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Introduction

Excellence and industriousness, rightly combined with knowledge and professional acumen, have the proclivity of producing the expected results. This also works for unbelievers who know and practice this principle. In this Newsletter, the act of righteousness in maintaining God´s approval is discussed.

Recognition of Diligence

Diligence is a necessary ingredient that a person cannot ignore if s/he wants to be approved of God. The Bible clearly puts it: “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men” (Pro 22:29). If a person is not committed to his course and discipline, s/he would only sit with people at the bottom. It is not possible to be lazy in your profession and attract the attention of the king. It is by being industrious that gives a person an access to Kings and high places.

Maintaining the Exalted Position

A person, through hard work, could be exalted to be with dignitaries, but to remain there depends on his character. After some people have been lifted high they soon fall into the trap of the evil one. Pride takes over their lives and they cease to be who there were before their exaltation. Other people also, when refuse to retain God in their knowledge and they begin to commit unwholesome acts.

Having been lifted up, adultery and fornication become their new lifestyle. They start following the lust of their flesh and do things that are forbidden by our God. Unfaithfulness takes over their lives and they begin to corrupt themselves with lies, unhealthy competition, abuse of power and authority, and they become apostate, among others.

If a person gets promoted to a high office, there is one thing that can keep him/her there, and that is righteousness. Isaiah writes that ” In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee” (Isa 54:14).

Another scripture also affirms that “It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness” (Pro 16:12). David knows this so he pleads with God to open to him the gates of righteousness that he might go into them and praise His name. It is this gate of righteousness into which the righteous shall enter (Psa 118:19-20). From the foregoing, righteousness is an open door that ought to be accessed by believers. Believers need to willingly strive to enter and remain in this door of righteousness in order to remain in their exalted position in
Christ and in our society as they pursue their calling and societal roles.

Conclusion

Being diligent in one´s area of calling and business has the ability to raise him or her to sit with kings and dignitaries. But to be established in that position requires righteousness.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we pray that you cause us to remain humble and faithful when we are promoted. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. AMEN!

Introduction

Sometimes, people who were once approved are no longer remembered for their high performances. The reasons for this include their inability to upgrade or update themselves to meet the demands of the times in which they operate. Here, the need for a life-long learning is emphasized because it prevents one´s memory from decay and help him or her to stay updated.

Learning

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2Ti 2:15).

A person can show himself or herself approved through learning. Learning has been defined differently by different people but in this newsletter, learning is defined as the acquisition of new competencies, knowledge or skills. Learning takes place at all times. In other words, it is a life-long and a life-wide phenomenon. Learning is expected to take place in schools or in classrooms but it does not always happen that way. Learning does not end after graduation but continues until death.

People who commit themselves to continuous learning are able to positively affect lives. It does not matter what their expertise might be, acquiring knowledge in those disciplines is more likely to make the person stay relevant. Paul was able to perform well in his ministry because he studied most of the times. When Paul advises Timothy to study the word of God for God´s approval, he knows what he means by that. It is said of Paul, in his defense before Festus, that “Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad” (Acts 26:24).

Increasing Knowledge

“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning” (Pro 9:9). Wise people continuously seek knowledge. They learn to instruct or teach themselves. They invest in their personal development so that they can stay on top. They know that knowledge is in books. Though much study is a weariness of the flesh (Eccl 12:12), those who commit themselves to studying and acquiring knowledge receive great rewards. Believers ought to buy the books written in their areas of their gifts, potentials, abilities, and interest.

Also, Open University courses, Summer Schools, and short courses are great tools for acquiring new competencies or deepening knowledge in people´s areas of expertise.

Again, believers could also join professional associations or bodies in their field of specialties, subscribe to their newsletter and journals to help them expand their body of knowledge and stay upgraded to remain relevant in this fast-moving and competitive world.

Furthermore, since learning takes place through social interactions, believers would be helped if they would interact with people with relevant professional acumen. They could also attend conferences or seminars and seek to network with key people and institutions in order to learn from them.

Moreover, it is worthwhile to seek a Mentor. You would do yourself good if you can identify a person who is more experienced in your area of calling or potential and ask him or her to mentor you. Here, you would have to submit to his or her instructions to get the maximum out of him or her. It needs to be understood that people who are able to do well in their professions are those who have been mentored by more skillful people. Elisha was mentored by Elijah, Timothy and Titus among others were mentored by Paul, to mention but a few.

Conclusion

A disciplined life is an ingredient to learning. Knowledge is available to those who seek it because it is not gained without learning. Learning is a continuous process and it continues until death. Humans, therefore, need to explore all avenues that would make them stay up-to-date in their areas of calling or expertise.

Prayer: May God give us the will and the commitment required to study to show ourselves approved in the various areas of our operations. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. AMEN!