Wilson went into the superstore to get a loaf of bread for the weekend; unlike the regular bend and pick Eke market, every item had a stake and was well shaded with a price tag; nothing was to be negotiated. The method was to come in, go to the section of the needed item, select it, check the price tag, go to the pay point and pay; after which you take your goods and leave. That sounds simple and less stressful right? While, in the popular Eke market you will have to negotiate; sometimes you go here and there until you settle for the right price for a particular item; in this method of buying and selling some times you lose other times you win.

Like the superstore Wilson went to, many people have tagged prices to life; there is always a price to talent, opportunity, faith, religion, goodness, kindness, goodwill, friendship, among others. Most times, life relationship and interaction are like auction sales; the highest bidder takes home the goods.

What is the essence of life and why the price tag? Today, the popular saying “nothing goes for nothing” has gained popularity and acceptance. A few years ago, I sent a 10-year-old boy on an errand; to get me something in a close by a store and he asked: “Brother, how much you go pay?” Meaning ‘uncle how much are you going to pay me?

The same question echoes in almost all of human relationships; the teacher, the doctor, the clergyman, the lawyer, of course, the politician, the security agent, everyone is asking: how much will you pay for my service? Policies are made in life saving institutions with emphasis on the price tag rather than the core essence of their existence. Are you wondering what my actual point is? Hmmm! I get it; how do you pay your bills, you asked? What is the essence of life and why does life afford us with all of its’ blessings?

Life is not about bills, but wills; it is not about taking, but giving. Man is blessed with humanity, which is the core essence of life. We are humans and blessed with the gift of care; to be truly human is to have love, care, affection, sympathy, empathy, forgiveness, tolerance, will, and more. When price for service and acquisition interferes with true humanity, it destroys the beautiful essence of life

The man who is blessed with intellect, sanity, maturity, longevity, articulation, moral firmness, strong will and resolute gave nothing for such great inheritance; even when it is assumed as running in the gene. It is a gift from God or do you prefer I say a gift from nature? Be it God or nature, it is a gift. The ultimate question, therefore, should be: why am I better than others; why am I this blessed? The true essence of life is the understanding that I am to make others be.

Reading through Numbers 22-24, I was fascinated with the inspirational story of Balaam, a great and gifted prophet, who at a time was hired by King Balak to curse the children of Israel, a nation he considered a threat.

Numbers 22:1: “And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.2: And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.3: And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.4: And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.5: He sent messengers, therefore, unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me. 6: Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.7: And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.8: And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the Lord shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.9: And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee?

Like Balaam, most people are blessed with opportunity, graces, goodwill, leadership, honours, greatness, power, but they have attached price tag to it; their worth is for hire; most times it is given to the highest bidder. People are made to pay in cash, kind or by ‘loyalty’; anyone who must benefit from the service must part with something.

Like the young boy I met several years ago, they are still asking: How much will you pay?
To render true service, the beneficiaries are made to go through pain, presumably, so that, they can appreciate the value; really? When we are privileged to lift someone from here to there it must not come with a price? What is the true essence of life?
Life does not consist in the abundance of possession (Luke 12:15).

Balaam was ready to go with Balak for the gain; he was ready to use the gift God has blessed him and nature has endowed him with for hire and for the destruction others.
What do you do with your gift?How much is the worth of life to you?Why are you here; for hire or for a blessing?
• The Ven. Stephen Wolemonwu is the Rector, Ibru Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor (08035413812)