“And so we built the wall and all the walls were built to the half thereof, because the people had the mind to work.” Nehemiah 4:6
Nothing beats a mind made up to work, as determination is a key element for success. When a person or people make up their minds to accomplish anything despite all odds, success is largely guaranteed. The project is important but the real work is about that residual ability to sell the vision to a people to the point where majority of the individuals feel personally obliged to see the vision to a successful end.
The Bible summarises the success of the building of the walls of Jerusalem in one sentence in Nehemiah 4:6. The wall was built progressively because the people had the mind to work. People are extremely important, especially the youth [with their mind, time and strength] and Nigeria is blessed with over sixty million of them. Tragically, we have neglected investing in the education and empowerment of this vital group and myopically built our success on such flimsy foundations as other country’s currencies without looking inwards.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was mostly a desert just two decades ago, now it is one of the most popular destinations to visit. It welcomed over fourteen million tourists and earned about $36.4billion in 2015 alone. Israel, an arid land, feeds the world. With little population, a small land mass and no natural resources, Singapore, has transformed into one of the most successful nations in the world. Why? Someone or an elite class had the mind to work and transferred this passion to the people.
Nigeria is one of the world’s most endowed countries - with natural and human resources yet; we blame the colonial masters and make excuses for our woes fifty-six years after independence. We fail because we have refused to invest in minds. We have neglected the most critical resource – people. The education sector is in a state of disrepair whilst principally, the economy is not geared to empower majority of the people as agents of growth and development.
The Bible paints a picture of how the mind of the people of Israel affected their actions and roles in building the walls of Jerusalem in Nehemiah 3. First one leader became resolute. Then, he influenced a serious-minded elite class. Afterward, each person, starting with the leaders, commenced repairing a little portion of the wall. Everyone made a change first within his or her sphere of influence. Some rebuilt only their gates while others did much more. Every effort counted.
The Israelites worked under extremely difficult challenges to achieve their goal. They held weapons with one hand and built with the other. They considered taking off their clothes, except it was dirty, a frivolity given the extent of the task. They worked, watched and prayed. Christianity is more about the life we live outside the church. What are you doing within your sphere of influence? Do you defend the cause of the vulnerable in the society or do you care little about others as long as you seem to be doing well?
Projects are better accomplished when responsibilities are shared. You must make up your mind to contribute to repairing your side of the ruins of Nigeria. Together, let us build the right attitude and a mind to work.
Bible Inspired Thoughts (BITs) are inspirations/revelations I get from pondering on the word of God. They are thoughts that encourage/rebuke/correct/instruct me. I have a mandate to share for the benefit of others.
Follow Motunrayo Famuyiwa-Alaka on twitter @ssussaine
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