By Olubunmi Adebayo
*The first curious thing we should notice under this topic, “Bright, Brilliant, but endangered” is that the four people we previously discussed – Abel, Josiah, John the Baptist and Stephen all died through VIOLENCE.*
*Not only this, also note that the plan of king Herod was to use violence in terminating the life of Jesus Christ. Thank God for the warning given to Joseph and Mary to run away with the new baby. The fate of the age mates of Jesus was seen in the terrible treatment they faced :*
*Matthew 2:[16] Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.*
*[17] Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,*
*[18] In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.*
*The other channels of death common for this set of people are _betrayal, bad politics and pride_.*
*Here are some suggestions to reduce the risk of early death for the bright and brilliant set of people :*
*1. _PROTECTION AGAINST VIOLENCE_ :*
*Bright and brilliant people often challenge the status quo around them : Abel’s righteousness challenged Cain’s heart of ingratitude and wickedness, while John’s confrontation challenged Herod’s perfidy and adulterous life style. You know the general reaction of people when they are challenged – they are usually hostile with everything they have or possess.*
*As much as possible avoid confrontation. Abel grew up with his brother, Cain, and he already knew his temperament whenever he is angry. He should have avoided every form of confrontation with Cain, including not going to the open field together with him at that point in time.*
*Note that Jesus at some moments in his own life, avoided some specific locations :*
*John 11:[53] Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.*
*[54] Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.*
*Do you know why Jesus avoided those places?*
*It was because :*
*John 7:[6] Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is always ready.*
*Jesus was deliberate about where he went to. Please know that avoiding confrontation or some places IS NOT FEAR at all.*
*In all the hatred of the brothers of Joseph against him, Joseph avoided confrontation with them. Not once was there any reported case of physical confrontation between the brothers of Joseph and Joseph despite their hatred for him :*
*Genesis 37: [3] Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours.*
*[4]And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.*
*Just imagine what would have happened if there was any physical confrontation between Joseph and any of his brothers while on the field.*
*Again I repeat : know that avoiding confrontation is not fear.*
*Why do you think David avoided confrontation with King Saul throughout? Even when he had the chance of striking Saul – twice he had this chance, but he avoided directly fighting against his boss.*
*It was because he knew that his becoming the king under king Saul would not be by confrontation – remember that David himself was never cowardly. He was never tactless, he was never unstrategic as a soldier.*
*The lesson is that David was war selective. Teaching us that not all battles are meant for us to fight physically.*
*2) _THE BRIGHT AND BRILLIANT MUST LEARN TO SEPARATE TALENT FROM POLITICS_:*
*No doubt, the bright and brilliant are talented and gifted people, but politics is a different ball game entirely, which they must be careful in engaging in. The battle between merit and politics is always fierce and intensive, and quite often, it does not favour the talented. Therefore, they must be careful not to get consumed in such political confrontations.*
*To be continued tomorrow, God willing.*
Top of the day to you 👍.
©️ Olubunmi S Adebayo.
