Cup Of Faith Daily Devotional 26 October 2022 – Extortion In The Workplace

TOPIC: Extortion In The Workplace

BIBLE TEXT: “Do not have two differing weights in your bag—one heavy, one light. Do not have two differing measures in your house—one large, one small. You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. For the LORD your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly.” – Deuteronomy 25:13-15

Extortion is a pervasive global problem that threatens developing and developed countries alike. Defined as the process of extracting monetary or other forms of payments by means of violence or the threat of violence, extortion now permeates all levels and facets of economy, commerce and industry, reaching into all echelons of society around the world. From large corporations, to small-scale and informal businesses – few are spared its clutches.

Extortion operates in both legal and illegal markets, and in some cases it extends beyond economic activities. This evil has taken hold in a myriad of contexts, from public services and utilities to private establishments, transport networks and informal vendors. Marketers extort innocent and helpless customers by unnecessarily hiking the price of goods, products and services. Weights and measures are no longer honest and accurate. In fact, extortion has become the language of work and business.

Transporters do same to commuters during rush hours and particularly when there is scarcity of fuel. They unnecessarily hike fares to stranded commuters.

In public service, the story is not different. Public servants extort people they are supposed to serve, they extort money to treat files and carry out their legitimate assignments. Public agents working with different agencies are notorious extortioners. Instead of bringing relief to the public, they add more burdens by way of extortion.

Security personnel are not left out. They threaten people and force them to part with huge sums of money in the name of maintaining public order. They are fault finding in their approach to service. It is the masses that suffer the failure of the government to pay them well.

What can we say of academic institutions where students are exploited and extorted by both the academic and non academic staff. They make students to pay for books and services that should be freely given.

Beloved of God, extortion is almost everywhere. It cuts across almost all professions. The desire to get rich quick and make ends meet has led very many people to opt for the alternative of extortion and stealing by style. Today’s text should remind us that God detests every form of extortions and dishonest deals. The cumulative effect is loss and destruction. Therefore, refrain and depart from this evil and wicked practice.

PROPHETIC PRAYER

I pray for you today

1. May the Lord break the yoke of extortion in our system in the name of Jesus.
2. The Lord will bless you beyond your expectations.
3. He will satisfy you with the spirit of contentment.
4. You will not be a nuisance to the society.
5. Receive grace to prosper..

So shall it be in Jesus name. Amen

Have a good day.

CHRIST IS THE ANSWER.

Yours in Christ,
Revd Dr. Bayo Sola Aremu
Church pastor
Yaba Baptist Church
Sabo-Yaba, Lagos

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