Equipped for Excellence

EXCELLENCE is not just an act; it is an attitude, a state of mind. This tenure, God is calling us into excellence, not just in Academics but in every sphere of life. It is a disposition we must carry. As a believer, we have an excellent spirit within us because the Holy Spirit reside in us. However, it is important that we give expression to His workings in our lives. (Phil 2: 12b NLT).

Daniel, an example of a man that worked in excellence in the Scriptures exhibit some attributes that gave expression to the excellent spirit upon him.
1. He was a determined man. Dan 1:8
2. He doesn’t joke with his relationship with God. Dan 6:10-11
3. He is a man given to studying. Dan 9: 2.
If we pay attention, we will notice that these attributes cover both the Spirit and the Soul. As we read further, we will understand how we can express the excellent spirit within us towards Academics and even in every other areas of our lives.

God`s Plan for our Academics

The book of Jer 29:11 says, For I know the thought I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Also, 3Jh1:2(NKJV) says; Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health just as your soul prospers.

The Scriptures above and many other verses make us to understand that it is God`s delight for us to prosper in our Academics. The thought and the plan He has for your Academics are of peace and not of evil, that is why He has given you an excellent spirit. Also, He has given you access to His wisdom, so you can pray and ask for wisdom to succeed in your Academics.

Now that I know that it is God’s will for me to prosper in my Academics, how do I express His will?

There are keys to Academic Excellence in God’s Kingdom, and they are explained below:

RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

Every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17) this includes Academic excellence. We can only access this gift when we are in tune with the giver of the Gift.

Daniel, as a very good example, was a man that prioritized his walk with God over everything. He consecrated himself and made sure nothing came between him and God. He was found to be ten times better than all the magicians in all matters of wisdom and understanding (Daniel 1:3-20). When you have a relationship with God, you will hear from him and He will hear you, what seems difficult or impossible to others will be easy and possible for you (Daniel 2).
You may be wondering how relationship with God gives Academic excellence. God has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness (2nd Peter 1:3), which is only attainable when you stay with the word and let the word find expression in you. The strategy you need to put in place to attain academic excellence can only be gotten from God. Trust God, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.

RIGHT MINDSET

According to Oxford English Dictionary, Mindset is a way of thinking; an attitude or opinion, especially a habitual one.
Right mindset can then be defined as having the right thinking and also the right opinion about one’s self.
Your Academic success is so much dependent on your mindset. If you think that you are a Success, then so be it, and if you think otherwise, then so be it. Proverb 23:7 says “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he”. Your thinking and your mindset will influence your approach to life and even to your Academics, that’s why it is important to have the right mindset.
However, Thanks be to God, he gave us the Scriptures and the Scriptures tells us the things to think on in the book of Phil4:8; Finally my Brethren, whatever things are pure, whatever things are noble, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, if there is anything praise worthy; meditate on these things.
As a believer, the only way to build the right mindset is to spend time with the Word of God. This helps you to know who you are in Christ Jesus and then you can meditate on these things.

HARDWORK AND DILIGENCE

Diligence is a virtue every child of God must possess and it is required for Academic Excellence. The Scriptures says; Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He will stand before Kings and he shall not stand before mean men. ( Prov22;29.)
Scattered all across the Scriptures, we see the importance of Hard work and Diligence. Some of these Scriptures are highlighted and explained below:
Proverbs 14:23 (NIV); “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
Proverbs 14:23 reminds us of the importance of not being guilty of “mere talk,” as this can lead to poverty. The notion of “less talk, more action” is embraced in this scripture, as people are implored to avoid poverty by putting in hard work and dedication. One of the antidote to poverty recommended in the scriptures is Hard work and Diligence.

You say: “I want to be successful. I want to ace all my courses. But, I can’t do all the work. It’s stressful”.
God says:” I have blessed you with all that you need to succeed. Do the work it requires”.

Proverbs 12:11 AMPC; ‘’He who tills his land shall be satisfied with bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits is lacking in sense and is without understanding.’’
It takes hard work to achieve any goal, don’t be deceived. If you’re serious about succeeding in your Academics, you’ll have to adjust your level of commitment and give attention to your studies.

TIME MANAGEMENT

Eph5 :15-16 (NKJV); See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, Redeeming the time for the days are evil.
Eph 5:15-16 (AMP); Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.

According to Oxford English Dictionary, Time management is the ability to use one’s time productively and effectively.
The Scripture above admonishes us to make the very best use of the time, always attempt to make every seconds of your time productive, don’t be a time waster, rather take advantage of every opportunity you have and be intentional about it. Time management is an act that requires a conscious effort from any one that wants to engage it.

In conclusion, Brethren, we have established that it is God’s will for us to excel in our Academics and the Holy Spirit within us is not just in us to enable us to pray alone but to teach us all things (this includes your academics ) and also to bring all things to your remembrance ( this includes the academic books you have read) . So, don’t sideline the workings of the Holy Spirit in your life, allow Him to find expression even in your Academics and you will see the wonders your Academics will produce.

The Academic Arm of the House wishes you excellence in the forthcoming examinations even as you put into practice all that has been discussed above.

Go and exude Excellence! Amen.