The Candid Christian

In April 2024, I watched a video—though I honestly can’t remember which one—but a single line from it stayed with me:

“Put value on your tomorrow by not messing up today.”

That quote has lived rent-free in my heart ever since.

It’s pinned on my Notes app, and I open that app at least 30 times a day. I’m not exaggerating. Every time I scroll past it, I’m reminded that today is not just about survival—it’s about stewardship. It’s about how our present decisions shape our future outcomes.

In a country like Nigeria, where many people are already carrying the weight of broken systems, delayed processes, and daily uncertainty, this reminder feels even more necessary.

When Small Choices Reveal Bigger Truths

Today, I had an experience that made this quote hit differently.

I reached out to someone to help me with a service. At first, everything seemed straightforward. But as our conversations continued, I noticed inconsistencies. New “issues” kept coming up, and with each one, the cost kept increasing.

By late afternoon, I was frustrated.

When he introduced yet another problem—that was to come with an additional charge—I asked for a refund. Instead, I was met with gaslighting, deflection, and stories that didn’t quite add up.

That’s when it hit me:

This wasn’t just about money.

It was about integrity.

Integrity Is a Long-Term Investment

Integrity is not just a moral concept—it’s an economic one.

When someone chooses dishonesty today, they don’t just lose trust in the moment. They lose future opportunities. They lose referrals. They lose reputation. They lose the compound effect of credibility.

I realized that because of how this person handled the situation, I will never recommend them. Not to a friend. Not to a colleague. Not to anyone in my community.

And that’s the real cost of lacking integrity: You might gain a little today, but you lose much more tomorrow.

The Bible reminds us: “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” —Proverbs 11:3 (NIV)

When Systems Fail, People Pay the Price

As I reflected more deeply, I saw something else.

If things were working properly in my country, I wouldn’t have needed to rely on a middleman. I would have simply gone online, filled out a form, made a payment, and been done.

But in Nigeria, many processes are still manual, fragmented, or unclear. When systems fail, people are forced to depend on individuals—and when those individuals lack integrity, the damage multiplies.

This is why values matter. This is why ethics matter. This is why character still matters.

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” — Proverbs 14:34 (NIV)

Why Today Matters More Than You Think

Every choice we make today is casting a vote for the kind of future we’ll live in.

• How you treat people today shapes your reputation tomorrow.
• How you handle money today affects your peace tomorrow.
• How honest you are today determines how trusted you’ll be tomorrow.
• How disciplined you are today decides how free you’ll be tomorrow.

You may not feel the consequences immediately—but they always come.

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” — Galatians 6:7 (NIV)

A Prayer for Nigeria 🇳🇬

As I reflected on everything that happened today, I realized how much of our daily struggles are not just personal—they are systemic. When systems fail, people suffer. When institutions are weak, individuals become vulnerable. And when integrity is no longer rewarded, hope begins to fade.

So tonight, I say a prayer for my country, Nigeria.

Dear God,

We lift Nigeria up to You.

A nation filled with brilliance, creativity, resilience, and untapped greatness—but also weighed down by broken systems, corruption, and hardship.

Lord, we ask that You heal our land.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” — 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

Heal our institutions. Heal our leadership. Heal our economy. Heal our systems.

Restore integrity where it has been lost. Restore justice where it has been delayed. Restore trust where it has been broken.

“Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.” — Amos 5:24 (NIV)

Raise leaders who fear You, not money. Who serve, not exploit. Who build, not destroy.

“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” — Proverbs 29:2 (NIV)

Protect the vulnerable. Strengthen the weary. Comfort those who are tired of trying.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

Let honesty no longer be punished. Let hard work no longer be wasted. Let dignity be restored to everyday Nigerians.

And for those of us who still believe, still hope, still pray— Give us strength not to become bitter. Not to lose our values. Not to compromise our integrity.

Help us to be light, even in dark systems. Help us to be honest, even when it’s costly. Help us to believe again.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” — Matthew 5:14 (ESV)

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Gentle Reminder to Myself (and Maybe You)

That quote is still pinned on my phone:

“Put value on your tomorrow by not messing up today.”

And today, it reminded me of something important: Your future is not built in big moments. It’s built in small, ordinary decisions—how you speak, how you work, how you treat people, how you handle money, how you show up.

May we choose integrity even when it’s inconvenient. May we choose honesty even when it costs us. May we choose character even when no one is watching.

Because tomorrow is watching.