About two weeks ago, I attended an event somewhere in Ikeja, Lagos. Since it was a youth-centric event, I figured it will be worth investing my otherwise sacred weekend after five eventful days at the office. On arrival, something caught my eye. I noticed military vehicles and uniformed, mean-looking men loitering around the entrance. At the entry gate, all guests were being screened by men in dark suits and darker sunglasses.
It wasn’t much of a surprise since the state governor, His Excellency, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) was scheduled to be the keynote speaker for the day. The presence of the governor himself demanded tight security. The organizers thought it necessary to control who was allowed into the premises. Smart people.
Most times, I (almost subconsciously) find useful life lessons in otherwise normal events. What you’re about to read is what I found on that sunny Saturday.
Do you have any idea what it costs to hire real, professional bodyguards? That’s what came to my mind as soon as I was cleared to go in (after presenting my proof of invitation and exposing the contents of my brown bag). I tried to come up with a sum but quickly gave up the effort. One thing was clear though, a few credit alerts must have gone round to get those guys stationed at the gates, looking all ‘James Bond-ish’. All that cash (or transfers) just to control who had access to the event centre where the executive governor will be present. Think about the planning, the effort, the logistics and all that; all for one purpose- to control access.
As I thought about this, Proverbs 4:23 made new meaning. Wondering what in the world is in Proverbs 4:23? Here
“guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life” (KJV)
‘Guard’ made deeper sense after that weekend. I had to ask a friend to send me various bible translations of this verse. Here’s what she came up with
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life (NLT)
“Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts” (MSG)
“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (NKJV)
“Above all else guard your heart, it is where life comes from’ (NIRV)
That’s some heavy stuff. The word says your heart rules your life. It determines what you become. It’s your heart, dear reader, that creates your future. Not your background, not your connections, certificates, the economy or blind luck. It’s your heart. What goes on in there determines what happens out here.
Dear reader, do you have guards around your heart? Or is anything and anyone free to access it as they please? Do you have control over what you let yourself think? Think about your thoughts for a minute. Do you consciously channel them towards specific goals or are they licensed to roam wherever, whenever?
For some of us, this may sound like some psychological gibberish, but from personal experience and the stories of others, I have found this to be true- whatever you perpetually think about has a way of becoming reality in your life. It’s scary but I’ve actually proved this in my personal life. I’ve switched jobs (lower to higher) by operating this principle and I’m still applying it to other areas in my life. It really works. Now don’t get me wrong- I’m NOT saying thinking ALONE will bring about the life changes you desire. But it’s a crucial part-it’s the foundation.
“What you think about, you bring about”
Can you see the importance of your thoughts? If they are so important, that they shape your life, how much will you be willing to pay to have your thoughts shielded? Imagine if you could actually pay someone to guard your thoughts, what figure are you willing to write on their paycheque? Can you pay for the services of a ‘mindguard’?
Thankfully, we don’t have to pay some anyone to do this for us. Neither do we need fearsome biceps, a mean face or skillful marksmanship. In the concluding part of this piece, I’ll be sharing some steps that I’ve personally proved that will help you become a professional ‘mindguard’.
See you then!
Ik
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