THE SIN OF EXTORTION BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

 Your situation is not hopeless, light arises in your dark hour because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: 

THE SIN OF EXTORTION BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

Ecclesiastes 5:1

"Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.'

   A businessman who is into sale of beef lamented that the increase in the price of beef in the market was as a result of the amount spent on the highways while bringing them to the market . This runs into millions of naira . He claimed there were numerous checkpoints by government security agencies each demanding money before they could be allowed to travel . Same applies in many areas of Nigeria were services are needed by citizens. The area where our church is located has been without electricity for eight months because of this evil by persons in authority . This has resulted in business failure and losses by residents. 

   Extortion by security agencies is a grave sin that goes against God’s principles of justice and righteousness. Luke 3:13-14 provides a clear warning against such acts. When soldiers and tax collectors asked John the Baptist for guidance, he instructed them, “Don’t collect more than what you are ordered to, and don’t extort money or accuse people falsely.” This underscores God’s command for fairness and integrity, especially for those in positions of authority.

    Extortion is not only unjust but also defiles the sanctity of offerings given in church. Isaiah 61:8 states, “For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing.” Using ill-gotten wealth to give offerings is hypocritical and dishonors God. Proverbs 21:3 further emphasizes, “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” God desires clean hands and pure hearts, not offerings tainted with injustice.

   The consequences of extortion are dire. As corrupt practices flourish, trust in security agencies erodes, leading to increased lawlessness and insecurity. Proverbs 29:4 warns, “By justice, a king gives a country stability, but those who accept bribes tear it down.” For societal stability, leaders and citizens alike must reject extortion and uphold God’s call to righteousness.

 In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and for righteous governance in our country. 

 PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to preach the gospel.

+2348035536911, +2348098536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com