Beyond the Title

The headline on Fox News reads: “Nigeria's election death toll rises to 53.” At least 53 people died because some people contested for political office. I think about what the future of these people would have been. I think about the pain their death caused their family, friends, and associates. All these pains suffered just for the sake of acquiring titles.

Titles they say brings you power and this power enables you to make the change you desire – be it good or bad. I have read about people whose search for positions led them to commit acts of evil. The struggle for titles didn't just start today or a decade ago. In fact, it can be traced far back to the days of Cain and Abel to the days of Jacob and Esau. The atrocities caused while seeking these titles have been at the forefront since then. This also reminds me of a family friend who was killed by coworkers because they thought he was a threat to the position they wanted for a member of their inner circle. They killed a man who never struggled for this position, leaving his family members with the pain of living without a husband, father, and son.

Why then do we fight for titles/positions? Why are we so hungry for positions? Are our lives dependent on them? Can we be influential without them? Can we bring positive change without having a title? The answer, I believe is yes but to achieve this we must learn to be selfless, hone and perfect our current skills while acquiring new ones.

Selfishness – There is nothing wrong with advancing in life. As a matter of fact, God expects us to advance but He doesn’t want us to take the selfish route. One of the major issues we have as humans is selfishness. A selfish person will care only about the title and not about impacting others through service. Every position should be contested for with the aim of servings others in an honest way. Samuel was a true leader. He never fought for a title/position, and even after he was given a title, he never abused it. His testimony was:  

“I have been your leader from my youth until this day. 3 Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the Lord and his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to make me shut my eyes? If I have done any of these things, I will make it right.” 1 Samuel 12:3

We can learn a lot from the life of Samuel. We can start by being diligent in our work, serve with integrity when given the chance to do so, and have a heart of love for the people we serve.

Hone your skills and be the best – While discussing with highly successful people, many of whom hold dignified titles, one thing they all say is “be the best at what you currently do.” When asked them to shed more light as to why being the best at what I currently do is important, their response got me thinking. They said, "you only get more opportunities when you have shown that you’re capable and excellent in performing your current duties. Until this is proven, you will not be given more opportunities." After taking some moments to reflect on these wise words, I realized this was the same thing Jesus preached.

For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Matthew 25:28-19

From these examples, we would be right to conclude that more opportunities/positions will come only after we have demonstrated our excellence in our current role. Unlike some people who forcefully seek positions, when you excel in your current role, people will campaign for you to take on leadership positions others are fighting for.  

It is sad that this issue of not seeing beyond the title is found not only in the political space but also in the business and religious entities. This is a plague which if not ended, will consume our present and future. Your excellence in your current role, while you acquire more skills, will help you get to that title where you can be more impactful. 

Reference
- https://www.foxnews.com/world/the-latest-nigerias-election-death-toll-rises-to-53
- https://www.myessaywriter.net/blogs/Essay-Writing-Sample-Political-Violence