MUTCU BLOGS

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Tag: jesus

  • DAME OF DILIGENCE: THE PROVERBS 31 WOMAN

    DAME OF DILIGENCE: THE PROVERBS 31 WOMAN

    Gentlemen, this article is penned by a woman for women, but nothing stops you from reading along, after all, who among you doesn’t secretly admire a woman of valor? Men and women coexist beautifully, each bringing unique strengths to life’s dance. Yet today, we turn to the sisters with a timeless challenge from Scripture: Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. (Proverbs 31:10). Campus life beckons at young christian women with fresh friendships and bold dreams. Yet temptations whisper: late-night texts from guys, sleepover invites masked as study help, parties louder than Christian Union calls. Pressure builds in dorm chats and within the school streets. Will you bend or rise? Enter the Dame of Diligence and see how she turns these tests into triumphs. Follow through as we answer this query together.

    First we talk about her character that radiates inner strength. She brings him well, not harm, all the days of her life. (Proverbs 31:12) You mean all the days of her life? How is that possible? This certainly talks about consistency. You see, character is most often seen by others yet it is made. Not on the outside but in the inside. Looking at the bible, there are several accounts of women whose characters were excellent and some who were downright wicked. Mary for instance is one of my favorites. Mary, the mother of Jesus, stands out in the Bible as a woman of profound humility, vibrant faith, and courageous obedience that perfectly mirrors the noble character of Proverbs 31. When Gabriel announced her divine calling, she humbly declared, “I am the Lord’s servant; may it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38), embracing scandal and hardship without complaint from explaining her pregnancy to Joseph, fleeing to Egypt, and standing at the cross.  Her reflective heart pondered God’s words deeply. In stark contrast to Mary, Jezebel emerges in the Bible as a woman of destructive pride, manipulative idolatry, and cruel defiance that utterly rejects the noble character of Proverbs 31. As wife to King Ahab, she aggressively promoted Baal worship, slaughtered God’s prophets, and orchestrated Naboth’s false-accusation murder to seize his vineyard for greed (1 Kings 18:4; 21:1-16), reveling in power without humility or fear of the Lord embodying the opposite of strength with dignity or wise speech (Proverbs 31:25-26). While Mary’s yielded faith turned trials to testimony, Jezebel’s unrepentant rebellion brought judgment, warning against women who wield influence for evil.

    Secondly, her diligence never rests. Diligence means steady, careful, and energetic effort over time, often tied to faithfulness in work, planning ahead, and serving others without laziness. She watches over the affairs of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. (Proverbs 31:27,). Imagine a nursing student who is crafting bead bags for sale, channeling earnings to aid first-years’ fees. She wakes before dawn, studies then goes around school selling her stuff. Hard work turns modest starts into mighty impacts. especially in Proverbs 31, where the noble woman rises early, works willingly with her hands, and provides for her household (Proverbs 31:13-15, 17).​ A prime historical example is Susanna Wesley (1669–1742), mother of 19 children including John and Charles Wesley, founders of Methodism. Amid poverty and her husband’s frequent absences, she rose before dawn for personal Bible study, managed the family farm, educated her children meticulously (two hours daily per child), and discipled them in faith shaping global revival through her tireless home leadership. Now this is diligence.

    The Proverbs 31 woman radiates foresight and mission-driven purpose, shrewdly assessing opportunities and investing wisely for her household’s thriving future, as verse 16 affirms: “She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard” (Proverbs 31:16). This mirrors Ruth’s bold persistence in gleaning Boaz’s fields, securing redemption and a legacy in David’s line (Ruth 2:2-3; 4:9-10). As author Elisabeth Elliot wisely noted on foresight, “The woman who is truly disciplined is the one who can say no to the trivial and yes to the eternal,” echoing the noble woman’s confident laughter at days ahead (Proverbs 31:25).

    “The woman who is truly disciplined is the one who can say no to the trivial and yes to the eternal”

    Elisabeth Elliot

    The Proverbs 31 noble woman possesses incomparable worth “far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10), carrying herself with majestic grace and unyielding poise because her identity roots deeply in God’s unchanging truth as His beloved daughter a royal princess secure in her Heavenly Father’s embrace, not in fleeting human validation. She rejects the trap of seeking approval from men’s glances or words, standing firm against lures of compromise or ill intent, for she knows her value flows solely from Christ’s redemption: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (Proverbs 31:30). No applause or criticism can shake her; clothed in strength and dignity,

    Sisters, embrace the Dame of Diligence as your living reality attainable, not unattainable! Her noble spirit pulses in every Proverbs 31 verse, calling you to priceless worth, shrewd foresight, graceful poise, and joyful labor rooted in God’s truth. Yes, it’s truly possible: ordinary women like Mary and Ruth became extraordinary through yielded faith. “Many daughters have done virtuously, but YOU surpass them all!” (Proverbs 31:29). Rise now and claim your legacy, live it boldly, and watch God multiply your every step into eternal impact!

     By Ms Kanyiri.

  • “I AM BACK:Breaks are not the end, they are God’s reset for a greater beginning.”

    Hey there, young Christian!
    How are you? How have you been? It’s been a while since we last interacted in this space, but I’m glad to say—we’re back!

    It’s been about four months since we were last here, and in that time, a lot has happened. We’ve had our highs and our lows, but through it all, we thank the Lord for His mercies and grace.

    Today, I want us to talk about breaks and stepping back—especially as a Christian. Just like seasons change, sometimes in our walk with Christ we may need to pause, reflect, and let God strengthen us.

    Ecclesiastes 3:1 — “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

    Yes, there is a time for everything—a time to work very hard and a time to rest. And resting is not a sin. The real question is: What do you do in that moment of rest?

    Isaiah 40:31 — “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…”

    When you step back, wait on the Lord. Meditate on His love while He prepares you for the next season. Stepping back doesn’t mean giving up—it’s often part of God’s process of renewal.

    Mark 6:31 — “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

    Even when life pauses or gets hard, God restores. Think of Job: though he faced unimaginable trials, he remained faithful. His story reminds us that breaks are not failures—they are divine pauses that shape us for deeper growth.

    Taking a step back allows us to return stronger in faith, clearer in purpose, and more committed in service.

    And remember—
    Philippians 1:6 — “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

    So, if you’re in a season of stepping back, don’t feel guilty. Instead, lean into God’s grace, knowing that your comeback will be greater than your setback.

    See you more on this space.you are unique,you are loved,you are cherished.

  • COME MEET MY ROLE MODEL BY HENRY ORIATO

    COME MEET MY ROLE MODEL BY HENRY ORIATO

    The cruelest and dumbest thing I ever did to myself was getting life inspiration from a gangster. ooh my!! Up to date, I’m still learning to forgive myself!
    Let me explain; so growing up before finding my true identity in Christ, I wanted to become a hip-hop artist just because I saw them flaunting lots of money and the world celebrating them, I was blindly drawing inspiration from them without accessing if the lifestyle they lived day to day was acceptable before the eyes of God. This really affected my relationship with God and also people around me, because the attitude and behavior I carried was more on the toxic side.

    From my personal experience, I can deduct that most of the time our personality is always greatly influenced and affected by our role models.!
    And for this reason, Paul urged us to follow his example as he follows Christ’s example 

    Imitate me as i also imitate Christ. (1 Cor 11:1).

    Well, Jesus grew in favor with God. God from heaven spoke out on how He was pleased with him because of committing to God’s will in every situation even to the point of death! I really wonder why the society can’t normalize making Christ a role model to all! I mean He never did wrong nor rejoiced in wickedness nor entertained religious hypocrisy and was always in right standing with God. What a perfect model!

    Drawing identity from Christ is the best thing one can do to themselves. Christ was the Son of God, so you also stand a chance to become a child of God. He was holy and blameless, so one is also conformed to the holiness and righteousness of God, in Him is life so as to draw eternal life from Him and so on…

    oriato.H

    No other foundation can we lay than that which is in Christ. When the word says that we should literally follow Jesus, it means that exactly. He is the greatest role model. Do you want to live an excellent life? look at the excellent model. Do you want to mean if our spiritual foundation is set right and there’s the good “fear” of God, then every other aspect of life and the society will be set in place.

    Nevertheless, i do not want to rule out the importance of us having role models. A role model is a person whose behavior, example, or success serves as a model for others to emulate, particularly younger individuals. The concept emphasizes the influence that role models have on shaping the values, aspirations, and behaviors of those who look up to them.

    Most Christians fall prey of the ideology that the they do not need someone to emulate because they have Jesus as their perfect example. This is so wrong. It is loud pride and lack of wisdom. In real sense,we do not just need role models but we need saved ones. What fellowship can we have with those that are not in the kingdom? Role models play important roles in our lives.

    Role models can be family members, public figures, teachers, relatives and so on and so fourth. They play an important role in not only shaping our behaviors but significantly influence the moral compass of individuals, shaping their beliefs and ethical standards. Positive role models can lead to enhanced self-esteem and resilience. It is also important to note that the choice of role models can affect career paths and aspirations. For instance, individuals pursue careers in fields where they see successful figures who share similar backgrounds or interests.

    ‭

    I hope that this has challenged you to have a role model if you don’t. Find a role model in the church community,business world and the international setting. Let them be the kind to challenge you that as you are building your capacity intellectually, socially and economically,your spiritual life is also built. Do not settle for less even as you look unto your role models. Know what you stand for and uphold your values.

    lastly, We all have a responsibility of being role models to other in speech,love,conduct,love,purity as brother Paul would say. If not you then who? Christians need to be found in the corporate world having successful businesses, owning great companies and being the cream of the society. Every believer is also called to be a role model. This reciprocal relationship means that individuals must strive to reflect Christ’s character in their own lives, thereby influencing those around them positively. Spread your wings out there, explore opportunities do not settle for less. Someone out there is looking up to you. Be encouraged.

    Christians need to be found in the corporate world having successful businesses, owning great companies and being the cream of the society.

    by Ms k

  • DEALING WITH CHURCH HURT BY JABEZ AYUGU

    We left church but not God”, “I like their Christ but not their Christianity” are some of the common phrases used by many of Christians who in one way or the other have been injured by the so-called brethren in Christ. These injuries may often result from unmet expectations, feeling judged and condemned, isolation, broken trust and even broken friendships or relationships with a fellow church mate/ Christian.

    We need to understand that Christians are still normal human beings with special ability of the Holy Spirit, so making mistakes is not an exception and the mistake may hurt you in a way or the other. I do understand that even in the confines of the church, born again people can hurt us and fracture our hearts but this should not push us out of the church but instead push us into Jesus and his love.

    Well, troubled and hurt brother or sister, If Jesus chose to carry the hurt caused by those around Him what do you think would be our story? what did Jesus choose to do?Those that hurt Him were the so called saints of that time. How did He deal with them? Let us look at the scripture;

    Colossians 3:13-14
    “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

    We need to understand that church hurt doesn’t invalidate the overall value of the faith and the principles that were left by Christ. In other words, it doesn’t make every Church ‘hell’. This is so helpful to build a broken trust and establishing new church relationships.

    First, Christ left us a commandment to forgive others as a prerequisite for us to be forgiven by God. Sometimes we just forgive not because the wrong doer has asked for forgiveness but because it’s God’s desire and also it Gives us enough peace. Healing from church hurt is a personal and intentional journey and it involves forgiving those who caused the harm.

    It also involves seeking professional help in extreme cases where a therapist would come in handy to help you out of the pain and agony caused. It is of importance that the therapist should be of the same faith.

    Healing from church hurt can also be done by separating completely or taking a break from the hurting group or church if the hurting is always being repeated and finding another place that God will lead you so us to avoid the wound from growing worse.

    Personal development and growth are of valueless help to get over a hurting process. It helps you focus on yourself and ensure if happens again impact is so minimized and reduced to the least effect. Spiritual health is the most crucial part of life of any believer hence spiritual growth will play the biggest help in the whole process of healing from church trauma.

    Reconciliation with the specific individuals who the drift came with is again priceless. Reconciliation fosters genuine repentance from the offenders. It should be done with a third party who is neutral but a spiritual leader or even a sound believer who will show the council of God in the whole scenario. At this point let us refresh our mind and renew it with what the Word says;

    Matthew 18:15-17 (NIV)“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church…”

    Above all, the help of the spirit is all that matters in helping one to heal from not only church hurt but any wound. He is ever close in distress, pain and even in best life moments. He stays closer than a brother. You have a wound so deep that you feel it’s too deep for you to forgive,allow the Holy Spirit to help you heal. Give up trying to heal by yourself.He knows you are hurting and He is so ready to help you heal. surrender the hurt heart and let Him do a heart surgery. Quitting church is not the option. Quit the stony wounded heart and let God teach you to forgive and love. He is the best reconciler who needs no certificate in reconciliation.

    “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

    If being hurt by the church makes you loose your faith in God then your faith was in people but not God. This is food for thought. I will leave you to ponder on this quote ;

    “Church hurt is one of the most difficult wounds to heal, but you must remember that the church is full of broken people trying to be whole. Healing begins when you stop expecting perfection from people and start looking for grace from God.”( T.D JAKES)

  • FASHION AND CHRISTIANITY

    MUTCU MODELS 2023/2024

    How long should be my skirt? Should I dye my hair blue or red? What of sagging my jeans? Is wearing ripped jeans a sin? Are you conversant with these questions? Have you ever found yourself asking such? Can I be a fashionista who is a Christian or a Christian who is a fashionista? Well journey with me as I give a piece of my mind.

    Fashion in Christianity encompasses a range of perspectives on how believers should approach clothing and adornment. It is emphasizing on principles such as modesty, respect, and the reflection of inner spiritual values. Christianity should not be a boring religion just because of some stereotyped beliefs about how Christians should be dressed. Typically, in our Christian culture, church day is usually the day of showing off your cutesy dresses and your stylish suits. it is in Africa where you will find most Africans dressing best on Sundays compared to other days. Stereotypes often portray Christian fashion as being overly modest, conservative, and lacking in style or creativity. These stereotypes can be limiting, as they do not account for the diverse range of styles and expressions within the Christian community.

    Christians in the traditional setting did not uphold fashion in the ancient times. Fashion is not secular. Christianity and fashion are crucial in the current generation, commonly known as the Genz `s. Fashion communicates. It is an outward expression of a body language.

    BY MARTIN GITAU (MR MUTCU)

    Fashion is more than just clothing; it’s a form of self-expression that can reveal a lot about a person’s values and beliefs. Now that we are linking fashion and Christianity, let us see how fashion and spirituality are connected. Having a good sense of fashion as a Christian should not be underestimated. Like any other person, we all want to look beautiful and handsome and smartly dressed. This will include blending colors appropriately, dressing our bodies according to our body types and adorning ourselves moderately. This among other styling techniques qualifies us in being called fashionable. More often, we find ourselves going to the extremes of compromising our inner values just to appear “fashionable”. In the recent past, I have found myself compromising my values and ending up dressing in a queer way just to please others or due to some unrelenting peer pressure. This leaves others questioning your values. Just like me, many Christians have found themselves prey to this peer pressure.

    The real question is not what is right or wrong, or how to dress or not…It is what or who sets the standard for how we should do it. What is your motivation every time you wake up and dress up for the day? What is your real intention of dressing up the way you decide to dress?

    Fashion should never become an idol in our lives. The fashion industry and its products should not be something we worship. The vicissitudes of the fashion world reflect the fleeting nature of the world in general: “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). A fashionist friend of mine in an interview gave me his peace of mind on fashion and I really found it making a lot of sense. It was a statement that left me building castle of uninterrupted thoughts. In his statement he said…

    Christians should not borrow fashion from the world. They should have their own fashion style so that they could influence the world with it. Think of a Christian named brand of stylish shoes or a Christian branded handbag. It would be a better and attractive compared to Christianized secular brand. What I mean is that Christians too have the needed creativity in making their autonomous brands and flourishing in them.

    BY AAYUGU JABEZ

    It isn’t wrong to wear nice things. It isn’t wrong for a Christian to be fashionable or operate in the world of fashion. But there’s more to life than fashion. Jesus said,

    “Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes” (Luke 12:22–23).

    It isn’t wrong to be fashionable as long as we keep things in the right perspective and the fashions. We choose not to contradict biblical standards. Fashions that are immodest, selfishly draw attention to oneself. They blur the lines of gender, which are off-limits.

    We live in this world but are not of this world. Therefore, we ought to become beacons of light and represent our lord Jesus Christ. Fashions that require us to set Christ and His Word to the side, even momentarily, should be avoided. First and foremost, in our lives is Christ. We don’t have to throw away all fashionable trends. But we do have to pick and choose. In the end, we must purpose in our hearts to never throw away Christ. So, get up and be creative, unique and modest in your dressing. Inspire the world to look like a Christian. walk like it! look like it! dress like it!

    BY MS KANYIRI

  • Devotion: Transformation Through The Power In Christ

    by Henry Oriato

    ‘But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. ‘

    ~ Romans 8:9

    Until You accept Christ and receive the baptism of the Holy spirit, which is a free gift to all. (Acts 2:38), Which is a free gift to all, you wont understand the things of God. You’ll be hostile to him and his precepts.

    Precepts are rules or principles, especially those governing personal conduct. God is a spirit and you can’t satisfy him in flesh.(Romans 8:7-8) You must be born of the spirit.

    Most people are afraid to get born again because they don’t know how they’ll resist the desires and temptations of the flesh to sin

    Well, after your baptism into Christ you’ll no longer live but it will be Christ living in you (Gal 2:20) and he’ll guide you through the paths of righteousness for his name sake by the power and strength of the Holy Spirit. You’ll have the passion of Christ in you, that is hating evil and pleasing God the Father by doing his will.

    ‘I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. ‘

    ~ Galatians 2:20

  • Overcoming Fear in Evangelism: Fulfilling the Great Commission

    by Eudius Wabera

    “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations” ~Mathew 28:19

    Jesus gives us some very important instructions in Mathew 28:19 to ‘Go’ and make disciples out of all nations, But for us, sometimes it’s easier said than done.

    Reminds me of the first time I went out for evangelism, I really was very anxious, because one; I had never evangelized to anyone ever, also I am kind of introverted myself thus approaching new people is not something that I do oftenly, I also wasn’t sure what to say so it wasn’t easy for me. But we had a prayer session before we went out for the evangelism and it really helped me a lot, I don’t know how but The Lord provided the utterance. I also had good guidance from of some of my friends who accompanied me who gave me some encouragement.

    “Evangelism scares us. When we’re not regularly telling others about Jesus, we feel guilty. When we are, we wonder if we’re doing it right, if the person we’re sharing with is going to reject us or, worse, ask us a biblical question for which we won’t have an answer. “

    ~baptispress

    Now, here are some things that can help us overcome the fear of evangelism

    Prayers

    Prayers is one of the ways we can communicate with our Father. Through prayers we can ask God for strength and utterance and above ask for His will to be done (Hebrews 4:16, Philippians 4:6-7). Through prayers and the word of God, the Lord also instruct us.

    “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

    ~Hebrews 4:16

    The Word of God

    The word of God is God breathed (2 Tim 3:17).It’s only through God’s word that we are transformed through the power of the Holy spirit given to us. The word being the lamp to our feet and a light to our path, (Psalms 119: 105) guides us and helps us overcome every challenge we may face. (Eph 6:17) ‘THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT’

    “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

    ~Timothy 3:16-17

    Guidance from fellow believers

    Heading out to spread the good news with your friends can really help you tackle any nerves about sharing your faith. You can lift each other up, swap experiences, and help each other out with any hurdles you encounter. It’s all about having each other’s backs!

    Being Intentional

    We are entrusted with the sacred responsibility of zealously sharing the boundless love of God with all, leveraging our unique capabilities to seize every moment and propagate the gospel. Let us keep in mind that the scriptures affirm that our lives are not our own, but a vessel for the indwelling of Christ; therefore, prioritizing the fulfillment of His will on earth must be our paramount focus.

    Remember that the Spirit Is in You

    We have the spirit of God in us. We are not given a spirit of fear but a spirit of power, love and sound mind. (2 Tim1:7) And we are called to overcome. During evangelism you can come across people who have questions, this should not intimidate you, just let the Holy Spirit use the living Word inside of you to bring the truth

    “I dare you to make a head first, eyes closed leap into a conversation with someone about Jesus.”

    ~ Jason Larson

    In conclusion all this is that the name of God may be glorified and there is joy in heaven when one sinner repents more than ninety-nine others who need no repentance (Luke 15:7).

     

     “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

    ~Philippians 4:13

  • Excellence: Capacity building and Self development

    By Ms Kanyiri

     ” Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives – choice, not chance, determines your destiny.”

    ARISTOTLE

    Excellence means being exceptionally good and outstanding in all you commit to do. Well, It just means striving to be the best you can be and to do the best you can do in all your endeavor’s. Excellence reflects moral virtue and therefore strives towards what is positive, valuable and praiseworthy.

    Pursuing excellence begins from a point of  realizing that there is NO ultimate!! -You have to keep moving forward because there is more to God’s plan for you and me. Excellence comes as a result of building more capacity and developing yourself for increased efficiency. Bytheaway,  you might be asking yourself, “what is the whole point of developing and leading a life of excellence whose capacity is well built?” I will answer you shortly.

     I will start by narrating a small fable of a man who sets on one morning to chop trees.The man sets to work using a dull axe, and despite his best efforts, he makes very little progress. An  old man comes by and asks the man why he is struggling. The man explains that he is trying to chop down the tree, but his axe is too dull. The old man suggests to that man that he should take a break and sharpen his axe. The man is hesitant to take a break, feeling that he doesn’t have any  time to waste, but the old man insists, explaining that sharpening the axe will actually make the task easier and more efficient.The man finally takes a break and sharpens his axe. When he returns to the task of chopping down the tree, he finds that it is much easier and faster with a sharp axe, and he is able to complete the task in no time.

    This metaphorical story shows the importance of taking breaks and investing time and effort into self-care, skill-building, and preparation before fulfilling our assignments.

    “Pursuing excellence begins from a point of  realizing that there is NO ultimate!! -You have to keep moving forward because there is more to God’s plan for you and me.”

    Building up and developing oneself takes significant time which may actually be mistaken for wasting time,  but in essence it is quite the opposite. It became easier for the man to cut the tree once he invested in sharpening his axe. The story emphasizes that taking time to sharpen our tools and skills can actually save us time and effort in the long run, and make us more effective and efficient in our tasks. And this actually clearly shows that developing oneself is for increased efficiency. Try to take a break from trying too hard and focus on sharpening  your skills. It may take listening to many scholars and reading hundreds of  books to perfect your writing skills, watching a number of tutorials to improve your cooking skills, attending a number of training sessions to better your coding skills and alot more. Achieving excellence is never easy to do. Excellence is a quality that people really appreciate, because it’s so hard to find.

    From a Biblical perspective, being outstanding or extremely good seem most applicable when it is seen as the pursuit of, or abounding in, Christ-like virtue. The fact that we have been perfected in Christ , does not exempt us from pursuing excellence.

    This is a mistake oftenly made by arrogant believers . Self development also known as personal development covers the entire being. We develop spiritually, economically, academically and socially.

    It is God’s will for us to develop. Outside Him, there is no development. It is only through Him and In Him that we can develop. Yes you heard me right. It is only through His way not the World’s way. Probably, you are wondering how, How so?  So, you want something more grounded, more of this world… Sorry, the Bible does not have much in common with these: leadership, speaker, success, team-building, manager qualities, training, speech, influence, vision, potential, focus, efficiency, business, coach, mentor and CEO. Not that it despises them − even its’  heroes have been recognized for these things – but puts in front of all these a coefficient of something else, an infusion of divine. Today, personal development is promoted without God. Instead, the biblical equation is clear: personal development = the knowing of God. so, if you want to know what does the Bible say, then look for people who have developed themselves with God.

    “Excellence is a quality that people really appreciate, because it’s so hard to find.“

     "And Jesus increased in wisdom (in broad and full understanding) and in stature and years, and in favor with God and man."- Luke 2:52

    Have a closer look- see the personal development of Jesus: ‘Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men’.  An ideal example of how self development ought to be. It is a series of overlapping categories within four domains: mental (wisdom), physical (stature), social (favour with men) and spiritual (favour with God). Jesus has already set the bar for us. He has shown us how a life of excellence should be. He changed the entire portfolio of personal development. If we are to speak collectively, try Ephesians 4: 13-15, where the goal for all Christians is clearly set: to be as Christ, that is, to be at the height of His stature.

    "But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in ALL things into Him who is the head -Christ." - Ephesians 4:15

    The emphasy here is that we must grow in ALL things. He is the standard man. Jesus is the flawless standard man who knew the secret behind self development. We therefore must emulate Him , bringing us to the conclusion that self development comes from a point of knowing God first and then following the example of Christ.

    “The biblical equation is clear: personal development = the knowing of God. so, if you want to know what does the Bible say, then look for people who have developed themselves with God.”

      In conclusion, it is indisputable that the  building blocks of excellence form the bedrock upon which personal development is constructed. Self-awareness, goal setting, continuous learning, resilience, self-care, and positive habits intertwine to create a robust foundation that propels you toward growth and achievement. Personal Excellence is the journey of positive development beyond one’s self and is a step by step process of improving oneself in every aspect of life. Although the process is difficult and requires patience but it benefits those who want to live a successful life of excellence.It requires building up on a life of discipline. Many things get in the way of pursuing excellence, including apathy, carelessness, and laziness. Our sinful nature is that part of us that is unlike God and is in fact in opposition to God and His excellence.  We cut corners, we shirk and we find ourselves  settling  for second best (or third or fourth best).

    “God’s cure for our careless ways is to remind us that He is our ultimate judge. We must answer to Him for how we spend our time, our resources, and our energy . Striving for excellence should be a part of all we do.“

    “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving”  - Colossians 3:23–24.

     Aware that it is Christ Himself we are serving, we don’t want to present Him with anything but excellence. Whether it is leading in praise team or serving the community or whether it is cleaning the church or pursuing our careers. we should strive for excellence in work ethic, in character, and in craftsmanship. No one is good at everything, but we’re all good at something. God expects us to develop the skills and gifts He has given us in order to serve Him and others better. Paul addressed the subject of excellence in Romans 12:6–8: “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” In other words, find your gifts and use them with excellence.

    Blessings

  • EXCELLENCE : Behind the Curtains of Achievement

    By Steven Nzioka

    “The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.”

    In the pursuit of excellence, we often find ourselves  trying to answer the question of ‘how do we achieve excellence?’ While talent may be innate, it is the relentless dedication and hard work that truly paves the path to excellence.

    “Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution.” Excellence  is the relentless pursuit of perfection in every task  we undertake. “

    Usually The first and greatest victory is conquering oneself as true success lies in the ability to overcome setbacks through unwavering determination and effort.

    Malcolm Gladwell, In his book “Outliers,”introduces the concept of the “10,000-Hour Rule,” suggesting that mastery in any field requires approximately 10,000 hours of dedicated practice. By embracing deliberate practice and consistent effort, we can inch closer to excellence with each passing day.

    So the journey towards excellence, is a multi-dimensional endeavor that demands, dedication, perseverance, and a deep commitment to growth. And as we navigate through the intricacies of this pursuit, we encounter the following dimensions that shape our quest for greatness.

    “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

    1. Hard Work:

    At the heart of every extraordinary achievement lies the toil of hard work. Excellence is  earned through relentless efforts which include mastering a skill, excelling in academics, or hard work is the foundation upon which excellence is built.

    "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." - Colossians 3:23

    2. Discipline:

    Discipline is the unwavering commitment to stick to our goals, follow through with our plans, and resist the allure of distractions. It ensures that we stay on course, even when the journey is tough, and the path ahead seems uncertain.

    "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." 
    - Hebrews 12:11

    3. Resilience:

    In the pursuit of excellence, setbacks  are inevitable. However, it’s our ability to bounce back from these adversities that sets us apart. Resilience fuels our perseverance and propels us forward, no matter the challenges we face.

    4. Passion:

    Passion is the fire that burns within us, igniting our enthusiasm, and fueling our determination. When we are passionate about what we do, we are willing to go the extra mile, push beyond our limits, and strive for greatness with unwavering zeal.

    5. Self-Worth:

    Self-worth provides the foundation upon which we build our confidence, resilience, and determination. When we recognize our own value and potential, we unleash our innate abilities and pursue our goals with unwavering conviction.

    6. Focus

    Focus is  the ability to channel our energy and attention towards our goals, blocking out distractions and staying laser-focused on the task at hand. With this we maintain clarity of purpose and make steady progress towards our aspirations.

    In conclusion, it’s by embracing these core elements and integrating them into our lives, we unlock our full potential and embark on a journey towards greatness. So let us embrace the challenge, rise above the ordinary, and strive for excellence in all that we do.

  • Excellence: Should be more within than without

    By Jimmy Wanjuhi

    “Excellence is not being the best. It is about doing your best. “

    So What does it mean to be a man of excellence?

    Many of us picture it in terms of praise worth achievements like winning championships, being always at the top of your class or even having wealth more than everyone else. Yes all this do in a way define excellence but looking at the bigger picture,  is there a long term sense of fulfilment after these accomplishments.

    You see When you become the best in something, there is always the sense of accomplishment, it causes a dopamine rise, but it soon fades away as fast as it came. Sometimes the reason most of us strive to excel in something is so as to show the world how good we are.

    Sometimes the reason most of us strive to excel in something is so as to show the world how good we are. If this becomes the motivation, then definitely it becomes a habit and can easily lead you to a loophole.You’ll have to indulge in more and more risky stuff for you to get that dopamine rise. So, in this context, excellence only becomes an addiction, a bad one I may add. We’ve heard stories of people who died while trying to break certain records.

    Let’s flip the coin. What if we change the narrative? What about we stop striving to excel so that people can see us. We stop caring about the accolades we’ll get and our focus becomes, ‘how to do the best.’

    “Don’t climb a mountain with an intention that the world See’s you, Climb with an intention to see the world. “

    Excellence should be a drive from the inside not from the outside. The desire to excel should be exclusive of the fact whether somebody appreciates it or not. As the famous quote goes, “If an egg is broken by an outside force, life ends. If broken by an inside force, life begins.”

    A Bibilical Perspective

    Imagine the life of Jesus. What if Jesus forgot about His purpose and was concerned about what people said about Him? He would have spent most of His time proving them wrong instead of establishing His ministry. Despite facing criticism, rejection, persecution, etc. He remained focused on His mission of spreading love, compassion and teachings of redemption.

    “A leader who speaks the truth seeks to empower you while the one who tells you what you want to hear seeks to control you”

    The reason why the life of Jesus is a story of excellence is because He didn’t seek approval from His audience. He didn’t aspire to be liked, but to fulfil His purpose. He knew in order to excel He had to tell people the bitter truth, whether they like it or not.

    In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus talks about the light. He compares light to a town built on a hill; it cannot be hidden. He teaches that we should let our light shine upon others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify God in heaven. Note this; ‘that they may see your good deeds and glorify God in heaven.’ So, whenever we live a life of excellence, the goal should be to bring glory to God not to self. 

    Matthew 6:1-4; “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. ~ NKJV Version.

    Jesus warns against seeking approval from men. When we do deeds of excellence it should be the same, it should not be for men to see and to praise us, but our deeds should bring glory to God and there can be no greater reward than this.