A normal Nigerian policeman (1) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?
Mark 8:36.

A normal Nigerian policeman (1)
In 1978 I entered the Nigerian police service. Like every policeman in Nigeria, as a custodian of the law I enjoyed a certain amount of power and some privileges over my compatriots. We all understood this to be part of our profession.

In April 1983 there was a fatal road accident between the capital Lagos and Ibadan. Two people were killed, and three others severely injured. Together with a colleague I had to clarify the details of the accident. I ordered him to take the injured to the nearest hospital.

My task was to search for objects that might lead to the identification of those involved. I searched the first car. Two things made me curious: a briefcase with cash worth about € 1,000,- and a new Bible, in which there was no name. As I was alone, I took possession of them. Such titbits were the joy of a normal Nigerian policeman.

I spent the money in less than three months, but the Bible still lay on table at home unheeded. Months later I had "forgotten" the matter, as did every normal policeman, until one day a colleague who was a friend visited me. He saw the Bible, flicked through the pages and happened to come across a passage with today's verse above: "What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?"

That reminded me how I had got hold of that book. But I tried to put it out of my mind, and a week later I went on holiday.

(to be concluded tomorrow).

Today's reading: Isaiah 38:1-16 · Hebrews 4:10-16