Contestation With the Personality Called "ME" - Reconciling Conflicts Between Inertia and Belief Systems
Often, we search for reasons behind our lack of productivity and growth by pointing fingers at the world or the institutions around us. But is it really external factors holding us back, or is it a contest within ourselves—between inertia and our belief systems?
Take students, for instance. Common complaints include:
"There are too many unnecessary courses in my curriculum, causing poor grades."
"The teacher gave us a test on topics not yet covered, which led to my bad results."
"I don't have the textbooks my friends have, and that's why my grades are low."
Workers also tend to blame their circumstances:
"My boss doesn’t like Christians, which is why I haven’t been promoted."
"I haven’t found a job that matches my class and skill set, and I refuse to take a job that will make me suffer."
Aspiring entrepreneurs might say:
"I don’t have the funds to develop my business idea on the scale I want. Starting small doesn’t resonate with me."
Young women may feel:
"The right men aren't approaching me—men with class, means, and prestige. I’m looking for a finished product."
Young men also have their list:
"I want a wife who is an embodiment of elegance, wisdom, and grace—nothing less than Miss Africa."
And finally, there’s the national blame game:
"This country is failing. There are no good policies for business to thrive. The government doesn’t know what they’re doing, and I’d rather stay employed than risk entrepreneurship."
These are just a few examples from a myriad of excuses that represent a deeper battle: the conflict between our inertia and our belief systems.
Inertia vs. Belief Systems
Our belief systems are the philosophies, values, and reasoning we hold dear, while inertia is our tendency to remain on a fixed course unless a stronger belief compels us to change.
Inertia keeps us in familiar patterns—sometimes productive, sometimes stagnant. Yet, if we do not consistently revalidate the paths we are on, stagnation sets in, even if we perceive that we’re being productive. It's easy to continue blaming external factors, but the real contest is within. Are we resisting growth because of inertia, or are we testing our beliefs against higher truths?
For inertia to serve us well, it must undergo continual reevaluation. This validation should be based on values that have stood the test of time, especially those grounded in spiritual and supernatural truths from God.
Revalidation of Inertia
Let’s look at the examples more closely. If students claim their teacher was unfair in setting a test, yet one student excels and achieves top marks, it becomes clear that the issue isn't the test, but rather a failure to take personal responsibility. The real cause of poor performance might lie in the student's own lack of preparation, rather than the external circumstances.
In fact, I recall a case where students complained that test questions were not covered in class. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the answers were right there on page two of the textbook, which had been given to them weeks earlier. A simple review of their materials would have led to better results. The inertia here was the refusal to take responsibility for self-study.
Workers, too, must express their values beyond the prayer room or personal study. The workplace is another stage for showing integrity, diligence, and faith in action. Knowing God may happen in the quiet moments of prayer, but the evidence of that relationship is demonstrated everywhere we go, including the workplace.
Business and Belief Systems
Every business idea is divinely inspired. God, the source of all creativity, also provides the resources—both human and financial—needed to bring that idea to fruition. Yet, many remain stuck in their inertia, waiting for perfect conditions rather than starting small and trusting God to supply what’s needed. If God is the source of your business inspiration, He should also be your guide at every step, through continuous consultation and dependence on Him.
Love, Marriage, and Belief Systems
For those seeking spouses, it’s essential to realign your desires with God's values. The pursuit of superficial traits like class, wealth, or beauty can become an inertia that holds you back from receiving God’s best for you. Starve self-centered desires and seek God’s will first. When we align with Him, the gift of a godly spouse will come in His perfect timing.
The National Context
Finally, as citizens of heaven, we must view our earthly citizenship through a new lens. When you commit to being a child of God, you assume a different kind of citizenship—a heavenly one. This means we are ambassadors in whichever country we find ourselves. Understanding our role as ambassadors liberates us from being consumed by the political and governmental issues around us. Our true allegiance is to God and His kingdom, and this mindset frees us from the limitations imposed by earthly systems.
Conclusion
In all aspects of life, whether in education, work, relationships, or nation-building, the battle is not external—it is within. We must continuously revalidate our paths, ensuring that we are not stuck in unproductive inertia. When our belief systems are rooted in God’s eternal truths, they challenge our inertia and push us toward growth, productivity, and power.
To be continued...
Odusina Adewale
Hiworks Services Ltd
