LESSONS FROM MY CAMCORDER (6): USE DOCUMENTS

There are two things that happened that made me know that documents are essential:

First, I paid a “brother” who was also a businessman some money to help me get a camera stand so my work would be easier. I was getting wiser at this point. I kept going back to this person’s room, but he did not deliver the camera stand. Till date, I have no camera stand or the money. Many years ago, I even messaged the person on social media. He either feigned ignorance or he truly does not remember. I had no documents to show that I had given him that money. 

Second, I got an opportunity for a business that would cost one hundred and fifteen thousand naira. Since I lacked the capacity to complete it, I collaborated with someone who was more experienced in the business. The job was done, but I got no share of it. I was the middleman but left with nothing. I could not even ask for my share. Why? There were no documents. 

One of the mistakes you will make is to think that “everyone will be nice because you are nice”. You may think that everyone will treat you well and as you deserve. This is why many people get hurt and disappointed in the journey of life. Regardless of what you do, understand the importance of documents. Communicate if possible by email so you can have evidence. Let there be something written. 

If you pay them for a job, share the receipt with the proper description with them. Ask them if they have received it. Make sure the payment is acknowledged. Documents will protect you when arguments arise. 

I know you have a large heart and you are a man of faith. I know you want to think the best of people. It is great. But also be like Father Abraham. He was a father of faith but also a guru in business transactions. 

After Sarah died, he needed a cave in a choice land to bury her. They wanted to give the land to Abraham as a gift. He insisted on paying. The law calls it “furnishing consideration”. 

Genesis 23:5-9 NLT

The Hittites replied to Abraham, [6] “Listen, my lord, you are an honored prince among us. Choose the finest of our tombs and bury her there. No one here will refuse to help you in this way.” [7] Then Abraham bowed low before the Hittites [8] and said, “Since you are willing to help me in this way, be so kind as to ask Ephron son of Zohar [9] to let me buy his cave at Machpelah, down at the end of his field. I will pay the full price in the presence of witnesses, so I will have a permanent burial place for my family.”

After the back-and-forth negotiation, how did they close the deal? 

First, there were witnesses.

Genesis 23:16 NLT

So Abraham agreed to Ephron’s price and paid the amount he had suggested-400 pieces of silver, weighed according to the market standard. The Hittite elders witnessed the transaction.

Second, there was a document. It was deeded. 

Genesis 23:17 NIV

So Ephron’s field in Machpelah near Mamre—both the field and the cave in it, and all the trees within the borders of the field—was deeded

What is a deed? A deed is a formal, signed legal document that transfers ownership of a property or asset from one party (the grantor) to another (the grantee).

You have faith. You believe in people. Please, have wisdom too.