Do you know how to live with integrity? Taiwo wasn’t really interested in helping Ola with her mathematics assignment. She had consented to it while they were amongst friends and didn’t want to look uncool. The others had clapped for her, Taiwo never felt this good.
Now, Ola was coming over to Taiwo’s house with the assignment, any minute from now. Oh boy! Taiwo suddenly wished she had not agreed to it in the first place. Her favorite show would be coming on the television soon and she didn’t want to miss it.
‘Why the worry?’ Taiwo’s mom asked her. ‘You are wearing out the rug.’
‘I promised to help Ola with her assignment but can’t anymore. I want to watch my favorite show on television.’ Taiwo answered.
‘Now what did Jesus say about that?’ she asked.
‘We should keep our promises?’ Taiwo said.
‘Exactly!’ said her mom.
Jesus said we should not be too hasty to make a promise. Making a quick decision without first thinking it through could be a problem for us like Taiwo is in right now.
But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. – James 5:12, KJV
Keeping promises is very important as they help to build our integrity and credibility.
‘So what are you going to do?’ Taiwo’s mom asked her again.
‘I guess I can watch the show next week. Ola won’t be happy if I don’t help her as promised. I have to keep my promise.’ Taiwo said.
I am so proud of you.’ said her mother, clapping for Taiwo.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to keep my promises so I can be a person of integrity and credibility. Also, make me wise enough to not make hasty decisions or promises in your mighty name I pray. Amen.
Action plan: Are there promises you have made to others and you didn’t keep? Pray about them and ask Jesus to help you keep them. Also, ask for forgiveness from these people.
Declaration: My yes is yes. I will not be double-minded.
How are you preparing for this year? Have you started working on making better decisions? I hope you are. This morning, we will be touching on an important part of your life; your family. You will be learning how to make better family decisions.
Most times, family members are the most ignored set of people. We tend to think that they will always be there or they don’t need much from us.
Take a good look at your relationship with your family members. Do so by asking yourself these questions:
1. How often did you tell or show them you love them?
2. How many times did you help them when they needed it?
3. How often did you help your parents at home?
4. How often did you obey parental instructions?
5. How many times did you pray for your parents or siblings?
6. What was the last gift you gave your family members?
7. How often did you spend time with them?
8. How often did you fight your sibling?
These are personal questions that will guide you. You can and should add yours to these.
Showing love to your parents and siblings is important and gladdens the heart of God. As a Christian child, you are supposed to value the family system. Christianity itself is a family of believers in Christ.
Prayer: Lord, I am grateful for the people you have blessed me with. I thank you for my parents and siblings. Help me to value them more in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Action point: Start by saying a big thank you to your family members for being there for you throughout last year. You can make a big “thank you” card for them.
Declaration: I value my family. This year, I am more committed to them than ever before.
Ponder on who your friends are. Everyone has friends. They can be a great asset or a source of regret, bad influence, and the whole fireworks.
People you associate with can either make or break you. Their influence is very strong. That’s why you have to review your 2021 in terms of your relationship.
You do this by asking questions
Questions to ask include:
1. Who are your friends?
2. Are they from Christian homes and attend to the things of God with honour?
3. Do they tell lies?
4. Do they say vulgar jokes?
5. Do they encourage you to do good or bad?
Look at the questions and truthfully answer them. This helps you to know who to cut off from your side.
May God keep and bless you with good friends. Amen.
Prayer: Lord, make me a better companion and bless me with good company.
Action point: Make a list of all your friends and start to examine your friendship.
Declaration: I make better decisions this year in Jesus name.
Decide to be better in the coming year. As the year runs out, it’s time to take stock of how you have spent the year. Look at what you have achieved and what you have not achieved.
It is time to start preparing for another year and how to be better.
Areas to prepare for include:
a. Your spiritual life:
How did it go? How was your relationship with God? How much of fellowship with the Holy Spirit did you have? How much of God’s word were you able to store up?
b. Academics:
Did you improve in your grades? Did you make more friends in school? Did your teachers commend you over your general wellbeing?
c. Health:
How often did you see the physician? Were you conscious of your food intake? Did you fill your stomach with junks and unhealthy foods?
Other areas include personal growth, social endeavors, and so on.
Do a breakdown or get the help of an adult to do so.
You have to set goals for the new year. Goal setting is best achieved when you have the help, support, and encouragement of others. Why?
When your goals seem unachievable, you aren’t too sure about them anymore and feel like giving up totally on them, you will need people to help you.
You can tell others about your goals. Doing so is not to make you look holy or think less of those who don’t have goals like you.
When people know your goals, they could offer encouragement and support. You want to start studying the bible and you tell your parents, they could offer to remind you daily to study, as well as ask you questions about what you have read – start up a discussion where you will learn more from them or offer you materials that could help you study well.
The Ethiopian eunuch was reading from the book of Isaiah and didn’t understand what it was about. It took the Holy Spirit sending Phillip to him before he could understand, after which he gave his life to Christ.
What do you think the eunuch would have done if Phillip hadn’t come? He probably would have just given up.
Phillip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?’ He answered, “How can I understand? I need someone to explain it to me!” Then he invited Phillip to climb in and sit with him (Acts 30-31).
Do not go on a solo ride in goal setting. Involve God and others.
