SELF DEVELOPMENT (2)
Dear Reader,
I believe you are already experiencing God’s blessings, as you adhere to the teachings of this month. In the first part of this teaching, I unveiled to you some basic ways to develop oneself for the future. I also said you are meant to be single and useful, not single and useless.
I like to emphasize that how you carry and comport yourself with elegance without any pretence or ingenuity, goes a long way in taking responsibility over your life. This understanding will indisputably bring you added value, meaning, joy and fulfilment. This will augment your worth and acceptance, thereby bringing you fulfilment in life.
In this second segment, I’ll like to emphasize on discipline, which is the hallmark of excellence. Excellence as someone right said is a journey; discipline is the vehicle that will aid you in pursuit of greatness and excellence in life.
Everyone loves to be great; everyone loves to excel in life’s adventure. But how many are ready to pay the price for it? Someone said, “Life is not a sprint; it’s a long distance race.” No wonder God’s Word says: And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things (1 Corinthians 9:25).
To secure your future, you must learn to discipline your behaviour. That means, if you must arrive at the colourful future you dream of, it is expedient for you to put yourself under a disciplined self-programme that helps to monitor your advancement on the journey of life.
Discipline is usually for improvement. It is the ability to regulate your conduct by principle and sound judgment, rather than by impulse, desire, peer-pressure, or social custom.
Self-discipline is one of the hardest qualities to achieve in personal development. For example, instead of going out with friends to play, you must be able to control yourself (sometimes) to stay back and study. Self-discipline means that you have to be very determined, to achieve the goals you have set.
Without goal-setting, it is very difficult to go far in life. So, before you start a project or work, be sure to set a target, a goal. A wise man said, “Goal setting is the strongest force for human motivation. So, set a goal and make it come true.”
Another principle of self-discipline is to have a strong desire to achieve your goal. When you have a goal, make sure you pursue it to fulfilment (1 Corinthians 9:26-27). Also, persevere in spite of failure. You need to preserve in whatever you are doing. Refuse to give up easily (Philippians 3:13-14).
Briefly, let’s look at some vital secrets that will enhance your pursuit of personal development:
- A Discovery of Your Life’s Purpose!
Discovering your life’s purpose entails engaging in doing something that interests you. There’s something that you were genuinely created for, to accomplish on this earth. God’s Word says: Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee…and I ordained thee… (Jeremiah 1:5). This discovery will influence every other aspect of your life for happiness, satisfaction and fulfilment. May you find it on time!
- Accept and Believe in what God made you to be!
Note that you didn’t just happen; you were made – specially crafted to be a new creature and an ambassador of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17, 20), a royal priesthood (I Peter 2:9), salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16). It is the understanding of all these that will definitely enhance your personal development in no small measure.
- Live Life One Day at a Time!
God’s Word says: Be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6). The cares, riches and pleasures of this life choke up the destinies of many, thereby robbing them of the exemplary lifestyle they are destined to live (Luke 8:14). Instead, learn to talk to God about every area of concern in your life. Endeavour to live each day of your life as it comes to the full. You shall not fail!
To be able to benefit from the points that have just been discussed, you need to surrender your life to Christ. You surrender by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. If you are ready to be born again, please say this prayer “Dear Lord Jesus, I come to You today acknowledging that I am a sinner who needs Your forgiveness. I believe You died for me and rose again on the third day. Forgive me my sins, wash me with Your Blood and write my name in the Lamb’s Book of life. Thank You Lord for saving me.”
Congratulations! That’s it! Till I come your way next time, please call or write, and share your testimonies with me through: E-mail: contact@faithoyedepo.org; Tel. No: 07026385437, 08141320204.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian Bookstores: Singles With A Difference, A Living Witness and Marriage Covenant