Opinion
By Rt. Comrade Emmanuel Johnny
There is always a divine purpose for meeting or knowing someone in life. No meeting is a mistake and no relationship is by accident. God intentionally brings people our way for a reason, even when we do not immediately understand the reason.
Sometimes, people come into our lives to bring life-changing opportunities. Sometimes, they come for our capacity building, for our personal growth, for learning and for exposure. In some cases, people come into our lives to teach us bitter lessons that will help to reshape our lives and make us stronger and wiser.
Other times, people come to give us a particular information, knowledge or skill that we need to move to the next level. Some come to solve a problem for us, to open a door, to connect us, to guide us, or to correct us.
When you come across someone in life, if such a person is not adding value directly, he or she will surely make you learn some lessons. Every human encounter is a school. Either you learn what to do, or you learn what not to do. Either you gain wisdom, or you gain experience. In all, you are growing.
It is pride and arrogance to despise someone you have already known, thinking he or she is not useful to you. That mindset is very dangerous. No human being is useless as long as he is alive. Everyone carries something unique. Everyone has an experience, a connection, an idea, a talent, or a lesson that you may need tomorrow. The person you look down on today may have the information that will save you tomorrow.
Valuing relationships is a good investment. It is one of the best investments you can make in life. Most relationships do not yield fruit immediately. Some may yield fruit after ten years, some after many years, while some yield immediately. But every genuine relationship that is nurtured, respected and maintained has the potential to become useful at the right time.
Many great opportunities in life do not come from certificates alone, they come from people. People are the bridge to opportunities. People are the link to destiny. That is why it is wisdom to keep good relationships, to respect everyone, and to be of good character.
However, there is one exception. The only person you must avoid is anyone who is a threat to your life. If such a person is your sibling, family member, friend or loved one, and as long as they pose a threat to your life, do everything possible to avoid them. Distance yourself from them.
Your life is more important than any relationship. No relationship is worth your life. Who is alive has direction. As long as there is life, there is hope, and there is a chance to rebuild, reconnect and start again. But when life is lost, everything ends.
Therefore, value people, but value your life more. Keep good relationships, but never keep a relationship that wants to take your life. Be wise to know who to keep close and who to avoid.
In all your dealings, treat everyone with respect, maintain good character, be humble, and never look down on anyone. For no one is useless in life provided such person is alive, but your safety and your life must come first.
*Johnny is the President of the National Council of Civil Society Organisations (NACCSO) and founder of Vision One Leadership Development Initiative (VOLDI).
