Scene I
At James’ Place…
James puts on a concerned face. He depicts the state by pacing back and forth.
James
How long would I have to keep living from hand to mouth? I’ve been, ever since I graduated from the university, in the labor force, working myself out, having to pay bills upon bills. Yet, I spend way more than I earn!
He nods his head in utter disappointment
James
How long will this discrepancy linger?
It’s topsy-turvy being productive at my place of work…
Nothing creative, inspiring or even motivating!
The working conditions exceed the weight of being herculean.
One just keeps working, working and working….
Only to get a monthly paycheck. Work, consume and die.
Could this be reason I’m unemployed?
He’s so lost in his wondering state that he forgets someone has been knocking at the door.
Somehow, he retains consciousness. James takes a seat, but puts up a pretentious ‘’I’m fine’’ face.
James
Open, if you’re someone.
Johnson can sense that all isn’t well with James, despite his ‘’lively’’ spirit. They are both seated.
Johnson (laughs)
I’m human, James.
I’m someone.
James
You’re welcome
Johnson
I guess I’m fine.
And you?
James
So, you aren’t so sure how fine you are….wonders are just unending!
Johnson
I need no prophet to tell me my friend is worried.
James
Worried? How?
Johnson
Look. I had to knock at the door hard...about three times before you answered.
And as I came, I overheard you talking to yourself. Something like ‘’…working myself out to pay bills…’’
James (admits)
Truth be told, I’m worried.
It’s been a concern to me for some time now.
Good to know I have a down-to-earth buddy like
Johnson.
Johnson
You already know I am…
So no need for beating around the bush,’’ as the old saying goes.
Let’s ‘’hit the nail on the head,’’ as they say.
James
The nail has long been hit. Why repeat what has been done?
Johnson
I’m sorry. Never knew you’ve started the process.
James
You’d better be! This is a serious matter!
Johnson
Ok.
Johnson
When I overheard you express how bitter you were, I said to myself, can’t James give thanks to God for he is working and having to pay his bills to an extent while I’m with my mom, eating her food, having no job and can’t boast of money in my account, having graduated from school two years ago?’’
James, learn to give thanks.
James
You’re right, my friend.
Give thanks when what you thought you’ve attained is give you more than enough cause to worry.
Give thanks when what you earn as salary is nothing compared to what you spend.
Give thanks when all you do at work is to keep breathing to operate the machines in anticipation of
the monthly paycheck.
I agree, my friend, in all situations, including mine, I should give thanks.
God, I thank you for my situation.
Johnson, you can see how appreciative I am, right?
Johnson
Do you need to show me your gratitude towards God?
You know what that’s called?
James
Tell me, Mr. Man of God!
Johnson
HYPO....
James
CRISY…HYPOCRISY, huh?
You’d have just told me I’m leaving a double-standard life.
That’s the reason things aren’t moving fine for me.
Johnson
Not like that, James. I know you’re bitter.
But God’s kingdom should be of utmost concern to us.
The bible tells us so.
James
Johnson, I tell you why you seem not bothered.
Johnson
Tell me.
It appears you know my inside-out.
James
Maybe. Correct me, if I’m wrong.
Your mom is in the business of providing a roof over your head, serving you three-routine meals in a day and never complains about your rather long stay with her.
Johnson
James, don’t you ever talk to me in that manner again!
Who are you to make such derogatory remarks about me?!
Do you know how bothered I am, still living with mom and having to eat her food every blessed day without my contribution?
Oh… you never knew she complains a lot?!
James, if not that you’re my very good friend, I’d have taken my leave!
James sees the seriousness written over Johnson’s face. He tells his aggrieved friend to take his seat. Johnson feels reluctant, at first. But he finally gives in to James’ plea by taking his seat.
Johnson
You’d better watch what comes out of your mouth. The bible tells us to guide our hearts with all diligence for out of them come the issues of life and out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.
James
Ok. Now, what’s the deal?
Johnson
The deal? What do you mean?
James The way forward out of this Status Quo, meaning The Mess We Are In.
Johnson
First off, we need to dig deep into the challenge being faced. After all, “one step at a time,’’ the saying goes.
James
You’re right.
They say ‘’there is no smoke without fire. Let’s look into the very cause of my not being happy, despite being gainfully employed and why you’re still unemployed at present.
James and Johnson hear the ‘’Open the door’’ voice as the door being knocked severally. They know whose voice it is.
James
Let me get the door for him to come in.
Johnson
Oh, Alex!
By his voice, he’s always identified.
James
How are you, mate? It’s been a while since we last saw. Hope you’re good…
Alex
Yea, I’m good. You know, James, work and other stuffs have put me away from attending to other things like still keeping in touch with real guys like you.
James
That’s why we’re working…
Work! Work!! Work!!!
No time to engage in things that are inspiring, creative and beneficial.
May our Good God help us all!
Johnson heralds the ‘’amen’’ response. James does same but his voice’s tone is lower.
Johnson
Guys, you need to understand I’m a part of you.
We all went to school and graduated together.
God’s favor had smiled on both you.
You’re employed, earning good salaries, living in your respective apartments and feeling good.
But your guy; Me, Myself and I, is still sadly basking in the euphoria of living with his mom at this stage and age of his life.
James
In every situation, let’s give God thanks.
Johnson (throws up the ‘thumbs-up’ sign)
You got me on this one!
James
Got ya!
Alex deliberately coughs. He looks at James and Johnson. James shows concern as to Alex’s sudden coughing. Johnson is apparently indifferent.
James
Hope all is well
Alex
Yes, all is well.
James
Why the cough?
Alex
Simple. I want to bring to our attention something serious.
Johnson
Serious? I’m all ears!
Alex
I’ve been thinking long before now, what we are about leaving behind, long after we’re gone.
James
Very interesting! Why the thought, if I may ask?
Johnson
Why think that way, Alex?
Alex
I’ve been gainfully employed and in the eyes of the world, I’m said to be doing well.
Yet, I know for a fact that that’s temporal.
It has no permanent position.
Johnson
Throw more light, please.
Alex
You see, earning monthly salaries doesn’t ascertain how well you meet up with your day-to-day demands.
In fact, you spend more than you earn.
Johnson
Then, where do you expect to get the extra from?
James
If that were to be the case, then I’d run into serious debt?
Johnson
Like our country’s Central Bank?!
Alex
Interestingly, yes! It’s been the grace of God that has been my sustenance.
Howbeit, I’ve been moved or should I say inspired (?), to ask the question: what am I leaving behind?
By extension, what are we leaving behind? We’re young and productive.
The reason we can, at our conveniences, engage in multiple jobs to possibly earn more money.
When our strength can’t carry us any longer, what becomes our predicament?
Are we to base our living or better yet, imprinting our legacies on this transient salary earnings?
James
Only the Lord God will help us.
Our world is so busy that we are slowly but most assuredly, steadily becoming the Labor Force’s work machines.
More time at work, less time for other engaging things.
Days ago, at my place of work, a colleague of mine confided in me that he wants to quit his job in search of Greener Pasture overseas.
In his words, “SALARY is low, Always Low, Always Reducing You.’’ When I looked at it properly, he was right.
Johnson
Interesting! What an acrostic…Your colleague is such a genius!
James
I’m still talking. Do you mind?
Johnson
Ok Sir! Carry on!
Alex
This’ right.
James
As I was saying, it was then I discovered mathematically what I earn in a month is roughly equivalent to what my boss would earn in just a week!
Feeding my boss while I get next to nothing in return! Very funny!
Johnson
Funny indeed!
James
Good a thing, Johnson that you aren’t in the Labor Force.
Johnson
Good to know Alex has just raised an important concern. It pertains to us all.
Alex
Well, guys, we really have to think.
Johnson
There is no smoke without fire, you know.
James is now comfortably seated.
James
Please, reveal to us the smoke that’s causing the fire.
Johnson
Before I begin, permit me to digress a bit.
Alex
For what?
James
Only God knows!
Johnson
You’d laud me for just saying what I’m about to say.
Alex
Ok.
Johnson
Ride on.
Johnson
A certain Logan Smith once said: ‘’make your money or wealth but more important, enjoy it, for only a few gets to enjoy what they’ve worked for.’’
When we chase wealth, we put our health on the line.
And when the wealth comes, we use it to put to proper shape our health.
Personally, I was almost tempted to think of putting to action my negatively conceptualized R.A.P acronym.
It’s not the familiar Rhythm And Poetry, as in musical RAP but the conceived Ritualism Armed robbery and Politics.
But by the Grace of God, I was able to overcome the devil.
Alex
Johnson, I’m thanking God for your life that you didn’t fall into the devil’s gimmick of swaying you from God’s own path. Well done, man! Great points!
James (emphatic)
ON POINT BUT THE SMOKE CAUSING THE FIRE IS WHAT I WANT TO HEAR.
Johnson
The school system, especially at tertiary levels, has successfully made us, you and I, for instance, job seekers rather than job creators.
The education system has successfully imparted in us indoctrination.
The consequence, being the fact that knowledge has been relegated to the background.
With all our years of study, we’re struggling to make the illusory ends meet!
Building castle in the air!
Alex
You’re correct!
James
Is that all?
Johnson
No wonder Oscar Wilde said: ‘’Education is a wonderful thing. But note that anything worth learning can never be taught.’’
Einstein even mentioned that ‘’Education is what you have left after all you’ve learnt had been forgotten.’’
James
You’ve been studying.
Johnson
Yes. After all, the bible tells us to study in order to show ourselves approved----workmen who ought not to be ashamed.
Alex
Bravo! Bravo!! Bravo!!!
James
I see. Now, how do we get the best of what we’re doing?
I mean, how can we find the truth that will make us proud of what we are leaving behind?
Johnson
I think we should be self-sufficient.
James
How???
Johnson is lost for words. He uses his left hand to scratch through his head. Alex understands that Johnson has run out of ideas. Being armed with the knowledge of God’s word, he rises up to the occasion.
Alex
Johnson, you’ve tried.
Do have your seat.
Johnson
Thanks
Alex
To begin with, it won’t be out of place to applaud Johnson for his profound contribution. Alright! To be self-sufficient, guys, we need the wisdom of God that surpasses all understanding.
James
Solomon’s wisdom, you mean?
Johnson
Man, Alex is talking. Do you mind?
James
Nice one, Johnson. Alex, carry on!
Alex
The wisdom referred in the bible and that would be instrumental to tackling our challenging today is what the Greeks call PHRONESIS.
This means the ‘’wisdom of God.’’
The highest form of wisdom.
The fact that wisdom is the application of knowledge is true. Question is ‘’what is knowledge?”
This knowledge is what the Greeks term EPIGNOSIS, meaning the ‘’knowledge of God.’’
James
Oh yes. I agree hook, line and sinker.
In fact, ‘’wisdom,’’ the bible says, ‘’is the principal thing; in all thy getting, get understanding.’’
Now, the issue is how do we effectively apply this wisdom?
Alex
Pray fervently.
Notice what the Word says: ‘’the prayer of the righteous maketh power available.’’
James is a bit dumfounded. He seeks better explanation. Johnson stands to his feet again.
Johnson
Thank you, Alex. You’ve done well.
The bible is indeed the Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.
The wisdom, or as Alex mentioned it, PHRONENSIS, is understanding ways we can live off the world’s grid lock that has been programmed to fail.
How can we have our foods, build our houses, attend to our health and so on without the covert or overt consent of the world’s system should be our concern.
Asking God for PHRONESIS is the ONLY SOLUTION.
I rest my case.
Alex
Guys, you’ve done well answering my question, though to an extent.
James (surprised)
I thought it’s been all answered.
Now, ‘…to just an extent’
Alex
Will relate to you later.
Johnson
I see
Alex
You see, time is not our very good friend.
Remember, in the next fifteen minutes, there will be a football match and I don’t want to come to the View Center, our View Center, late.
Alex takes a look at his wristwatch. James and Johnson follow suit. It is done on them the discussion is a lengthy one.
James
Oh, I forgot! Just carried away by this sweet discussion…
Now, I see why time isn’t just a good friend of man.
The football match! Yes, the football match will soon kick-start.
Sorry, my guys, I wasn’t able to get us some snacks and drinks.
Johnson
It’s understandable.
Meanwhile, let’s hurry up to get there on time…
Time is of the essence.
Alex
Lest I forget, have you heard from out sisters in Christ Jesus----Sylvia, Anita and…Esther?
James
That reminds me!
There will be a meeting here next week Saturday at my place.
Johnson
True.
Alex
Yeah.
James
I haven’t remembered them in a while.
Will chat them up later.
Let’s hit the View Center!
They leave the apartment to get to the View Center, five minutes before the match.