Stress is a common adversary in our fast-paced, demanding lives. It can manifest in various forms, affecting our physical health, emotional well-being, and mental clarity. While stress itself is a natural response to life’s challenges, our inability to manage it effectively can lead to a cascade of problems. It’s crucial to acknowledge that we cannot eliminate stress entirely, but we can navigate it more gracefully. Our responses to stress as believers must be different from the world. In order to address the problem, we must recognize its signs. Stress often disguises itself as restlessness, irritability, sleep disturbances, and even physical ailments like headaches and muscle tension. It’s essential to be attuned to these signals, as they indicate a more profound issue that needs attention. To manage stress properly we should do the following:

1. Recognize Stressors

Start by identifying what makes you stressed. Stressors are the triggers, the roots, the underlying causes that bring stress into our lives. They come in various forms and can be unique to each individual. Is it work related? Relationships, financial concerns or health issues? There are external stressors and internal stressors. External stressors originate from the external environment. Common external stressors include heavy workloads, tight deadlines, financial pressures, relationship conflicts, and major life changes like moving or starting a new job. Identifying these stressors is often more straightforward, as they are tangible and visible in your day-to-day life. Internal stressors are however deeply ingrained in our thoughts and emotions. These can include self-doubt, perfectionism, unrealistic expectations, and fear of failure. Internal stressors can be challenging to identify since they’re rooted in our mind. Paying close attention to our thought patterns and emotional reactions can identify these stressors.

2. Prioritizing

From work commitments to family responsibilities, social obligations to personal goals, the unending commitments can often lead to stress. One powerful tool for managing stress is prioritizing. By consciously determining what truly matters and focusing our time and energy on those priorities, we can reduce stress and find balance. Prioritizing involves making conscious choices about where to invest your time, effort, and attention. It’s about recognizing that not everything is of equal importance, and some things deserve more focus than others. When you identify what truly matters, you can allocate your resources more efficiently. This ensures that you give your best to the most important aspects of your life while reducing stress over less crucial matters. The Bible offers profound wisdom on prioritizing, Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Jesus here, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God’s kingdom and righteousness above all else. It encourages us to focus on spiritual and moral priorities, trusting that our other needs will be met when we seek God’s guidance. When our priorities are aligned with godly values, we are sure to find peace and reduce stress.

3. Time Management

Time often feels like a precious, limited resource. Juggling work, family, and personal commitments can quickly lead to stress. Time management is not just about making schedules and setting reminders. It’s about recognizing the significance of our time and using it wisely. Time management helps us to:

• Avoid Procrastination: Procrastination often leads to increased stress. Effective time management encourages us to tackle tasks promptly, preventing them from piling up and becoming overwhelming.
• Set Realistic Goals: Time management involves setting achievable goals within specific time frames. This prevents the stress associated with unrealistic expectations and the feeling of never having enough time.
• Achieve Balance: Balancing work, family, and personal time is crucial for stress reduction. Time management helps ensure that we allocate time to all areas of our lives, preventing stress from one aspect from spilling into others.

4. Delegate Duties

In the fast-paced world we live in, many people find themselves overwhelmed with responsibilities, both in their personal and professional lives. It’s easy to become stressed when we attempt to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. However, the practice of delegating duties to others can be a powerful stress management tool. Delegation is not a sign of weakness; rather, it’s a sign of wisdom. Delegating responsibilities means we don’t have to carry the entire burden on our own. It allows us to concentrate on what really matters while entrusting the tasks to those with the right skills and ultimately leading to more efficient and effective outcomes.

5. Engage in healthy physical Activities

The Bible provides wisdom on the importance of maintaining our physical well-being. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” This verse reminds us that our bodies are precious, and taking care of them is a way to honor God. Engaging in physical activities that promote health and reduce stress is a way to show gratitude for the gift of life and the body God has entrusted to us.  Activities, such as exercise, can be a powerful means of alleviating stress and promoting overall well-being.  Exercise can act as a natural stress reliever. It helps reduce cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, resulting in a sense of calmness and relaxation.

Considering the multifaceted strategies for stress management we have explored from a biblical perspective, it is evident that our faith can be a powerful anchor in turbulent times. This biblical journey through stress management leads us to trust, pray, and believe that we can handle the challenges that life throws our way. As Philippians 4:13 reminds us, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Stress is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to define it. The next time you sense stress creeping in, pause, take a break, plug in your earphone and head out for a walk.

The advancement and invasion of technology in the world today presents us with a plethora of options whenever we bump into a crossroad and need to make decisions. Life is full of choices, some insignificant and others with profound consequences. The choices we make have significant impacts on our immediate and approaching future. From choosing a career path to determining who to spend your life with, we often seek for guidance and counsel at uncertain times and at crossroads. Biblical wisdom offers important insights that can guide us in making scriptural and morally responsible judgments. In this article, we’ll explore the trove of biblical wisdom that can act as a lighthouse for the challenging process of decision-making.

1.Motives: Lying quietly underneath every decision is a motive. The why. Why do you want to make that decision? What’s the drive? A PUSH OR A PULL? Proverbs 16:2 dealt righteously with this “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.” It is funny how sometimes may not even mask our motives with pretended ignorance. Motives can be deceptive and only through the help of the Holy Spirit and Godly sincerity can we rightly discern what is truly driving us. It’s not all our motives that are always printable. As a believer who has a niche in the corporate world or somewhere else in the world, saddled with the responsibility of decision-making, it is important that you get the issue of your motives settled first.

2. Time: I recently heard someone talk about how urgently she needs to make a decision about something because she feels she is running out of time. Time rushes us sometimes as a subtle pressure. It somehow seems we would not have the time to pause and breathe. As much as timely decisions can be game changers, haste usually wastes. Patience is the king of virtues that affords us clarity beyond the rush hours. It grants us the time to evaluate options, weigh consequences, and consider long-term impacts. A diligent man first plans the proceeds thoughtfully and systematically (Proverbs 21:5). This is a luxury a hasty man cannot afford. When faced with critical choices, take a step back, breathe, and exercise patience. It’s in these moments that you might receive the clarity you need. Time always speaks and reveals.

3.Experiences: The Bible often emphasizes the importance of learning from ugly experiences. Proverbs 26:11 states; “Like a dog returns to its vomit, so is a fool who repeats his foolishness”. Experiences are blessings from God, which together with Faith, guides us through the uncharted waters of the unknown. God is always calling us to remember where we fell so we can make the right decisions. History repeats itself because men don’t learn from history. Reflecting on how similar choices have turned out in the past can guide us in making better decisions in the present.

4.Counsel: “Where there is no guidance, the people fall but in the abundance of counselors there is victory” Proverbs 11:14. Nothing can be closer to reality. When a leader is surrounded by good counselors, he stands and his vision stands with him. It is wisdom to seek counsel from trusted individuals before making decisions. The insights gained from diverse perspectives can help you identify pitfalls or advantages you might have overlooked.

5.Consequences: With every decision comes a consequence whether good or bad. It is therefore important to do the math before making an emotional arithmetic progression in decision making. Have you assessed the potential risk? Do you have a contingency plan? What will this decision cost you? Can you afford such cost without compromising your faith or lowering you standards? Will the consequence jeopardize your integrity or hamper your witness of the gospel? Think about how your decision might affect your life and the lives of others. Taking the time to evaluate the consequences of your actions demonstrates wisdom.

On a final note, great decisions are borne by asking the right questions. Why do I need to make this decision? When must I make it? How do I make it? How was I able to make other great decisions in the past? Who should I consult about it? What might be the outcome? What will it cost me? The questions we pose shape the contours of our choices, and guides us toward solutions that align with our values and aspirations. Just as a sculptor chisels away a block or stone or wood to reveal a master piece, asking the right questions will carve the path to clarity and purpose. Through thoughtful inquiry, we navigate the complexities of life, sifting through uncertainty, and peering into the depths of possibilities. It is in the quality of the questions we ask that we unearth the gems of wisdom that illuminates our ways forward. Remember that the decisions you make are only as strong as the questions you dare to ask.

Leadership according to the Word Web Dictionary is “the ability to lead”. Hence, leadership is deeply rooted in exemplary living, and cuts across various aspects of our lives. It plays a crucial role in shaping the direction of organizations, communities, and even personal relationships. For us as believers, pursuing excellence in leadership is not just a worldly endeavor but also a spiritual calling. And this must be reflected in practical lifestyle and in contrast to what is obtainable in the world.

Excellent leadership is characterized by a strong commitment to serving others with humility, leading by example through virtuous living, and upholding Christian values such as honesty, integrity, and compassion. It involves effective communication, reliance on prayer, divine guidance, and the empowerment of others to reach their full potential. Christian leaders showcase excellence by persevering through challenges and setbacks while remaining steadfast in their faith, ultimately making a positive impact on their community and guiding others towards becoming like Jesus.

Excellent leadership is characterized by a strong commitment to serving others with humility, leading by example through virtuous living, and upholding Christian values such as honesty, integrity, and compassion.

One of the most fundamental principles of Christian leadership is the concept of servant leadership. Jesus himself exemplified this when he washed the feet of his disciples. To showcase excellence in leadership, a believer should prioritize serving others with humility. This means serving without lording it over God’s heritage. It also requires selflessness. means putting the needs of others ahead of personal gain, being a good listener, and seeking to understand and meet the needs of those being led

Leading by Example

Leading by example is a clear and straightforward way to demonstrate excellence in leadership. Christians should strive to be role models in their behaviour, ethics, and values. This means living out the principles of love, honesty, integrity, and compassion in their daily lives; publicly, and more importantly,  in their private conversations. There should be no ambiguity in communication; should be able to convey their vision, values, and expectations clearly to their team or faith family. They should also be skilled active listeners, understanding the concerns of those they lead, and addressing them with empathy and kindness.

A strong reliance on prayer and seeking divine guidance is also a hallmark of leadership. Leaders should regularly seek God’s wisdom and direction in their decision-making processes. This practice not only helps them make better choices but also sets an example for those they lead in relying on God for direction.

Integrity for Excellent Leadership

Excellence in leadership also entails integrity and sound ethical conduct. Leaders should maintain high moral standards and make decisions based on godly principles, even when facing difficult choices. Upholding honesty, fairness, and transparency in all dealings is vital. A great leader empowers others to reach their full potential. Instead of hoarding power and control, they delegate responsibilities and trust their team members to carry out tasks. Empowering others fosters growth, builds trust, and enables the development of future leaders within the organization or community.

Leadership often comes with challenges and setbacks. To showcase excellence, a Christian leader should exhibit resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Trusting in God’s plan and remaining steadfast in their faith can provide the strength needed to overcome obstacles. Excellence in leadership is grounded on principles of servant leadership, leading by example, effective communication, integrity, and ethical conduct. It involves a commitment to prayer, empowering others, and demonstrating resilience. By living out these principles, a Christian leader can make a positive impact in their organization, community, and the lives of those they lead, staying true to their faith. Leadership, when guided by ethical values, becomes a powerful force for good in the world.

Managing time wisely and setting priorities is crucial to achieving personal and professional milestones. Time effectively managed can bring evident transformation.
Time is such a precious gift and as such, should be utilized intentionally. To manage time effectively, you must recognize:

• Your season,
• The goal,
• What you need to achieve the goal,
• How you plan to achieve the goal,
• The time required to achieve the goal,

Once the above is determined and the goal is set, it is essential to do the following:

1. DRAW A PLAN: There must be a goal-map for direction, reference and accountability.
2. PRIORITIZE: Determine what is crucial to the goal, from High priority to Low priority. What is urgent? What is essential?  What can wait?
3. DELEGATE: Delegation allows you to leverage the skills and strengths of others in achieving a task. It saves time, increases productivity, and boosts efficiency. Assigning tasks to those who excel in specific areas encourages improved or added learning styles.
4. BLOCK TIME TO EXECUTE: Allocate specific blocks of time to tasks or categories of work. This builds structure and ensures you give attention to your priorities, reducing distractions and multitasking.
5. AVOID PROCRASTINATION: If something can be done in two minutes, complete it and move on to the more time-consuming tasks. Do not keep pending a task that can be done now for later.
6. LEARN TO SAY NO: It is okay to say no when necessary to less important commitments to free up your time for the more important ones. It is good practice to be on only some projects. Know where and when to say my schedule is booked and can only take on what is necessary.
7. COORDINATE: Frequent check-ins to assess progress and identify what is working and what is not working help ensure proper time management coordination. There must be a system of feedback on what you do
8. REST: Avoid burnout and take care of your health. You are most productive when you are well-rested and healthy.

If you must see any goal through to a successful end, time management must be at the fore. How you manage your time determines how progressive you become. It is important to understand the brevity of life. Time is finite; hence, you need to put first things first. What can wait, what can be delegated, what needs to be done now? How do we piece everything together to make sense?

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19

Until we begin to see “GO” as a command that must be followed and obeyed we are yet ready for workplace evangelism, we need to see that workplace is one of the “nations” that need to be taught, the workplace is a field to do the work of an evangelist.

Everyone, (rich or poor, executive or manager, supervisor or floor staff, Accountant or lawyer, Engineer or architect, white or black, single or married, men or women), who experiences this new faith in Christ with a transformed life, owes the world; friends, siblings, colleagues, clients, associates, neighbors and employers, the duty of preaching to them. It is not a favor that we are doing; it is a compelling injunction, command & our most important assignment on earth.

We can’t excuse it with our jobs, career, business, education, social life, difficult situations, and ambitions. We’re indebted to everyone, as a matter of duty, to introduce Jesus to them.

The paradigm must shift from mere invitation to church and become “christened” without becoming a Christian indeed.

“He that wins a soul is wise”. Hebrews 11:30.

Winning souls is one of God’s measurement of wisdom

We need to be asking questions like “what wisdom do we need to win a soul in workplace?” or “what biblical tailored approach can we employ to close the wide gap between professionals in corporate culture and an evangelist among the congregation?”

CENTER POINTS.

CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE

Excellence is a culture to be learnt in order to promote work place evangelism, excellent individuals in corporate organizations always create a pathway to meet organizational vision in no time, and this empowers colleagues and accelerates growth.

An excellent individual sets himself up to impact, influence and gain credibility among the people around him; excellent culture enables you to have magnetic effect, you become attractive to people.

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit, and habit can be learnt. Excellent workers have the spirit to do outstanding work. They set the pace for others to follow. If you want to be great at what you do, look for ways to do it better. Be the best that you can be. Even if perfection is elusive, go out and get it. Develop your passion for excellence.

Excellence is simply spelt Excel, they just have different spellings.

Excellence doesn’t win people to Christ but it creates a platform for you to be attracted to the people who need your message. Do excellent work and wait for the door of opportunities to open unto you and enter with the message of the gospel.

Doing excellent work is a passage for your message.

You were not employed as a pastor; you were employed as a professional. Do your job and don’t sacrifice your employers legitimate working hours, for religious activities. It is against the contract you signed.

Performance is part of Christian credentials, and calling. Perform your job excellently, and keep the business running or risk being fired.

If you are fired for poor performance, incompetence, laziness, financial indiscretion, abuse of office, poor judgment, loosed and unethical social media posts and comments, lack of respect for constituted authority, insubordination, poor handling of work tools or resources, late comings, lack of creativity, poor attention to details, ignorance and other workplace misdemeanors, it is not persecution, you are suffering from wrongdoings and sheer ignorance.

As much as your employer owes you the obligation of paying your salaries and remuneration, you are duty-bound to deliver par excellence.

Anything less of this will make mockery of your Christian claims and you will struggle to win a single soul, since you are not a value multiplier to the system. Poor performers cannot win souls for God: their fruit is doubtful.

Excellence is the hallmark of Christian professionalism

INTEGRITY                                     

The excellent work has to do with the hands, how skillful the people are; but integrity is the question of the heart.

Integrity means one is honest, ethical and he observes defined moral principles; a man of integrity does the right thing even behind closed doors.

Dependability, respectfulness, reliability, honesty, trustworthiness are crucial to living with integrity.

Integrity in corporate culture amplifies your voice and gives you the attention you deserve from your audience; with integrity, the messenger and the message are accepted.

It’s easy for a man with integrity to propagate the gospel in workplace.

NURTURE RELATIONSHIP

Human beings are social creatures; you can withdraw attention where you have not invested time, in doing workplace evangelism you need to learn how to nurture relationships.

Be relatable, listen to people to understand them, improve both in verbal and non-verbal communication, help others, support when necessary, develop mutual respect, honor your commitment to people, and be kind with words.

If relationships are nurtured, it opens way to talk about our faith to people.

Be reminded that the gospel is seen before it is heard.

Finances, in any organization, life or home is a vital tool for sustainability. One of the first indicators of corporate distress is poor financial performance. In view of this, it is essential that proper financial stewardship is taken with utmost importance all the way.

What is Finance?

It is a term used for matters regarding the management, creation, and study of money and investments. It can be simply put as research upon matter regarding any usage or reference to money.

It can either be categorized as Public, Corporate and Personal finance.

What is Stewardship?

Stewardship is referred to as the careful and responsible management of things. It is conducting, supervising, or managing something, especially the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care. It is responsibly overseeing and protecting anything considered worth caring for and preserving.

Bringing the two words together: ‘Financial stewardship can be described as responsible management of money or assets.’ It is being faithful with financial duties and monetary responsibilities”

Principles Guiding Good Financial Stewardship

1. Ownership: The owner of an asset takes extra care to protect and prevent damage. Ownership also ensures the growth or multiplication of what is owned. Each time we have the responsibility of financial stewardship; whether personal or corporate, private or public, we must own the duty of care; not just as told but as required. A lot of people have missed out in privileges and honour because they treat their financial stewardship with levity and not as owners. No owner will seek to defraud himself or put his finances into bad risks. We must treat other people’s money with the same standard of care as if we are the owners; our ownership mentality is only applicable to care and not to unauthorized usage of other people’s money entrusted in our care.
2. Responsibility: A good financial steward must be equipped with necessary skills needed in day-to-day operation of the owner’s business and financial prosperity. Taking advantage of opportunities around him, being knowledgeable of the threats in his line of business and how to militate against them. He must take adequate measures to invest in profitable ventures, save proceeds in reputable custody and respond to demanding obligations such as taxes in order to protect the assets.
3. Accountability: There must be periodic rendering of report, performance evaluation and assessment. Accountability is a vital tool in stewardship, it is a means through which the owner gets familiar with the operations and performance of his business and reliability of the manager. In public and corporate businesses, it is mandatory that reports are prepared periodically in order to assess the performance of each department, unit, and the business at large. Accountability is not left out in personal finance as well; you are accountable to yourself, family, trusted friends and ultimately to God.
4. Reward/Sanction: Performance evaluation often results in rewards or sanctions depending on the outcome. A good performance should attract reward to enhance better performance while a poor performance should not be overlooked. There should be sanctions where necessary in order to stem the wrong tide

Qualities of good financial stewardship

2. Proper Budgeting and Planning: Having a periodic budget and proper planning for both income and expenditure is very important. Endeavour to stick to your budget strictly. Avoid buying on impulse, overspending, and luxurious investment on liability. Concentrate on the most important thing at a time.
3. Be Value Driven: Your buying decisions should be based on value to be derived on purchase and not just to impress anyone or to show off. Differentiate between your real needs and wants, go for quality purchases and not necessarily quantity (inferior goods). Always ensure you get value for the money spent.
4. Credit Worthiness: It is very possible to start a business without personal capital. This has to do with using other people’s money (OPM) in form of credit, loan etc. for your business. Many businesses we see today started with OPM. There are various credit facilities available for business owners everywhere, but it must be noted that the lenders/investors are looking for commitment, faithfulness, discipline, and credit worthiness among others before they will commit their hard-earned funds into your business.
5. Savings: A good financial steward is dedicated to separating a certain amount/percentage of his income to a savings account regularly. You should not ‘feed with all your ten fingers’. Cut down on your expenses, and go for necessities and not luxuries.
6. Investment: Look for a viable investment and commit your funds to it. Invest in assets and not liabilities, invest in other people’s businesses viable for additional income. Increase your income-generating capacity, and have as many streams of income as possible. Your health is a very important investment too. Put your money into education, technology, and relevant skills that can enhance your performance and income. Don’t be too harsh on yourself, eat well, sleep well, and dress well.
7. Be a blessing to others – Give: Remember to bless others, give to the needy around you. Your social responsibility has consequences on your financial wellness. Your brand must be notably caring so your products can be received through the advertisement of beneficiaries.

In conclusion, always note that you are responsible to others as a steward and you are expected to carry out your duty with utmost care. Stay conscious of accountability; what goes round, comes round.

Provision of solutions is the ultimate intention of creation. Every invention is a nuisance

until it begins to solve problems. The world cannot breathe freely until the pressing

knees of challenges choking humanity are lifted by deliberate and collective solutions.

Jesus’ Professional Partners is a creation from God’s inspiration; providing solutions

to the lingering challenges in the marketplace. Her mandate includes midwifing

concrete answers to liquid questions flowing through business channels. We are geared

towards building the Trust Bridge across the gulfs of doubt and construct confidence

along the market streets.

We also press towards raising professionals beyond the factory of products to the

sanctuary of purpose. We hope to help men pursue their purpose as professionals by

establishing spiritual influence despite their secular jobs. We teach the balance

between earthly impact and eternal relevance; creating the life of legacy while

pursuing heavenly rewards.

Whatever is absent in a process cannot be present in its product. Integrity is fading

away in the way many Christians now do business and carry out their professional

responsibilities; being a Christian no longer injects trust into several boardrooms. A

large portion of the world can hardly tell the difference between Christian Professionals

and others.

We are the authentic alternative to the fake ugly narrative. We provide integrity,

sincerity and honesty as foundations for our engagements in the marketplace. We are

the unbending remnants, the reliable confidants and excellent service providers under

the influence of Grace.

We are not just the salt working behind the scenes; we are also the light bringing visible

impact on the screens. We are not limited to influencing the taste; we extend into

illuminating the nights. Like the salt, we will influence in silence; like the light, we

shall shine into the dark regions bringing God into the equation of success.

We are not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for

everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). The Gospel does not weaken a professional; it

empowers him. The Gospel will not make us ineffective at corporate offices or

professional posts; it will only empower us as productive branches of the True Vine.

Peter owned a ship from where Jesus taught those pressing to hear Him (Luke 5:3).

Luke was a Physician, Paul was a Lawyer, Matthew worked with the Tax Office, Lydia

was a merchant of luxurious purple clothes, her boutique was notable in the city of

Thyatira.

We will provide the pulpits outside the religious podia; on the financial seas, industrial

streets and around corporate seats. We shall harvest ripe professionals into effective

process of expressing their callings without the conventional collars. We shall disciple

Christian professionals as Christ’s contacts in the contaminated corporate containers.

We are not starting a new process; we are only reviving an established pattern found in

the Fathers of Faith. Our professions will not hinder us from advancing Christ and His

Kingdom; we will promote the Purpose of God on earth and professionally preserve the

Legacy of Grace in Board Meetings.

We are different. We are daring. We are decent. We are disciplined. We are

dependable. We are diligent. We defend the Gospel.

Our journey will be concluded when we raise professionals who will not defile

themselves with pollutions packaged as privileges; but bearing the Cross of Christ, we

shall institute integrity as the only way of living and doing business.

We admit professionals who have signed contracts with destiny to be part of the

solutions; people who have resigned from being partners with problems. We syndicate

deals with confidence and assurance. We handle our projects from commissioning to

conclusion with godly conscience.

We have a competent team including legal, technical, technological, financial,

medical, and creative professionals. Ask us what you need, request for a professional

service; find rest as you consider them done. What you get will always surpass what

your order for.

Engage us to equip your hearts and hands for the 21st century demands; we can train

you and your team about the coming uncertainties and current realities. Our curriculum

is original, designed to fix your concerns and fit into your structures. Because we

express the truth, we experience breakthroughs.

Follow us into possibilities; find your purpose and fulfill it!