“Na where you dey work, you go chop. That’s why dem dey call am work-chop.” Na popular phrase for Naija wey almost everybody sabi. E dey sweet for mouth and e dey even sound like say na true word straight from heaven.
But the way people dey use am now e no pure again. People don use that saying as excuse to cut corners for where dem dey hustle. From small shops to big offices, the work-chop spirit don enter everywhere. Many youths no dey fit work for person again without touching wetin no be their own. Civil servants and public workers sef join. Bribe, tips, stealing, everything don turn normal.
But the truth is, this mindset is wrong. Yes, people should eat from where they work, but not through dishonesty means. If someone works, they deserve to be paid and to enjoy their labour. But not by forcefully or secretly taking what was not given to them in whatever disguise of "appreciation or tips" . That’s stealing, fraud, extortion, and it's against both conscience and God’s Word.
The Bible says in Luke 10:7, “The labourer is worthy of his wages.” Meaning, yes, you deserve to eat from your labour. But not through dishonest means. Many people have used this phrase to justify greed and corruption in their places of work.
When you take what doesn’t belong to you, be it little or much, you are damaging trust. Some even demand, "anything for us?", "show me love", and so on. You are also planting seed that may bring bad harvest later. You might think nobody is watching, but God sees everything. And that little thing might block a bigger blessing.
The Word of God also says in Luke 16:10, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” So, you see? If we can’t be trusted with small things, how can we be trusted with greater things?
It’s painful, because even good people sometimes feel like if they don’t “chop” from the system, others will use them and throw them away. But we have to choose the right path. It may be slower, but it’s sure. It may be harder, but it brings peace and respect in the long run.
At the end, what matters is our integrity and the kind of name we build for ourselves. People may laugh at you for not taking shortcuts, but when trouble comes, it is the clean hands that sleep well.
Let us not normalize wrong. Let’s not justify sin just because everybody is doing it. You can work, and eat from your work, but let it be honest. That’s the only way God will bless it.
Hebrews 6:10 says: “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love...” So, even if no one thanks you or notices, God does. He’s the real Boss.
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Mbimda Ali Mbishida
June 14th, 2025.
© The Inspirer
#powerthoughts
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