Greetings, In today’s message, I want to address something that I believe is critical to living a life of integrity, standing for the truth, regardless of whether people approve of it or not. The path I have chosen is not one that seeks the applause or validation of men, and I do not need it to stand for what is right. If anyone dislikes what I stand for, na them sabi.
One key thing we must all understand is that to gain, you must be willing to lose. Even Christ exemplified this when He laid down His life for the salvation of mankind. He didn’t hold on to His privileges in Heaven but sacrificed Himself as a common criminal on the cross. As a result, He was given a name above all names, and at His name, every knee shall bow. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, we have lost the value of a good name and integrity. The pursuit of immediate gain has become the priority.
I see people compromising their principles for political gain and acceptance. For instance, individuals who once criticized public figures like Tinubu are now shaking hands with him as if it’s a badge of honor. This lack of consistency and integrity is why many people fear speaking the truth, they worry about losing opportunities or invites to churches, businesses, or government associations. They fear alienation. But the truth is, I don’t care.
I’ve been part of one of the biggest denominations in Nigeria, mentored under a widely traveled Pentecostal preacher, but I am not afraid to lose invitations to preach because I refuse to compromise my message. Some churches refuse to invite me because they know I won’t raise money or seeds for them. Did I lose anything? No. I don’t care about whether people disassociate themselves from me because of my stance on certain issues, fearing their spiritual fathers will see them with me. Did I lose anything? No.
Despite all of this, I continue to receive invitations to speak the truth where it matters. Government bodies, for example, pay me generously to deliver talks where they need someone to speak truth to power. One such event paid me one million naira for a 30-minute talk. Is that gain? Yes. The reception I receive from people who value truth is a gain that cannot be quantified in material terms. Whether in Nigeria, Ghana, or even in places like Houston, USA, people acknowledge the impact of standing for the truth. Is that gain? Absolutely.
I’ve met people who appreciate my teachings like the lady from South Sudan, who recognized the importance of my work teaching men responsibility. Despite the pushback, men are learning, planning their futures, and becoming better husbands and fathers. Whether it is awards, recognition, or simply people approaching me at airports, these are all signs that standing for the truth brings significant gain.
I recently raised over 14 million naira for my brother’s surgery. Why would people trust me enough to donate this much if they didn’t see integrity in me? Is that gain? Yes. The relationships, respect, and trust I have built are a result of not compromising who I am for temporary favors or benefits.
To every one of you reading, do not be afraid of losing relationships or opportunities if it means compromising your integrity. I refuse to conform just to gain favor or approval. The people who disapprove are not the ones who have sustained me this far. It is God’s grace and standing for the truth that have brought me here.
In closing, I leave you with this: don’t hold on to rubbish. Hold on to God and stand for the truth. When you do, you’ll gain far more than you ever thought possible. Even if you face losses in the eyes of men, what you gain in integrity and God’s approval is immeasurable.
Finally, remember, on the 8th and 9th of November, I’ll be hosting a seminar titled Becoming a Person of Influence. For more details, send a message to +234 7052 13 6763 or contact +234 80 2121 9262.
I remain your friend,
Dr. Charles Apoki
