Digging Deep by Joseph Etim

I still find it quite paradoxical how one goes through the resume of many graduates and find a similar objective of them wanting to add value to the organizations they apply for, don't get me wrong this is a required trait by all employers but it also begs the question of, If you knew the value to add to make an organization better which means it must interprete into improving their bottom line then why not create this business of your own and add this value to it.

It is my believe that we all have a skill of some sort, the challenge we face is the ability to identify the skill and determine how it can be monetized to create wealth. It is my belief that we are all created with skills but we all only look out for the popular and most projected one by the society in us. The inability to identify this trait that could give us economic advantage has subjected so many youths to remain unemployed or better still underemployed which is predominant in the African economy.

For example, who ever thought that being funny was a skill until today that the comedy industry is one of highest revenue generating segment of the entertainment sector. Asides comedy, there's a common skill most of us share that technology will never replace, this skill is known as the art of marketing especially for those who are very versatile with persuasive words, so if you're good with talking and convincing people, that's a tip on a road to follow.

For those of you saddled with the question of how to identify your skill, ask yourself these questions, what do you do unconsciously that people around you commend you for? Is such a skill already known with an economic value? If it isn't, will people be willing to pay for the value such skill can create? Your answers to these questions will help you identify a skill worth developing.

One thing I have learnt in life that will never change is that success is in the hands of those who take action, a good illustration of this can be found in the story of the three servants that were given talents by their master and the third of them that did nothing with what was given to him. Success is not confined to those with the skills or plans because people are not created to read minds or appraise intentions, we must start to realize that our breakthrough is dependent on our will to apply our skills. This is because, it is through application we get recognition, which is the bedrock to praise and criticism thereby resulting in the push for improvement and resulting into mastery.

A Life Story

In an economic situation were graduates wait for years before earning a living. The hope of searching for other alternatives shows up. Some youths have made the outlets of newspaper vendors their permanent residence where political issues can be discussed, some engaged in all sort of illegal activities like drug pushing, child trafficking, robbery and many more. Crime has turned out to be the major business of each day as police records hun-dreds of illegalactions in the state.

Schen state, a state and city once known as centre of trade and entre-preneurship, where every occupant of the city is gifted with one talent or the other. A city once free from all sort of crimes and illegal actions. 

Graduates were able to get job inst-antly because government had made plans for that.Schen was rated the state with the best economy in 1988 by the world news station not until the state started facing crisis which started from the period the then president, kingston Pamena was over-thrown through a military coup d'e ttat in 1993 led by Major General Ashwab Genal who then became the military head of state. The state till date has been under the influ-ence of the men in khaki who distabi-lised the peace and took away the franchise of the citizens of Schen.

Western countries has tried to come to the rescue but were forced by military personnel. Back then in University of Schen were trio bri-lliant friends Kuma, Stans and Greg. The trio studied petroleum enginee-ring in the univeristy and graduated with a first class in 1993, with a fulfiled hope of getting an already provided job by the government led by Kingston Pamena. Truly, they were gainfully employed but not for long. 

Everyone working under the Kingston led administration were sacked by the ruling Major General Ashwab Genal including Kuma and friends. The hope of becoming a successful petroleum engineer started crippling. Kuma Delma a 27 years old indigene of Schen state, Ohame local government area of the state, graduated from the University of Schen in 1993. Born into a family of four which includes Mr Delma, Mrs Delma, Kuma and Alans. Kuma's wish is to become a petroleum engineer right from secondary school because he had interest in things that has to do with drilling of the soil. 

Mr Delma, a retired soldier, sourcing for every means to cater for the need of the family ever since General Ashwab came into power. Mrs Delma, a petty trader, engaged in sale of petty commodities in other to assist the husband sustain the family. Alans the baby and last child in the fami-ly, 18 years of age,just graduated from secondary school and also aspiring to gain admission into the University of Schen to study chemical engineering since he has interest in testing chemical resources.

Ever since kuma was sacked from working with the government, every-thing had changed negatively. A young and vibrant youth of those days beca-me a political thug who always discuss and argue on political issues at every newspaper vendors' shop. He became very popular as a lot of people nick named him political analyst of Schen city.

Thoughts came to his regarding the next step to take in life because he can't end up like this. Carried away in deep thinking, while the two eyes were opened, kumas father shouted his name continuously but didn't answer until he was tapped hard. Suddenly he became conscious again and a conver-sation ensued between the two. 'Kuma, have been watching you for days, you no longer eat and everytime you are always sitted at this same spot thinking and thinking, what is wrong with you?' Said kuma's father. ' At age 27 father, no job for me to earn a living with, its you and mummy that have been carrying the responsibi-lities of a graduate. Am tired father!'Kuma said. ' You don't need to be tired, don't allow your present situation weigh you down. There is always time for everything. As per responsibilities, myself and your motherare not complaining, so put yourself together and let's find solution instead of sitting down here and eating yourself up with thinking' said kumas father. ' Thank you for the encouragement father, I promise to gather myself together and find solution' kuma said. Both hugged emotionally in tears.

Sitted on a wooden chair and thinking about life experience, kuma started weeping about how his present status has made him lazy and unfruitful. 

Suddenly he vividly remembered Jerry de gun who was released from prison few years back and they met eat other again where they both needed to exchange numbers. ' He is now rich, famous and popular, imagine the dull and irresponsible jerry of then, now cruising in different form of cars, what a life!' He thought to himself. Few minutes later, another thought popped into his mind ' but kuma, can't you call to visit Jerry de gun if he can even help out or show you how he made his money!!! Hmmmm! That is a good idea, I need to call him. Enough is enough! I must also make it' he concluded in his heart as he picked up his phone to contact Jerry de gun.

Jerry de gun, leader of the gang, a student of University of Schen who has got himself engaged in different form of illegal actions. While in the university, he was raided by the police and sentenced to life impri-sonment but was bailed out in months time due to the solid connections he had. Jerry de gun had been rusticated for years but still came back on cam-pus to continue his normal lifestyle since no one dared to look at him facially. Jerry de gun has always been a fan of kuma as he was interes-ted in initiating the brilliant and talented young man into his gang. 

Kuma resisted every form of call, meeting arrangement coming from the leader. Kuma prefers to sleep in his friends apartment to pass away time as the search for him became tightened up. Finally, Jerry de gun was apprehended by the police but this time he was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment with hard labour.

Griririririri! Gririririri! The gun shot kept coming as kuma led a gang of robbers to loot a bank. ' Your heads down! Where's the bank manager' shouted kuma. A nervous cashier shouted ' the manager's office is by your right'. The manager was gripped with fear as he led the robbers to the strong room of the bank. ' If you all like, call the police, we will be waiting outside for them' said another gang member. The robbery was very fast and action filled. With kuma carrying a Russia kalashika Ak 47 which has the ability to keep on dispensing bullets till the round is exhausted.

Another gang member was carrying an America machine gun while a self propeller was placed at the top of the jeep they came with. As they carted away the huge sum of money, customers, bankers and eye witness started weeping and making urgent calls.

The robbery would have been a success if they weren't barricaded by the military. Their third turning was a brain burster as they met one on one with the Schen army who were fully prepared for a shooting combat with the armed robbers. It was a battle of the fittest as the America machine gun was released and started to dispense the content in it. Houses and civilians were affected by the huge bullets coming out of the gun. The robbers took to different strategic positions to make sure they don't get hit likewise the army.

The army also responded to their gunshots with an m4 rifle and bazooka which brought down the one of kuma's men. With great annoyance, kuma ran up to the self propeller gun at the top of the jeep and shot sporadically at the armored vehicle of the army leaving two soldiers dead instantly. At this point, the army felt they were loosing and decided to use a snipper gun to bring down the robbers.

Kuma was given an hand shot as others died during the shoot out. Kuma was arrested while others were taken to the mortuary. Immediately Jerry de gun heard the news, he flew out of the state in search of safety as Schen wasn't safe for him to stay.

Arraigned before a judge, the defense and soliciting council were told to argue out and present proves of the dreadful armed robbery attack led by kuma. After perusing the documents presented before Justice Mnah Asigbe, he gave his judgement. ' Having heard from the defence and soliciting council who has tried to put reasons together, this is a big disgrace to our state, the fact that you were sacked from working with government, doesn't mean you should engage in illegal actions and robbery.

You should have tried to be more creative as thousands of youths are making it through their respective handworks. My judgement is, Mr kuma Delma be killed through a firing squad till he gives up the ghost'. ' Arise' the court clerk shouted. With deep regret, kumas parents started weeping alongside his brother with his friends who came around when they heard about what happened to him.

The day came, it was time for kuma to be killed by a firing squad. Escorted by a black-maria and a soldier patrol van from the Abnes prison and taken to the bank of Egnes lagoon where criminals were been shot by the always ready regimental soldiers. Tied to a long pole, people gathered around to watch the killing of the notorious armed robber who shot dead two soldiers during a robbery attack. 

His parents and friends from a distance, weeping bitterly and shouting. Here comes the regimental soldeirs with their Russia Ak 47 rifle. Having around their heads, helmet attached with a piece of leaf and screaming dramatically. They got to their point of target and stood combatantly towards the direction of kuma. A pastor walked up to kuma and prayed for him and also asked if he had something to say. Kuma then flashed back to that day he made the
misleading decision of his life in Jerry de guns mansion.

In a massively built mansion, painted in white colour, fully fenced with barbed wire, secured by giant imported dogs. The first view about this mansion is the ownership of the house. One would have thought the mansion belongs to one political office holder or official. The garage is filled with expensive and tempting cars of latest technology and designs. Is that all? No! The lovely swimming pool, gym centre and relaxa-tion centre for people to meriment. 

The roofing looked like that of the power house of United State of America. ' Who do you seek' asked a tall and huge security. Then kuma knew he was out of the world previously and now back to the real world again. ' I came to see my friend Jerry de gun, we went to the same university and he told me to come and see him today' said kuma. Jerry de gun was contacted and he told the huge bouncer to step his friend in. 

Jerry sitted in a big and extended sitting sitting room filled with lovely sofa chairs and expensive illumination provider. Pleasantaries were exchanged as both had seen each other for long. Kuma began to narrate his hardship story and seeked for Jerrys' support. ' Realy don't have much to offer you and not sure if you can participate in what I engage in' said Jerry de gun. ' I don't mind whatever it may be I just want to earn money and build a massive mansion like yours and also have expensive cars.

My parents have tried for me and I want them to also enjoy the fruit of their labour' kuma concluded. Hmmmm! Jerry sighed as he continues ' have heard everything you said, my occupation is quite known and don't know what your reaction will be like. I command a gang of robbers' Jerry uttered. 

In deep fear and shock, kuma couldn't say anything because he was scared of the reply to give. While thinking about what Jerry de gun said, he received a call from his father ' hello kuma' said kuma's father, ' hello daddy' replied kuma', ' your mother just had an accident and broke her two hands and one leg, she is presently in the hospital and the doctor said I should get a deposit of ¥1,000,000 before any operation can be carried out. Presently I don't know who to meet.

Just wanted you to know so you can start coming. home'. Kumas father said and hanged up the call. Tears became unstoppable for kuma. Jerry asked what was wrong which he narrated with tears in his eyes. This was how kuma got initiated and also engaged in robbery.

Days later, the head of state visited hospitals around to visit those who needed financial assistance for one medical treatment or the other. Mrs Delma was one of the victims who enjoyed the financial assitance given by the general. With immediate effect, treatment started and she was operated. When kuma heard his mother was operated and now okay, it was too late for him to back out as he had already joined the clan of armed robbery.

At exactly 11am in the morning, kuma made his last statement ' to youths out there who believes in waiting for government to provide a job for them to earn a living, please don't wait again, start something handy to do. Don't ever allow your situation to take control of you just like mine did, had I known that this was how it's going to turn out to be, I woudn't have gone into it. But now its too late to start regreting my actions.

To my loving parents, brother and friends, don't cry again because I brought this pain upon myself. I pray you all forgive me for my actions' kuma concluded as he closes his eyes. The next voice was the one of the commanding officer ' Attention! Weapons check! Go down flat! Aim at target'. The croud started weeping in great regrets as a talent of his nature will be wasted just like that.

No amount of consolation could be done to the crying Mr and Mrs Delma and Alans. ' Fire' the commander gave his last order. With full courage, the soldiers shot at him till he stopped breathing. The commander confirmed that he was truly dead. The body was buried close to the lagoon just like the constitution had stated. This realy serve as a lesson to youths who don't have the spirit of waiting patiently when they face challenges. Kuma's story should teach everyone not to always give excuses for mistakes instead profer solutions to it.

Next Class by Pipeloluwa Ikuomola

Next Class

I remember vividly when I was promoted to Primary 3, I was very excited, I didn't let anybody at home rest simply because I was going to stop using pencil and I was progressing to the use of Biro sounds ridiculous right? I am sure we all were once at that point in our lives.

But that wasn't the end, despite the fact we started using Biro in Primary 3, I still wanted to explore more, I looked forward earnestly to Primary 6 and the Almighty Common Entrance.  I can go and on of how I anticipated Junior waec, to mock examinations, to Senior Waec, Jamb, Post Jamb, The truth is the list is endless

Back to the point when I got into Primary 3, yes indeed, writing with Biro was a big achievement for me but still.... I counted not myself to have Apprehended!
I didn't think I had reached the height of my education because I was now using Biro.

Unfortunately, this is the way some of us are today in the body of Christ, because we are now taking prayer ministrations, we think we have apprehended or because we have certain gifts of the Spirit now, we suppose we have attained the height. One thing we should understand clearly is that no matter the level you attain in the Spirit, there are always new grounds to test....

This is what Brother Paul was saying in Philippians 3:13-15....  of course, there are certain things we are proud of that have occurred in our past lives but we can't dwell on those achievements, there is a need to press on because in the Kingdom, it's not about who you were yesterday, it's about where you stand now Let us press on unto that mark of the prize of the High Calling! Don't dwell on yesterday's manna, seek today's own:  Press on! Press on! Press on!

The Uniqueness of Man

Alright let's run a few practicals! Try covering one of your eyes without using your hand! How do u feel using one eye to view things? Odd right?. Try this also, walk with a single leg and raise the other up! How do you feel? Painful right?. Okay try this last one, stop the thinking and processing of information through your brain, like don't think about anything for some seconds, how do you you feel? Brainless right?.

You know, the practical truth of the experiment you carried out is the fact that a lot have one body defect or the other. Some suffering from bad sight, some legs are amputated through one event or the other, some can't think well, some can't even breath or talk the way you do while some can't talk at all. But do you know the beauty of all these defects? They still live!

Your nature or defect does not give you the opportunity to make mockery of yourself or mock God over your life, you may be left handed but not a failure, having a single hand or leg does not make you different from those with complete hands. The fact that you reason or understand things slowly  does not make you a no go area for opportunities. Some will even go to the extent of saying " I know I am not beautiful/ handsome" , "I Know I Am a good for nothing".

Hello sweetheart, wake up and stop thinking ill about yourself or what people have to say about you, every human is unique and special to the creator. Your nature does not stop you from exploring opportunities and taking chances because to everyone is a special feature that makes you different from the rest.

To those copying people's style and features, the reason why you copy is due to your inability to discover your true self. Take a turn into  viewing yourself a better being, a better leader, a better follower, a better thinker, a beautiful lady and handsome Mr. Note, your ability to keep moving with your nature not minding what is been said is what makes you peculiar to God. No matter the condition, you still remain unique.

PLEASE READ VERY URGENT

I just perceived something now, your Christian life isn't meant for you alone. A Christian life that is exclusively reserved to you alone is a *SUSPECT* because Christ never taught us so, the bible says we have not so learned Christ. Even Jesus went about healing the sick, teaching and raising the dead( Act 10:38) and Jesus said before he left the face of the earth As my father has sent me so send I you, so we are supposed to do the same things he did and even greater works.

You think Christian journey is only about doing your quiet time and going to Church?Well if I can read 4 chapters of the Bible daily and pray 2 hours and live a holy life... You think that's all?... Wrong assumption. You were translated from the kingdom of darkness into his marvellous light so as to be "RESPONSIBLE " What is the purpose of your study and prayer life without demonstration? As much as those things are integral part of our christian journey if not executed is "FUTILE".

Go all out for Jesus. Go into the landscapes and begin to preach, heal the sick, raise the dead. Stop this *ONLY ME* Christianity. Ask yourself these questions, how many souls have I won into the *KINGDOM?* Am I adding value to people's lives? Is my life proclaiming *JESUS?* Am I fulfilling scriptures by healing the sick? Personally I am happy when someone tells me he or she is sick cos I see it as an opportunity to practicalise what I have been studying, I don't prescribe drugs for them cos I don't even know the names except common ones not to say drug is bad but not good for me cos by his *STRIPES* I am healed. You can start now. Don't just study materials on this platform but *DEMONSTRATE* what you're studying. Please don't be oblivious to God's emphasis in these days of *GLORY* .

Copyright @ Pastor Damilola Karounwi

The Truth behind Self-Motivation

Now adays the way people see motivation has got me thinking and wondering if motivation is a man, woman, todler or an adult. Many believe and even think that the best motivation and support you need to keep pressing forth is found in human. But should I tell you something, motivation is not a gift you get from people or a benefit that accrues to you, infact motivation is the inner strength you give yourself to keep pressing on.

Little wonder our best friends most times forgets wonderful dates about us, little wonder most times our parents nods head to our wonderful ideas and plans and all they tell you is " whenever you need my help let me know". Have you ever wondered why you tell people lovely and wonderful plans expecting them to buy it and all they tell you is "carry on we are with you" smiles. Does this ring bell in your ears?. What they are trying to tell you is the fact that your dream will always be your dream and it is meant for you to run.

Motivation is not something you look up to people for, it is something you develop yourself with. An average human will not want you to know the source of his/her rather they monopolise it. Your level of motivation is the key to your success and you need to guide it jealously. Do not wait for people to tell you your dream is beautiful or depend on them for finances before you start it. Break every chains through your motivation and determination and find those challenges getting solved. Remember people will always like beautiful things and will always wish for it and there is every tendency they demotivate you rather than motivating you, they make you see reasons why that dream cannot work.

Hello, who thought an aeroplane could move in the sky if the inventor did not think out of box, now we use mobile toilets everywhere, it was invented by someone whom people felt as at then was a stupid idea but now you find it everywhere.

Your motivation to do something should not be people-triggered, let your motivation come from your desire to excel. Note, its nice when you listen to people, but we wise in choosing those that inspires you. Every inspiration is a thinking of a man like you. Signing out.

A Success Story

I can not do it!! Can I succeed? Is it possible to make it in life without knowing anyone? Am I not too young to succeed?. Nice questions! Now to all the Mr timid and Miss timid, to all the Mr fearful and miss fearful who believes that success is only attached to a certain age bracket, to a particular level of personality, to a particular family or lineage. Well you have done a wonderful thinking but this write up is to clear your un-necessary doubts about who succeeds and who does not succeed.

The fact that M r A is balling in the latest atmosphere of luxury materials does not mean that Mr A is the richest or probably came from a very rich background like many will claim, some will even say he has the connection. The fact that lady bimbo is cruising the latest Bmw does not make her the brain amidst her peers or the best of them. Many of these wanderers do not think about how they made it but all we want is " I must sha make it anyhow".

Should  I tell you a little secret about MR A and Miss Bimbo? See the truth is this Mr A has decided in his heart to remain fearless, opportunity explorer, risk taker....risk taker I said!! Yes I meant risk meant risk taker! Many do not even want to try at all, many are so scared of loosing, successful people that lost a number of times and are making it now, how often do you hear their loosing stories. Mr A is a personality who has refused to sleep all night because he wants to try something new, you find alot of youths today and all they do online is to whatsapp, facebook and post videos while alot are making it through the media we spent much time on without getting paid from it. Some do not even know how to search for business ideas on google, youtube but they stream others videos for the sake of the fun. My brother, my sister, be an explorer and not the exploited.

Probably you felt I forgot Miss Bimbo, no I did not! Miss bimbo has remained a lady of so much confidence, she is an opportunist, she's dream chaser, she does not have time to chat all day in the name of pizza and shawarma. Miss Bimbo wants to be successful and she has decided to distance from dream spoilers. She understands the need for education, she understands the importance of seminars and workshop, infact miss bimbo has an handi-work she engages in after office work.

Now to you, success will not come to meet you, you go explore success, excellence will not come if all you do is to talk about success story and never make moves to get there. Opportunity is meant for everyone, it is not a one man thing or a one tribe thing or perhaps one family thing, you can be the door to excellence and success of your family. Pick up the challenge today and see your self in the realm of achievements. Signing out....

Staying in God's Presence by Bishop Odejayi Emmanuel

The more you stay in God's presence, the more confident you become. The more of Him you know, the stronger your faith becomes. The strength of your faith is determined by the object of your faith.

As you commune deeply with God, you see and hear things that makes you undoubtedly sure that you can't live an ordinary life. When you begin to comprehend His limitless power, you will see how little your needs are compared to His Almightiness!!!

In some deep Koinonia with Him, you are transported in a split second into your future and what you see strengthens you and makes you unshakeable.

What you see makes you bold and fearless even in the face of daunting challenges. People look at you and wonder what gives you this uncommon boldness to press on despite obvious challenges.

You walk through the valley of the shadow of death yet it looks like you are taking a stroll along a beautiful sand beach. Your calm disposition confuses those that are not really close to you.

If care is not taken your "non-challant'' attitude when people scramble and lobby for things is often times misregarded as pride. Its because you know that your Father can give you anything and take you anywhere He wants to whenever and However He wants to.

They don't know what you have seen neither did they hear what you heard in your secret place of communion with your Father.

In the secret place, nothing is kept secret, your fears, worries and cares are bare to Him!!!

You cant know a being that you don't fellowship with and they that know shall be strong. When next people ask you the source of your strength, tell them its in the secret place.

Life of a faithful servant

Gone are those days when we have people like Elijah, Paul and likes who will stand to give the true definition of faith. 21st century rarely provides you with a personality who can define faith in the manner of the heavens and can practicalise it.

These days you find people doubting the existence of God once faced with a challenge. You hear questions like;

1. God why me?
2. God haven't I served you enough?
3. Lord what have I done to deserve this?

Some even go to the extreme of giving Him ultimatum of solving the situation or else they stop serving. Most times I wonder what other prove humans need to have this total faith in God. He's invincible, yet He hears you when you cry, you cross the lane of sin, yet He pardons without thinking twice even before you cross the lane of sin, He provides even when we don't remain faithful, He protects even when it is you that "waka go there".

My brother, my sister why not have a second thought and remain faithful to this Awesome and glorious God. All He's asking you to do is have faith in Him to the fullest. Never look down on His abilities even when it looks as if nothing good can come from it. Remember that as a spirit being, your faith in Him will make you see the positivity in negativity. Lets build a world of faithful beings.

Frustrated???..Read This

Sighs !! You wake up in the morning and start to reminisce about ur life issues and life experiences, you flashed back to that lovely period in secondary school when you dreamt of becoming a successful and well known business man/woman, chartered accountant, banker, politician, medical doctor, but later you realised the fact that it wasn't just a thing to be ordinarily said, it involves a lot of study and hardwork. You decided to write jamb, you didn't make it the first time, second time but eventually luck smiled at you. You gained admission to one of the prestigious institutions in the country, it was a thing of happiness for you and your parents that at last dream come through.

You gained admission into the university of your choice but they tried bringing you down and made you not to achieve that certain grade you always had in mind. You eventually graduated from the institution, went for youth service and finished, eventually u settled down to work, but later realised that your earnings happened to be a peanut that couldn't sustain you not to talk about bringing up a family of your own.

Then you sat down and start tinking about your age mates whom you went to secondary school, university together, then the next thought that pops to ur mind is that, some are married to one rich man or woman, some are professionals in deir respective fields, some medical doctors, some now work with multinationals, some are furthering their education abroad, some even work with companies abroad, some into politics and are making it big time, some even have deir own personal businesses and are really in big time money.

After thinking about the afore-mentioned, what has it changed about you, have you forgotten the fact that opportunity is everywhere, it doesn't just stay with a particular person, opportunity rotates around and makes sure it gets to everyone. Its just a matter of you getting ready to make wise use of the opportunity when it comes your way.

Olamide is your age bracket, wizkid is a younger brother to you, dj cuppy is your junior in secondary school, davido is a street brother to you, zahra is your childhood friend, linda ikeji is your old time friend, basket mouth lived few houses to your own crib, you and emeka graduated together and now he works with giant telecommunication company.

And so what, have you forgotten the fact that we all have our own time and period of reign. My brother, sister, uncle, aunt, friends, stop comparing yourself to those who are making it presently, life is a matter of time and living up to standard when that real opportunity comes. If you think wide and die eventually, to what end do u own your race to success, what happens to your unfulfilled dreams and goals.

Wake up friend and stop thinking less about your lovely self, put on your track and shield of motivation and walk into your life time opportunities. Those whom you see as gods today will fall at your feet to worship you when the time comes. Light out

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT EPH 4:26

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Ephesians 4:26 KJV

I have heard this scripture been interpreted as not letting the sun go down on your anger, saying that _always make amends before the day is done; do not go to sleep angry_

But what does *let not the sun go down and upon your wrath* mean, does it mean how it has been interpreted above? People interpret this and say if someone makes you angry, you should make sure you don't go to bed with the anger or you should stop being angry before the end of the day (before the sun goes down). But the questions I have for such people are:

1) What happens if someone offends you in the midnight?
2) What happens if it rained throughout the day and there was no sunlight?
Since the sun is what the interpretation is premised on.
Lol

I do not agree with the above interpretation of this scripture. I believe it is not correct. *Let not the sun go down on your wrath*. Now *Go down* means to _set_, _to become submerged_. When the sun go down, it means it sets meaning that it can not be seen again.

But here the bible say *Let not* the sun go down upon your wrath, meaning that do not let the sun set upon your wrath, _do not let it disappear...do not let it stop...do not let it die_. *Does it now mean that you should not quench your anger?* Yes, that is what it means. But that's not all.

Reading this particular verse in context, in the previous verse (Eph 4:25), Paul was giving instructions for christian living, he said do away with lying, always speak the truth...and in verse 27, he says that you should not give place to the devil. All these are conjunctive and it relates with verse 26.

Now this verse fully means that *Be angry so as not to give place to the devil and do not let the sun go down on this anger*. How do you get angry in order not to give place to the devil: When you are angry at evil... _for instance you are in a place where corruption is the order of the day, as a christian you should not be comfortable, you should be angry at such because it's not right and you should make sure something is done to curb it (thus, let not the sun go down upon your wrath)._ Now you see that Eph 4:25 is a specific instruction talking about not condoning evil (getting angry at evil).

See in the same chapter in verse 31, Paul giving a general instruction, *he said do away with anger*.

Do you ask yourself that how can he say do away with anger here and up in verse 26, he said "be angry"...it is because verse 26 was a specific instruction to ensure that the only reason you should get angry is to ensure the devil is not given a place, in other words be angry only at evil (not giving place to the devil)...but generally do away with anger.

*Eph. 4:26 is not a licence to be angry, if your anger is not against evil, then you are wrong.*

Raphael Awe-Obe.