KNOW YOURSELF

 

Before the discovery of commercial oil by Shell in 1956, Nigeria had remained a purely primary economy concerned predominantly with agricultural activities.  The finding of oil deposits in commercial quantities however brought about the development of the oil industry and other allied industries.  Moreover, both the immediate and remote environment associated with this development all came under the influence and impact of the socio-economic improvements that followed.  Today, Nigeria is a force to reckon with in Africa and beyond.  As with a nation, so is it with an individual.

Everyone is a bundle of talents / potentials awaiting discovery and development.  Every youth is a raw material that can be tapped, polished and transformed into a beautifully packaged product.  The gold in its raw state remains unattractive and economically unprofitable but after it has been worked upon, it becomes captivating and valuable to mankind.  Think about this: For thou has possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb¦ For I am fearfully and wonderfully made¦my substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.  Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them (Psalm 139:13,16).  This is the testimony of a great monarch and elder statesman who discovered early in life his potentials and fully utilized them.

You possess unique characteristics and qualities that stand you out in life.  You are different from every other person.  There are no two identical persons on earth, no matter how closely related, even identical twins!  Do not try to imitate others or be intimidated by then.  Try to be what you are created for.  If you live your life on the basis of other people™s impression about you, you aren’t going to be your best.  Be what you think you are not what others say you are.  For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.  (Proverbs 23:7a).  Avoid imitation and intimidation. How do you do this?

You need to find out what your talent, interests and inclinations are.  Find out what career or profession excites and appeals to you.  Match your interests with your talents and abilities.  Begin to do things that will help you retain this picture or dream.  For example, you can share your dream with others of like interests and persuasion.

Listen to people who share similar vision and have accomplished something in this respect.  Then prepare yourself towards realizing that vision.  For instance, select subjects which combination tends towards that particular career or profession.  Do not doubt your abilities or capabilities.  Avoid any form of distraction or detractor.  Keep your focus.

I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved¦. Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, and that he may run that readeth it.  For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it because it will surely come, it will not tarry  (Habakkuk 2:1-3).

The moment Jesus Christ emerged on the world stage, He did not pretend nor hide His mission. He immediately proclaimed it loud and clear.  No wonder it was difficult for him to change even in the midst of oppositions and detractors.  Be determined and committed to that particular vision; it may be that which will be a force to reckon with in our modern society.  Keep off anything and everything that can hinder you from realizing your goals. Do not be a mediocre.  What your mind can perceive, your brain can be developed to become.  Self-discovery leads to self-realization and self-realization produces self-actualization.