Because a person’s soul constantly pushes them towards evil, corruption takes many forms. Corruption isn’t always direct and clear, like bribery or the systematic looting of public funds. Sometimes, it appears as an employee in an inappropriate position or in other situations that lead to mismanagement. This is what experts call “masked” or “hidden” corruption. There are many stories about corruption and the corrupt, all of which serve as valuable lessons.
The following story illustrates the true perspective of a corrupt official on their future fate. One story about corruption involves a visit by a prime minister to a kindergarten, where he asked the finance minister, who was part of the delegation: “How much is the monthly food budget for a child in this kindergarten?” The minister replied, “ $400, sir.” The prime minister responded, “That’s too much. Reduce it to $150.” The following week, the same prime minister visited a prison with the same delegation. He asked, “How much is the monthly food budget for a prisoner?” The finance minister replied, “ $400.”
The prime minister responded, “That’s too little. Increase it to $800.” The finance minister then asked him, “Sir, why did you reduce the food budget for children in the kindergarten but increase the food budget for prisoners?” The prime minister replied, “Do you think that after leaving the ministry, we will go to kindergarten?!” This wisdom comes from a corrupt but farsighted politician. Free your mind from unrealistic expectations.
There is no perfect marriage, perfect friendship, perfect job, smooth business, or flawless life. Free your mind from unrealistic expectations. Everyone suffers, but the difference is in how we handle it; some overlook and overcome crises, while others scrutinize every detail. Life is beautiful when you accept its imperfections. It is not paradise, so embrace it as it is, especially if you seek peace. When you are 25, you won’t care about the person you were at 17.
The exam you failed in grade 1 won’t matter when you are about to graduate in your final year. The problems you face today may feel like the end of the world, but rest assured, they won’t matter in a year. You will be fine. God may prevent you from experiencing bad fates in ways you don’t understand, through a car breakdown, a delayed awakening, illness, sudden psychological distress, a postponed marriage, job loss, delayed childbearing, etc. Just remember, if God had revealed the unseen to us, we would bow in gratitude for all the things He kept hidden from us.
