AN OVERVIEW OF FORMATION OF A CONTRACT: OFFER, ACCEPTANCE AND CONTRACT LOOPHOLES

 Offer and acceptance are essential to the formation of a valid contract. 

In the formation of a contract, one of the dangers which a party will likely encounter is the presence of contract loopholes. The focal point of this article will be offer, acceptance and how to avoid loopholes in contracts.

OFFER

An offer is the starting point of a contract. For a contract to exist, a party must first make an offer to another party. The contract is formed upon the acceptance of the offer by that other party. The party making the offer is referred to as the offeror. The party to whom the offer is made, is referred to as the offeree.

An offer must be unambiguous, unequivocal, precise and must leave no room for speculation as to its real content. An offer must clearly convey that the offeror intends to enter into a contract with the offeree. An offer must be with the clear intention that it shall become binding on the offeror as soon as it is accepted by the offeree.

An offer may be made expressly (by words or in writing) or impliedly (by conduct). For example, a salesperson who offers to sell his goods to a potential customer for a certain price has made an express offer. On the other hand, a bus driver who stops his bus at a bus stop is making an implied offer to a person waiting at the bus stop.

In the case of an express offer, the intention of the offeror is what matters in deciding whether or not a contract exists. While in the case of an implied offer, what matters is what a reasonable person will infer from the conduct of the offeror. In the first example given above, the words spoken by the salesperson to the customer will be looked at to determine whether or not he made an offer. In the second example, the question to be asked will be “what will a reasonable person infer from the stopping of the bus at the bus stop?”

ACCEPTANCE 

Acceptance is the element that emphasizes the bilateral nature of a contract. An offer without acceptance can not form a contract. The two elements must co-exist before a contract can come into being. 

Acceptance of an offer has been defined to be the reciprocal act or action of the offeree to the offer made by the offeror, in which the offeree indicates his agreement to the terms of the offer.

For an acceptance to be valid it must be clearly communicated to the offeror. This communication must be done through a means by which the law can infer acceptance such as through words spoken or an act done by the offeree or by a person authorised by the offeree. Therefore, an acceptance, like an offer, can be done expressly (by words or in writing) or impliedly (by conduct). As such, silence and mere intention to accept do not constitute acceptance. 

It must be emphasized that an acceptance must be in tune with the terms of the offer made. A counter-offer therefore does not constitute acceptance. For example, I offer to sell you a chair for 100 naira and you offer to buy it for 90 naira. Your offer of 90 naira does not mean you have accepted my offer.

Also, an acceptance made subject to the fulfilment of a condition is neither valid nor binding. This is because such an acceptance cannot form a binding contract until that condition has been fulfilled.

An agreement made “subject to contract” means the incidence of liability is postponed until a formal document is drawn up and signed. It is a non-binding agreement. It indicates parties’ intention not to be bound until a formal contract is executed. This is common in contracts for the sale of land.

In addition, a cross offer does not constitute acceptance. A cross offer occurs when two offers that are identical terms, are sent by two parties to each other, each party being in ignorance that the other party has made the same offer. For example, I send you an email offering to sell my chair to you for N100, in ignorance of this email, you send an email to me offering to buy my chair for N100. This does not in any way mean either of us has accepted the other’s offer. It just means there are two identical offers and no acceptance. 

CONTRACT LOOPHOLES 

Loopholes in contracts constitute of deliberate omissions by a party to a contract and/or ambiguities deliberately imputed by a party to a contract, in order to provide a way out of previously stated requirements. Never be in a hurry to go into a contract. Take your time to carefully read the terms of the contract. If a certain term is ambiguous, insist that it is written in a way that clearly portrays its intention. If you are unsure of or do not know the implication of a certain term, consult a lawyer or a professional in the area concerned for clarification. 

Examples of common loopholes to look out for are;

In contracts of employment; Contract terms with “at will” clauses mean your employment can be terminated at will. That is, your employer can sack you at any time even without cause. Further, it means he is not under any obligation to give you prior notice or severance pay. Watch out for this before signing any employment contract!

No specific dates: All contracts should have specific dates of fulfilling all the terms. When will the contract be terminated? When is the payment to be made? In the case of payment by instalment, the dates each instalment is to be made should be clearly written. As such, phrases like “as soon as possible”, are ambiguous and do not give a specific timeline.

Foreign laws: Entering into a contract which is subject to a foreign law requires a high level of caution. This is because  some of the rights or protection which you may be ordinarily entitled to under the law of your country, may not be recognized by the foreign law. Make sure you know the provisions of that law regarding the contract before signing the contract. Know the answers to questions like, What rights do I have under the law? What liabilities do I have under the law? In the case of breach by the other party, what reliefs are available to me? 

These are just a few loopholes to look out for. The list is endless as loopholes can be framed in various ways. 

The best option is to ensure that you involve a lawyer in all your contracts so that you don't fall prey to contract loopholes. 

DON'T STOP THAT HELPING HANDS

He lived on me during our undergraduate days because his parents were poor.

My family didn't mind, in fact he had the key to my room, he could come in any time like our child.

He respected me so much, we were so closed.

After our Youth Service, I travelled to America for further studies, my parents have the means.

Before long I settled in America, his letters started coming in, asking about life in America and telling me about difficult life in Nigeria.

I thought to myself, it's better I severe relationship with this poor guy, before he started asking me to bring him to America.

Haven't I done enough in his life?

Let him go and sort himself out.

I finally severed the relationship.

I didn't allow him to have access to me again.

Not long, I heard he has become PA to a Medical Doctor, good for him.

In no time the Medical Doctor became a Governor and sponsored him to the State House of Representative.

He became Speaker, then he became Governor of the State.

While still struggling in America it dawned on me that I have missed it, a friend God gave me to assist and yet I stopped.

We would have ruled the State together baring the respect he had for me.

My dear friend, this is a true life story I have just shared with you.

Who you are helping today?

May be the one to help you tomorrow.

You might be indirectly taking care of your tomorrow.

Who is that you are helping, don't stop, don't malign the person.

Whatever the situation and circumstances of your family and friends, don't neglect them in times of need.

Even, if you don't have money, you should have words that comfort them.

Some people only need that to forge on in life,

Just be a blessing to everyone that cross your paths

Nothing Is Permanent In This Life

Whatsapp killed BBM

Youtube killed DVD

Bluetooth killed Infrared

Xender killed Bluetooth

CDs killed Cassettes

Android killed Windows phone

Uber killed Yellow Cab

Phone killed Post Office

SMS killed Letter Writing

Email killed Fax

Civilization killed Culture

Computer killed Typewriter

E-card killed Hallmark Card

Maggi killed Dawa Dawa

Money killed True Love

What else killed what again?

Internet killed Library

Google killed Dictionary

Wikipedia killed Encyclopedia

No condition is permanent in this world. Be humble.

So my beloved whatever position you are today use it positively, tomorrow may not be yours but someone else’s, it is the measure you met on them today you get tomorrow, so live life with the fear of God.

Hope always

Even if you are more dead than alive, no case is hopeless.

What must I do to be saved? How can a man be right before God? (Fundamentals of the New Birth)

Acknowledge: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”  (Romans 3:23)”God be merciful to me a sinner (Luke 18:13) You must acknowledge in the light of God’s Word that you are a sinner.
Repent:  “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish”    (Luke 18:13) “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19). You must see the awfulness of sin and then repent of it.
Confess:  “If we confess our sins: ‘He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all righteousness.”(1 John 1:9).”With the mouth confession is made unto salvation”(Romans 10:10).  Confess not to men but to God.
Forsake:  “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.(Isaiah 55:7).  Sorrow for sin is not enough in itself.  It should be forsaken, totally done away with.
Believe:  “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16)”  Believe on the finished work of Christ on the cross.
Receive:  “He came unto His own, and  his own received him not, but as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name (John 3:11-12). Christ must be received personally into your heart by faith, if the experience of the New Birth is to be yours.

Having read the above and you wish to genuinely invite Jesus into your life: You should say this prayer with your whole heart:
“Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you that you love me and that you sent your Only Begotten Son to take my punishment and die for me on the cross.  I am sorry for my sins and hereby repent of them sincerely.  Lord Jesus, come into my heart this very moment.  Cleanse me from all unrighteousness.  Write my name in the Book of Life and cancel my name from the book of judgment and hell.  Make me fit for the Master’s use from henceforth.  In Jesus Name I pray. ‘Amen’.

If you have sincerely prayed and have invited Christ into your life, for purpose of follow-up to strengthen your faith, text to 07030200372 your Name, Address, Phone No., Prayer Requests, Doubts/Questions for which you need clarification, or  Testimonies.  God bless you.

MY CONTEMPLATION ON NIGERIA AND THE CHURCH

I have noticed with great dismay the alienation between what's happening in our society and what the Church stand for. There seems to be no much impact of the Church on our secular lives in this nation. I strongly believe that the Church ought to have significant influence on happenings in our country. Not only that, the Church (children of God) ought to be in-charge of the various sphere of influences in our society ranging from politics, businesses, entertainment among others. Our country is where it's today because the Church has limited itself to the four walls of Church buildings. We are unable to marry the teachings of Christian faith with the happenings in our society.

While contemplating on how Church can exact her influence in our society thereby addressing the leadership deficit we have as a nation & tackling our social ills, here comes my ideas:

We do have various sub-groups in Churches such as choir, band, youth, women fellowship, youth fellowship etc. Now, what we need to start doing is; to have sub-groups in Church base on the seven(7) sphere of influence- politics, business, education/academics, entertainment, marriage, culture & religion (faith).

1. Politics Sub-group

We need to begin to teach the church about politics. We should garner people that have both theoretical & practical knowledge of politics in the Church, group them together & have them to be teaching those interested or have a call into politics. Teaching about the theory & practice of politics from the light of the Word of God. Training them & throwing them into the political arena.

2. Business/Economic Sub-group

This subgroup should geared toward training people on entrepreneurship from the light of God's word. Those business moguls in the Church should sphere head this group. Those interested in business should be part of this group. The focus shouldn't be just on theoretical expositions but much more on applying the lessons for helping members establishing businesses of their own & managing them according the values system of our Kingdom-the Kingdom of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.

3. The Academic/Education Sub-group

This should focus on raising sound intellectuals that will take the academic world for Jesus the Christ. Christians in the academics shall sphere this group. Aspiring young authors into motivational writings & other literature should also be trained in this group. Proper career counseling on the right courses and or profession to pursue for young people should also capture the essence of this group.

4. Entertainment Sub-group

The same be applied to music & entertainment group. Concentrating on raising music & movie stars that will draw their skills from the anointing & knowledge of the Holy One- Jesus the Christ. Of course, this group will be like the present choir/band/drama group we have but with more elaborate advancement. In fact, this will make the Hollywood, Bollywood, Hollywood, kannywood, & all the 'woods' be taken over by Jesus & His interest.

5. Marriage Sub-group

This group should be like the present marriage counseling unit that some churches have. Their key task is training the young ones on Christian courtship & marriage. Elders in the Church with proven & sound hitherto Christian courtship & now Christian marriage should sphere this group.

Culture of the course refers to the values system or way of life of a society. The values of Jesus & His Kingdom should characterise the values of our society. So injecting this values should be our entire preoccupation on earth as believers via dominating the above sphere of influences elaborated above. So that what's happening in heaven will have full manifestation on earth.

So the processes of entrenching the culture of heaven on earth which is our major preoccupations Aa Christian is the Christian faith.

It's important for us to know that, that's exactly the heart cry of Jesus. That's why He(Jesus) taught that even in our prayers, our major focus should be:

"Your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
         -Matthew 6:10

Politics is what will stir t
His(Jesus) will, business/economic activities oils it, marriage & entertainment will enforce it & make it to be our culture & tradition, thereby letting the Kingdom of God having full expression on earth.

VOLUNTEERISM IN WAR SITUATION

In times past, when the question of reason for existence of certain populations were objects of any mention, many offered to freely serve in organised groups to defend their very right to not just living but having a quality life; gone are the days, in especially our part of the world-Africa, when such slogans as `freedom` were opium for the brain and natural alkaloid-like analgesics for the body no matter the pain. In our days, Volunteerism in the real sense of the word, has often lost out of many minds and in essence, conscription mainly in the guise of artificially created economic hardship, to compare people to consider the armed forces, has often now been the stimulus informing most minds to be recruited to fight a cause they will woul,d otherwise, have hardly considered. Therefore, the battle is often times even lost by some percentage before it is started. Well that is not to deny the fact that a couple still wilfully opt to join the armed forces.
But perhaps, the lack of honesty in the armed forces and the alleged love of money to the point of betraying one`s troops and country at large may have contributed much more to the volunteerism phobia` than may have been openly admitted recently. It is not uncommon to hear, among enlightened youth, nowadays, that they had rather joined and died in the Israeli or American military than to quell into the blood soaked unending war fields in Nigeria. Sad as this may sound, it`s harder to antagonise these opinions than to accept them, giving the realities on ground.
Volunteerism in war situation can take different forms. It ranges from the wilful submission of once self to serve in war torn Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, through offering one`s self to serve in the armed forces like the police, the army, the Navy and indeed the Air force. Yet another form of volunteerism is the wilful acceptance to serve in non-governmental organisations in war torn areas. It is important to note that whatever the choice one may prefer among these listed organisations, volunteerism has suffered setback in regards to persons subscribing to it in one form or the other.
Looking at the armed forces for example, most people if properly informed, and indeed a lot are already informed; prefer to join either the Air force (most preferred from sampled opinion) or the naval force. Less people would want to join the army in Nigeria. The reasons are not far-fetched. Even from entitlements, the take home of most soldiers at pal in the force with their sister forces is less than the take home of their contemporaries in the other forces. Needless to remind us, that, the police recently had an increment in their salary scale, while the dyeing soldiers have so far been left to hope at best. Needless, also, to say the land army is supposed to be a formidable fighting force that should be high in morale in every regard, the case is far from that however. As earlier introduced, a couple still wilfully opt to join the army, especially, solely for the love of it but a good number often end up dying from what one can comfortably call `preventable causes`. For instance what does one make of it to hear than a conventional army like that of Nigeria are less logistically, and otherwise, equipped than the invading insurgents? Why for that matter is it that the army, instead of attacking and taking the war to enemy territory is rather on the defensive? With these questions in mind and with the glaring reality of the loss of promising young men in the army, volunteerism as a phenomenon is looking less a recurring idea to the teaming population. This is further exemplified by the recent refusal of some police officers to be posted to the northeast even after a recent increment in their stipends, an event that saw wide welcome.   One would have reasoned that such individuals should gladly volunteer for the task however the exact opposite was the case; they didn’t only offer to reject the salaries, but to entirely leave the police force as we read on the pages of newspapers. Therefore, is there hope for volunteerism in war situations…?
Let’s take a careful look at the civilian world. Civilians can volunteer to either work in voluntary non-governmental organisations or to serve in such governmental organisations like the national youth service corps (NYSC) in war torn areas. Well, it is worthy of reminder that these non-governmental organisations pay fairly more than the government agencies available in the country. Despite that being the case, one hardly finds individuals who agree to work in war torn areas because of the somewhat loose nature of the security infrastructure. An African proverb has it that what affects the eyes can also affect the nose and nostrils; with even the armed forces being at the verge most times of losing territory and their very own lives, one wouldn’t need to reason much to see the reasons why many will not volunteer to work in these areas-their security is not guaranteed!
As such, where one already has empathy and sympathy for a suffering people, the second thought reminding them of the like-hood of harm coming to them; the said  helpers, is a pretty stronger antidote than the said humanitarian tendencies.
But is all hope lost…? Is there no way forward….? By the very nature of man, there`s always that aspect of a person that commands humanity in the guise of empathy, sympathy and manifest love, that is to admit that people will always be willing to be of help to the suffering innocent. The catch to that however is that these individuals must be guaranteed of reasonable safety. Therefore if volunteerism is a virtue that should be promoted, then the government must ensure that it does everything possible to, not politically by way of propaganda, stay on top of the security situation but to realistically and provably; based on facts on the ground, stay above the security situation. Anything short of this is likely to be consequent in a situation where the government may, one day, resort to bringing in foreign armies to keep it politically relevant! We pray it never has to be the case, but prayer without good works is likely to be mere sayings!

NIGERIANS: WE NEED TO TALK TO OURSELVES

Sometimes when I contemplate on the current situation in Nigeria, it suggest to me that something is fundamentally wrong with us. We generally point an accusing finger on our decision makers as to the cause of our problems and challenges as a nation. Particularly for us as political scientists, we take chunk of time in our intellectual excursion into Nigeria's situation by analysing the leadership gap in the country. While it is true that we have leadership deficit in the nation, we sometimes tend to forget that, our so-called political leaders evolved from the Nigeria's environment. The Nigeria's environment is the bakery of the leaders we have. In other word, our leaders don't come from the moon. They are the product of our environment. In looking at the leadership problems of Nigeria, it is necessary for us to begin from the environment. What then is the Nigeria's environment? What's its nature? What's its constituents? What are its values?

Nigeria's environment in this context refers to the various organizations, agencies and institutions that exist in the country. It comprises of the family system, the religious institutions, the educational institutions, the business environment among host of others. Yes, these bunch of institutions and systems, are what made up the Nigerian state. It is from them that our leaders emerge. In my humble opinion, two out of these institutions (the environment) plays the most significant role in molding the kinds of leaders we have, Viz; the family and the religious institutions. If these two institutions or environment will begin to say the truth, offer the required leadership training, etc, then there will be spillover effect to all other sectors and institutions of the state. Hey common, Nigerians let's talk to ourselves. What values are we promoting in our families, in our Churches, Mosques and 'shrines'? Aren't we promoting greed, deceit, lies, hatred, corruption, selfishness and all manner of wickedness? I mean, come to think of it, all our political leaders in this nation without exception attend one religious gatherings or the other on a regular basis, be it Church or Mosque. Similarly, all our political leaders came from specific families. They aren't vagabond! Buhari, our President, has a family, or better still came from a family, he also attend Mosque for payers & sermons. What about our vice President Osinbajo? He was even a very powerful RCCG Pastor before ascending the throne. So applies to Bukola Saraki, Dogara Yakubu, Abba Kyari, Mamman Daura, Burutai etc, amazingly even Nasir El'Rufai and all our Governors in the nation associate themselves to one family and religious institutions or the other. My question is what are the values been promoted in our families & religious institutions today? For instance, at the grass root level, exam malpractices is one of the major pandemic and epidemic ravaging us in this country. The values of hardworking, honesty, discipline are eroded from our school system. WAEC & NECO  exams that  qualifies students to gain admission into tertiary institutions are theatre of corruption. Quote me any where, over 60% of the secondary schools we have do write exam for their students(popularly known as expo)- how I wish the authorities of these exam bodies will task me to proof this by engaging me. Even the best secondary schools you can think of do the same. Painfully, even religious based schools mostly does the same. Let's tell ourselves the truth,  what kind of a governor, a minister or a commissioner do you think we can produce from such dubiously earned certified students? Regrettably, parents, Uncles & Aunties from various families are the key promoters of these destructive acts. I mean, common, where are we going with all these?

What do parents teach their children at homes? What do our Pastors, Bishops, Imams & Mallams teach their followers? What are the dominant values, culture, principles and   traditions that are been promoted in our families & religious institutions? As I write this article my heart bleeds for the situation of Nigeria.

Needles to say, I am one of the firm critics of this present administration, but I also firmly believe that mere change of government will not mean anything to this country so long as our values remain the same. Am also a firm promoter of the necessity for youth participation into the political leadership of this country, however, nothing positive will come out at the end of the tunnel if we have a vibrant young man as the President of Nigeria that has similar dominant values that seem to prevail in this country. But come woo, how then do we solve our problems in this nation? Having Christians as leaders? Absolutely NO! Having Imams as President, law makers, & Governors? NO! May be having Professors as our leaders? Noooo...! All these has proof abortive over time. So how then can we address our problems? Could it mean that there is no solution? NO! There exist solution to any problem, Nigeria's problem inclusive.

To my humble opinion, the solution is that, we Nigerians, we need to begin telling ourselves the truth. And of course, this must begin from our families and religious institutions. We must collectively admits that the current status quo has failed, is failing and will continue to fail unless something is done about it. THE SOLUTION IS SO SIMPLE AND SO HARD AT THE SAME TIME BECAUSE EVERYONE HAS A ROLE TO PLAY. For instance, every family be it Muslims or Christian families should teach their kids that stealing public funds brings about decadence to all of us; both to the rich and the poor, Christians and Muslims, Yoruba's, Hausas and Igbos, everyone suffers from it. Anything at all you obtain through fraudulent act is evil and will witch hunt you sooner or later.

Nigerians are truly religious, so the religious institutions in my view will play a vital role on this. All the proprietors of schools that does exam malpractices attend religious gatherings; so we must tell ourselves the truth, that EXAM MALPRACTICE  is evil as much as STEALING PUBLIC FUNDS is. This as I said earlier will automatically spillover to all other institutions, hence bringing about a complete overhauling of our leadership psyche in the country.

Nigeria could be great again, may be great, will be great & must be great indeed if we can come face to face with ourselves and tell ourselves THE TRUTH. If you're going to address a given number of people by way of a sermon, either Christian or Muslim clergy  or under whatever guess, please I admonish you to keep speaking to the conscience of Nigerians on the need to tell ourselves the TRUTH. Americans, Britons and indeed all the Europeans and all the inhabitants of the newly industrial nations of Malaysia, United Arab Emirate, China, North and South Korea etc are not better than us in anyway. We could be like them, if we can begin from the stand point of telling ourselves the truth. I believe if we revolutionise  the baking ground of our leaders (institutions/environment: family system, religious institutions, schools,...), Nigeria and Nigerians will experience a great lift. CATCH NIGERIA AND NIGERIANS AT THE TOP!!!

YOUR LIFE ISN'T YOURS

Right from antiquity, humans have been involved in one freedom struggle or the other. In fact freedom struggle took a much more new dimension for  over a century. The wave of freedom has been blowing all over the world. Individuals under slavery has sought for freedom, countries under colonial subjugation, suppression & oppression has fought for independence, nations under one form of dictatorial government or the other have also sought for liberation and even countries under monarchical authoritarian rule in some part of Asia and Middle East are clamoring for freedom. In fact the quest and or desire for freedom seems to be inherent in every human being. Generally, men(& women) are aggressive to any suppressive or oppressive tendencies. This perhaps explain the reason for the rapid spread and acceptability of democracy as a form of government in most part of the world. In spite of all these quest for freedom and liberty humans have remained and will remain under one subjugation or the other. However, in this short piece, I don't intend to focus on socio-political freedom.

The fact is that, no mortal man is actually free. As a renowned English thinker, Jean Jacques Rousseau rightly put it "man is born free, every where he is in chains".

The question therefore isn't about whether you're free or not, but about under whose control or lordship are you? If you have not receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal saviour, sure you're under the slavery of the devil who comes only to kill, steal and destroy. If however, you're lucky to have received Him(Jesus) you're a new creature old things have passed away behold all things have become new. Every believer is under the leadership of Christ, he/she don't live his life the way he want.

Some Christians do say that, well, my body belongs to me so I have the right to leave the way I want. I could go to any where I want. I could do any thing I so wish. But on the contrary, we are not our own, we are owned by God.

"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." (1Cor. 6:18-21)

This clearly clarify that we don't own our lives. Our body, our knowledge, education, money or whatever resources we have isn't ours. It belongs to God. Seeking for absolute freedom is therefore a mirage. Of course Jesus came to bring freedom for the oppressed but not a freedom to do whatever we want. It's a freedom from living a sinful life.

The reality is that, all men are 'slave' to something. For an unbeliever, he/she is of course a slave to the devil. He will naturally find himself fulfilling the yearnings of the evil one whose three points agenda are killing, stealing & destruction. This explain the activities of terrorist organizations, corrupt politicians, thieves, kidnappers, arm robbers, burglars, sexually immorals- when young men take away the dignity of young ladies by sleeping with them outside marriage- among others.

On the other hand, to a Christian, he is under the authority of Jesus. He/she really don't have the leverage to do anything as he/she deems fit. Paul speaking in Gal. 2:20-21 said,

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

In other word, Paul is saying I don't have the freedom to do whatever I so like because my life isn't mine any longer but Christ's. You can't for instance marry any person you so wish. You can't undertake any job you so like if indeed you want to please God. We must therefore have it clearly in our mind that our lives isn't ours. It must be owned by either Jesus Christ or devil. The only freedom we really have is that of deciding under whose lordship we will live our lives. I suggest therefore that you place your life under the Lordship of Jesus Christ because His yoke is light just as He opined in Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Written by:
UMAR, Philip

LOVE MATTERS!!! 6 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WOW

One of the greatest ability that God has given to man is the ability to relate with his own kind. Though this ability isn't an exclusive reserve of mankind as animals also relate with their own kind, but that of human is usually more organize. By relationship here I mean "the way in which two people or two groups feel about each other and behave towards each other" (Longman Dictionary). But basically in this short piece I am referring to a relationship between a young man and a young woman(lady) working together toward getting married. Or a strong feelings, sense of care and concern that exist between an unmarried opposite sex.

Relationship with the opposite sex is one of the most amazing relationship among all other forms of relationship among humans. God has naturally implant something in the inside of virtually every human being with the innate desire to relate with the opposite sex. This is even irrespective of whether they are on a journey to getting married or not. It is just natural for instance, for a lecturer in a university to prefer talking to his female rather than male students even without any string attach. This innate desire begin right from the teenage stage. This natural craving is what use to lead to what is called 'boy friend/girl' friend relationship right from primary or secondary school.  While this desire is innate it's important to note that, the desire in it own self isn't anything bad because God consciously created us with such desire. Just as I pointed out in chapter one of my book "TEN ESSENTIALS FOR RISING TO THE TOP" that, human beings are creatures of desires. However, this innate desire must be carefully control in such a way as not to lead to self destruction.

I have carefully noticed right from my senior secondary school days, that this kind of relationship I am referring to in this article is responsible for so many bright individuals full of amazing potentials not reaching to their dreams in life. This is largely because both the teenagers and even the matured young people seems to be carried away by the sweetness of the relationship to the detriment of their future. It even somehow make relationship to be some kind of 'bad thing' in way. While I must confess that Godly relationship with the opposite sex is such an awesome deal, but that's only if you know how to play the game very well.

If you're in a relationship or planning to begin or even married, then this article is absolutely for you & your fiancée/fiancé. Because I will expose you to six key ways on how to make your relationship wow(amazingly sweet, fruitful, productive and profitable). Therefore, follow me closely as you grasp this wealth of ideas that will skyrocket you and that of your intended spouse to the TOP.

1. Clearly define the purpose of your relationship.

It was late Dr Myles Munroe of blessed memory that says "When purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable". In other word if you don't know the purpose of a thing then it becomes certain that you will abuse it. This therefore call for the need to clearly define the purpose of your relationship. Why are you in the relationship you're? What are the values that drive your relationship? There are so many reasons why people enter into relationship with an opposite sex. Some go into relationship for economic reasons. For instance accepting to 'love' a young man or a young lady simply because she/he is financially buoyant- has a lot of money to throw around for you, is economic. That's to say the purpose of such a relationship is simply to satisfy your economic needs. Some people go into relationship on political grounds. For instance, a young man that has political ambition may like to go into relationship with a lady whose father is a well known influential politician. A lot of 'amazing' reasons abound for going into relationship. Some could even be to gain social acceptance. If all your friends are into relationship, you may find out that you need to be in one for you to flow with them. The most tragic one is the one predicated on satisfying sexual needs. In my humble opinion, the leading purpose of any  relationship should be to marry. Going into relationship on economic, political, social or sexual reasons will be disastrous because ones such desire is fulfilled, the relationship is likely to brake off. But relationship on the ground of wanting to marry is good because marriage itself is a life long journey. At this point, I must say that you need not go into any intimate relationship with the opposite sex so long as you're not ready to marry. A students in secondary school or in his early university or collage days has no need for dating/courtship. All he/she direly need is to focus on attaining academic excellence & developing sound relationship with God first.

2. Control the frequency of your communication.

As I made mentioned from the introduction, it's always nice talking to an opposite sex, particularly the one you love. The necessity for having a smooth regular communication can therefore never be overemphasized. However, this must be regulated. It isn't uncommon to find young people spending nights chatting with their boy friend/girl friend. Some don't even have time for any relevant or productive activity other than talking/chatting with their 'love'. In the mornings, afternoons, nights & in fact every time is OK for them to communicate in as much as there is air time or data in their mobile phones. Tragically sometimes this happen even in worship centers like Churches & other fellowship gatherings. It's very common to find some chatting with their 'love' when lecture/class in going on. Having no concern on whether they understand what their teachers,  or  pastors are teaching or not. Our mobile service providers 'made' this worse by providing some bonazas on calls & data.

At this point I must say that, if you want to have a fruitful relationship you have to limit the frequency of your communications. For instance you could collectively decide that you will be communicating daily within the limit of one to two hours & be disciplined enough to abide by it. Failure to this may land your relationship into the den of poverty, life failure & destruction. Limiting how much you communicate will help to make you desire each other more, let you have adequate time for your personal development, be it academically, financially, spiritually & any otherwise.

3. Developing your individual self.

To enjoy a fruitful relationship, you must individually work at developing yourselves. What happens in courtship or dating relationship & indeed any kind of relationship is separate individuals coming together to share their experiences, gifts, talents, knowledge & resources . The quality of your relationship therefore is the reflection of the quality of your individual lives. As in the word of a relationship expert "God has sent you — your faith, your gifts, and your experience — into other believers’ lives for their good". That's is to say your entire life is sent to another person to make him better. A person that's struggle with sins like lust, mastubation, prayerlessness, stealing etc & academic or business failure is likely to inject such virus to his partner. If the activities that characterize your relationship is too casual or even sinful, that simply explain your lives at an individual level. But if you develop yourself in personal prayers, Bible studies, general studies, business, academics & your general relationship with people such will naturally showcase in your courtship/dating. If you have love, respect & value for people generally, you're likely to do same to your spouse. If you're impatient as a person you're likely to be impatient in your relationship. If you're a failed person in life you're like to have a failed relationship. Therefore work at developing yourself.

4. Have a balance between romance & other self development activities.

Romance is inarguably crucial in dating/courtship. But certainly relationship must not be rooted on romance. Learn to inculcate other activities that will enhance your lives such as praying&fasting together, studying Bible and other inspirational books together & where possible invest in business together. This will build in you similar thought pattern and general world view. You will begin to think & act in the same direction. You will be having less arguments & disagreement because you're building your minds, spirits, souls & bodies together. You could decide for instance to be reading at least two books in a month together, pray & fast ones & twice in a month regularly etc. I must however state that all these are easier said than done. It requires a lot of discipline. If you base your relationship on romance you will definitely discover by the time you marry that, you need more than romance to keep the marriage going healthy. I must say here that, you need to heavily invest in knowledge acquisition together. Though this may not be that easy but is really very sweet. My fiancée & I for instance have benefit so much on this. Recently we studied a book titled "The Power & Purpose of Love & Marriage". It was too fantastic reading & discussing the book together.

5. Set a boundary for your action & inaction

Don't accept to be doing just anything your heart so desired in the relationship. You have to set limits. Should you entertain kissing, hugging, caressing, sex, etc? You have to clearly define what to do & not do. Following the precepts of God as written in His word will be a good guide on this.

"Abstain from all appearance of evil." 1Thes. 5:22

Anything that is evil or look like evil you must desist from it. Sex & caressing for instance should be a no go area. "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality..." (Eph. 5:3).

Kissing in it own self isn't a sin but it could lead you to sin. So you have to decide whether you will permit kissing or not. Asides studying Gods word, seeking for counsel from godly & matured people could help a lot.

6. Discuss your life purpose/future ambition together.

Discussing your life purpose and or future ambition will also help you have a fruitful, productive & effective relationship. This you will do by helping yourself with advice on how to achieve them.

Written by:

UMAR Philip

THE BRIGHT ONES ARE NEEDED!

"It's a mistake to suppose that a dull and second-rate man is good enough for the heathen. The worst-off need the very best we have. God gave His best, even His only-begotten Son, in order to redeem a lost world. Christianity will advance over the earth with long, swift strides when the churches are ready to send their best men, and the best men are ready to go."

   - Robert Liadon in 'God's Generals, The Missionaries' pp. 191-192

In order word, the fact you're looking handsome, beautiful, intellectually bright, wealthy, rich, influential etc doesn't make you unfit for advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Rather it even makes you more profitable and qualified for the work. Normally, people that are extraordinarily gifted mostly believe that certain works of God's kingdom isn't theirs. Church people mostly believe for instance that, it is the academically failed ones, economically less advantaged, and socially backward ones that should become missionaries, pastors, prophets, apostles etc. The bright and opportune ones should get something "better" to do with their lives. This erroneously warped  believe left the leadership of the body of Christ in the hands of the "handicaps"- pastors and church leaders that doesn't in most cases know what they are doing- most of whom are intellectually bankrupt, economically bedridden, politically dull & ignorant that stop at nothing but deterring Christians from participating in politics, among others. These has for a long time reduced the influence of Christ in our society.

But come to think of it, who are those really fit for the Kingdom task? When God thought of rescuing the earth who did He sent? Was it one failed Angel at the backside of His Kingdom? NO! It was Jesus the Most Excellent One He sent. That's to say that, we need the bright ones in Church to step up and take responsibility in the Kingdom. It's an error indeed to leave the work of the gospel in the hands of illiterate, ignorant and poor ones. We need the academically sounds ones, the economically well placed, and the politically influential ones to fully participate in Kingdom task.

The Church is the most influential entity in the entire world, hence it most not be left in the hands of the "handicaps".

In Nigeria for instance, before, during and shortly after our independence, it was only the the academically dullards that were enrolled into the army. Because people believe no bright child should go into the army. But with the take over of power by the military juntas starting from 15th January, 1966, the military eventually became the leaders of the country in every aspects. It has almost become impossible for anyone to become a President of Nigeria without first been a retired military general- the sector that was previously despised. This to me explained the kind of inept leadership we have in the country. Because only the "failed ones" were pushed into the military and eventually the leadership of the country.

So also, in similar vain, if we allow the leadership of the Church in the hands of the inept ones, we will eventually have them leading every aspects of our lives which will result to a lot of catastrophe. Moreover, doing so mean, leaving our eternity under threat.

However, am not suggesting that, the less intelligent ones shouldn't go into ministry as missionaries, evangelists, pastors etc but that, the bright ones are also needed. The so called good ones shouldn't shy away from taking full responsibility in undertaken Kingdom task. I look forward to seeing governors, ministers, presidents serving as pastors, apostles, prophets, evangelists or even resigning their jobs to serving as missionaries where necessary. A friend to one of my friends who was the best students during his school days told his friends that God has called him to preach the gospel (pastor). His friends in great surprised responded by saying, 'you want to waste all your brilliance...'. It was like him going into ministry is a waste of his intellectual prowess. But glory be to God because there seems to be a shift now. You see first class students, PhD holders, wealthy individuals, politically placed people giving their all for Jesus and His work. There's indeed a great improvement. However, I believe more need to be done, particularly the so called Orthodox Churches. Honestly large number of some pastors, particularly among the 'Orthodox' circle, in my opinion are not knowledgeable enough both the knowledge of the Word of God and general knowledge which is also pivotal in the work. Remember that whatever you think you have is given to you by God purposely for advancing the gospel of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.  You may not need to leave your studies (higher degrees), your career or any of your life pursuit necessarily but know that it's all for the singular task of;

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt. 28:19-20).

Written by;
UMAR Philip