I'm terribly sorry, son, for not believing in you even when nobody did. I'm elated that you've metamorphosed from a dullard to a genius. Indeed, your story is incredible. For you to make seven A1's in your WAEC is mind-blowing. To cap it all, a university admission to study Medicine. I'm very proud of you, son. Your story would serve as a huge inspiration to several children that have been written off by family and friends", Daniel's father said.

Daniel retorted, "Dad, your apology is accepted. After all, it's somewhat not your fault. Anybody would've acted the manner you did. God in His infinite mercies only set Mum aside for me. Moreover, I was the perfect embodiment of an "olodo". Absolutely nothing could be found in my brain; nothing stuck despite laudable efforts of yours, Mum and my teachers then. You're forgiven, Dad. I appreciate you, Dad. May I take my leave now so as to run errands for Mum?""Okay, you may leave. Thank you, my son", Mr. Danjuma said with a wide grin. And Daniel departed from his presence.

Daniel's case is a familiar one in our society. He was a very dull student whom everyone gave up on. Repetition of classes was synonymous with him. Shockingly, he repeated JSS 1 thrice. It was at this juncture his school demanded that he was withdrawn. He was constantly jeered by his peers for his academic weakness, and this infuriated and saddened him utterly . His father lost hope, and his mother in deep sorrow made efforts to enrol him in another school, but all the approached schools rejected him. Fortunately, a school built on undiluted Christian principles accepted him. Although, he failed the entrance examination into JSS 1, he found favour before the school Chairman, and he was offered admission into JSS 1.

This marked the turn-around in Daniel's academic journey. The school was determined to re-write his story; they were resilient in resolving his agony and woes. To achieve this, different strategies were devised, and no stone was left unturned. Special prayers, in addition with special classes constituted part of the strategies. There was also constant counselling, and personal time-table was offered to him. Multiple assignments were regularly offered to him, with corrections to them unfailingly given. Moreover, Daniel was determined to record transformations in his academics. He became a staunch bookworm. The fact that he was ready to help himself made it less complicated for the school to record vast improvement in his academics.

In the first term, there was a little improvement while the second term result was a little better. It was in the third term that Daniel did the unbelievable. He shook everyone to the bone marrow. Astonishingly, he had ten A1's,  three B's and one credit to top the entire JSS 1 class. Daniel's parents, relatives and neighbours were exceedingly astounded, but the school wasn't, knowing they had played their role excellently, and Almighty God had crowned their efforts in a jaw-dropping fashion as usual.

From that time onward, Daniel maintained his academic excellence, topping his class and representing the school in competitions. He attained 330 in JAMB and then recorded seven A1's and 2 B's in WAEC examination. His story became an inspiration to many. Everyone is super proud of him today. Now, in the university studying Medicine. Indeed, he's the rejected stone that has become the cornerstone for the Danjumas.

THE BLESSED CHILD

12 year-old Ola was coming from the kitchen when he overheard his father speaking on the phone. His father, who was oblivious of his coming, uttered, "Mr. Akindele, what you need to do is very simple. It's nothing complex, just add two zeros to the figure, and it would become 5,000,000 naira. I assure you that the company isn't going to discover the fraud. Don't you need money, Mr. Akindele? Have you paid all your children's school fees? You lamented about your inability to complete the payment. This is a huge opportunity for you to get the money. Don't miss it!" Ola's father was mute for a minute listening to Mr. Akindele on the phone. He then said, "Hen hen! Now, you're talking. By Friday, we would get the money, and it would be shared equally. Don't be perturbed. It's a sealed deal already. Thank you, Mr. Akindele. My regards to your family." Ola's father ended the phone call.

Ola, having heard his father's phone conversation was utterly disappointed. He knew his father had just convinced Mr. Akindele, his company's accountant, to indulge in pen thievery. In pensive mood, he pondered, "Why would my Dad and his colleague attempt to defraud their company. This isn't fair, and unlike a Christian. My school Chairman constantly preaches to us to shun corruption, and flee from sin. I think it's imperative that I preach to my father just as the Chairman preaches to us in the school every Monday morning." Ola concluded in his mind.

After showing initial reluctance, he finally mustered courage and approached his father who was engrossed in a movie. He said, "Dad, I want to speak to you sir, and it may enrage you. Please, don't be annoyed with me. Please, Dad!", "Go on, son; I won't," his father assured him. "My Chairman always admonishes us not to take what isn't given to us. He tells us to flee from all forms of sins, saying sin is an abomination to God", Ola divulged.

The shock in Ola's father's countenance was so visible that even the blind could see it. Ola went further, "Proverbs 21:16 says, "A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapour, and a deadly snare". Also, Proverbs 13:11 says, "Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow". Finally, Galatians 6:8 says, "For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the spirit will from the spirit reap eternal life." Dad, eternal life should be our ultimate goal, and not money or other material things.

At this juncture, the handwriting on the wall was lucid for Ola's father to see. He thought, "Wow! I must desist from my shady practices. It's high time I repented from my fraudulent ways. How blessed I'm to have a son who could preach holiness". He grinned with great pride as he gazed at his son. With glaring joy, he asked him to move closer and he embraced him tightly.

VENGEANCE IS MINE (Continuation)

How many of us thought it this way?

As mentioned earlier, this passage can be considered as an allusion to the historical use of coal by the Israelites. Coal then, even now, had numerous uses and advantages. It was used for cooking, cosmetics, and even for spiritual exercises such as fasting and repentance. Remember that the Israelites were often required to heap coal on themselves as a show of remorse for their sins?  So, heaping coal on one's enemy's head can be symbolic of the godly remorse that they will feel, when we repay their evil to us with acts of good. This leads them unto genuine repentance. Unfortunately, today, even Christians see this "heaping coal" as a subtle revenge. To them, the Bible has given them liberty to do good to their enemy in order to bring evil upon them.

Are you one of the many in this school of thought?  Has someone hurt you recently? Don't stop at just forgiving them, bless them, and give them the best gift that there is - salvation. Pray for their souls to be saved from a wicked nature, and ensure that this act is from a good and right heart - not from a heart that seeks to impute guilt on others.

Speaking of guilt, Proverb 12:10 says; The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

I'll illustrate this point with the story of Mr. Tolu, a university graduate who after ten arduous years of tolling and toiling under the scorching glares and taunts of the Nigerian sun, finally gets a 6-figure paying job and a company car, amongst other benefits. One rainy Saturday morning, while he was cruising around his neighbourhood, in his new car, and listening to the Saturday breakfast radio show, he sees Emeka, the neighbour who, on many rainy days like this, often sped by in his car and splashed him with muddy water that had been regurgitated by the overflowing algae-ridden gutters on the road.  Now, God haff catch him! He's probably on his way back from a Friday vigil? Even the Bible sandwiched between his armpit says “an eye for an eye.” Should I speed by and give him a ‘nice’ gutter bath too? No! Better still, I'll drive up to him, greet him and drive off without giving him a lift. As these thoughts maneuvered through the labyrinth of Tolu's mind, he drives up to Emeka, gives him a lift, and makes him “comfortable” by increasing his A.C.  “Make I sha dry hin cloth for am,” he even thought to himself.  Then, with a smirk lingering at the corner of his mouth, Tolu went on to recount the story of how Emeka had given him many a quick and dirty bath when their situations where reversed.

Have you been doing the Tolu-kind of good? Is your act of kindness stemming from a heart of unkindness? This is not the kindness that Paul referred us to. In fact, this kind of kindness is revenge!

Remember our title? Vengeance is mine!? Now, ask yourself; is that me speaking, or the Lord?

We have been charged as Christians to not only forgive those who wrong us, but to actively bless (heap a coal on) them. Period.

VENGEANCE IS MINE!

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse... Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone... Romans 12: 14 - 17 NIV

Contrary to popular belief that vengeance is an act of wickedness, it is an act of justice.

Ever heard of karma?

"Na lie, Life no balance nau!" This is a notoriously popular "axiom" among the teeming lingos of Nigeria's youthful population. But, this cannot be any further from the truth! Life, in fact, is balanced. It is controlled by a Divine Justice system that ensures that whatever 'goes around comes around'. The Oxford British dictionary (90: 1070) defines vengeance as any form of personal retaliatory action against an individual, institution, or group for some perceived harm or injustice. So as mentioned earlier, vengeance is an act of Justice. Need I say, “it is good!” But, good for who? Who is enacting the justice? Us or God? Imperfect beings and an unjust justice system? Or a perfect God and Incorruptible Judge?

Paul, in his admonitions to the Romans above, continued by saying in verse 19; Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

As a passive activist myself, I believe the saying that goes; evil persist when good men do nothing. So, am I asking us to do nothing when evil and unkindness is being done to us? In Paul's famed retort, “God forbid!” Even the Apostle did not say that we should pretend that we are not hurt by the evildoer's actions. Sadly, many preachers and motivational speakers have even suggested that we “shrug it off” and convince ourselves that it's no big deal, whenever we are wronged. I do not stand for this either! In a world full of evil, wrong will almost always seek out the good, and rightly so. Paul mentioned that Christians then would be jailed, some martyred, in their active service to God, but that they should still not revenge.

What then should we do? Do we stand by and become onlookers as evil men and deeds thrive?

Why not “heap coals on their head?” If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. Proverbs 25: 21 - 22 NIV

This scripture makes an important allusion that even Christians, in recent times, have often misinterpreted. If you are familiar with this part of the Scriptures, I want you to take a pause here, and think. What does this passage means to me? How have I interpreted it all along? What does it mean to "heap coal on one's enemies head?"

As it is my prayer that these words will flood our eyes with the truth of the Word of God, and will help disabuse our minds from various misinterpretations of the Bible that have been proliferated over time, dare I say that "heaping burning coal on one's enemies" means doing good to them. If we take a cue from the preceding verse, where the Bible instructs us to "feed our enemies", then, we can deduce that the latter "heaping coal" verse is a parallel to the former. TO BE CONTINUED

THE NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE NATIONAL ESSAY COMPETITION

Hallelujah! God has done it again! Our student, Miss Lawrence Deborah, was the cynosure of all eyes on Friday, 16th November, 2018 as she won this year's edition of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) National Essay Competition. Miss Lawrence Deborah, who is presently in SS 2, came FIRST among over 20,000 competitors from various secondary schools in Nigeria.

You will recall that in this same competition, Good Shepherd Comprehensive High School, ably represented by Miss Gbenjo Olasubomi, came THIRD in 2016 and FIRST in 2017. For this streak of distinctive achievements, we say, to God alone be all the glory.

HOLD ON TO YOUR UNCOMMON DREAM

''Behold, I have dreamed more; and, behold, the sun and the moon
and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.'' Genesis 37: 9

At some time, God will birth within you an invisible picture of your future. That's your uncommon dream. It will be something you can become or something you can have. God uses this uncommon dream to provide you focus, progression and enthusiasm.

You must recognize the dream that God uses to stir hope, inspire direction and make you a blessing to others. This uncommon dream will require uncommon focus as you will only succeed with something that consumes you. Give your uncommon dream your time, your love and energy. Likewise, your uncommon dream requires uncommon habits. When Muhammad Ali saw himself as a heavyweight champion, he began to get up early in the morning for special roadwork, knowing that champions will do daily what ordinary people will do occasionally.

So, get to the height of destiny by keeping alive the mental picture of your actual future. Hold on to your uncommon dream because a dreamless sleep equals death.

THE KEY

The key to victory, power and reward in every part of your life is this Divine virtue: personal discipline. Every athletic champion and Olympic winner practices discipline. In fact, almost without exception, winners are successful because of discipline, which gives birth to success habits.

Not only does discipline hone the mind and condition the body, it produces a very important component of child development, which is security. Just as a child who receives discipline from his parents feels secure in their love, so the person who practices self-discipline is confident that good things will happen to him instead of bad.

It is trite to say that men do not really decide their future. They decide their habits – then, their habits decide their future.

Therefore, if you fall short of this vital ingredient, i.e. personal discipline, humbly request of God, the Custodian of all good things and it shall be given to you. (James 1: 5)

Solve it and sell it

There are countless individuals and group of people who spend precious time and skills working with futility at reducing the weight of what they are required to lift in life. They fail to come to the realization that most weights are not negotiable. So, the only useful option left to them is to build up their strength.

Before you complain about how difficult your problem is, think. The real issue may be with your response and approach to the problem. Did you know that somebody, somewhere has been able to overcome the challenges you are faced with?

Those who constantly complain about the toughness of the question, never discover the toughness of their brains and the creativity of their minds. Successful people are those who had the commitment to answer the question we were all asking and later turned round to sell us their answers. Your developed strength is your viability on earth. Instead of running away from your present difficulty, stay and answer the questions and then sell the world your answers.