The Consequences of Our Choices

As Nigerians grapple with the challenges of bad leadership, many wonder why God allows such leaders to rule. The Bible provides insight into this question. In Jeremiah 6:19, God says, “I sent you my prophets, but you didn’t listen… You chose to follow false prophets, and that’s why you’re facing the consequences.” (NIV)

God is a God of choice, giving us the freedom to accept or reject Him (Deuteronomy 30:19, “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.”)

This freedom extends to our choices in leadership. We choose our leaders, and we reap the consequences of those choices (Galatians 6:7, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”).

As the Nigerian economy struggles with inflation, unemployment, and poverty, and insecurity persists with killing, banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism, many ask why God didn’t give Nigeria a good leader to rescue the nation. But the Bible shows that God sends the right leaders, but people reject them (1 Samuel 8:7, “And the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king'”).

We must acknowledge that our choices have consequences.

As Nelson Mandela said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Nigeria can rise from its current challenges, but it starts with acknowledging our role in choosing leaders.“

Other great leaders have also spoken to this issue:

• “The quality of a nation’s leadership is a reflection of the quality of its citizens.” – Lee Kuan Yew
• “We get the leaders we deserve.” – Thomas Jefferson
• “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” – John C. Maxwell
• “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality.” – Max De Pree

As the Bible says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34, NIV). Let us choose leaders who embody righteousness and wisdom, that Nigeria may rise from its challenges.

From Dr. Goodluck Mfonnom.