Genesis 3:8

Sin has a way of making us ashamed, ashamed of ourselves, our choices, and the consequences of those choices, especially when we know better. When Eve was deceived, and Adam joined in her disobedience, their sin quickly became a family affair. What did they do? They hid! They hid because they realized they were naked. They hid because they were afraid of disappointing the God who had given them everything, yet the one thing He forbade, they chose to do. Sin does that, it makes you run when no one is chasing you (Proverbs 28:1). But here’s the truth: all of God’s commands are for our good. The enemy repackages sin to look attractive, but its end is always shame, guilt, and separation from God. Yet, God is rich in mercy! He gave us Jesus so we could be reconciled to Him (John 3:16). His invitation is clear: “Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18).

So, why keep hiding? Why keep indulging in what dishonors God? Our lives should reflect that we are daily growing in Christ, being transformed by His Word, learning about how to live in total alignment with His will, rather than hiding and rotting in sin. The Word of God is truth, and that truth sets us free from the bondage of sin. It’s time to come out of hiding. Lying Lips (Proverbs 12:22). Lies are when we knowingly speak what is untrue. A lie is when we know the truth, yet choose to say the opposite. Sometimes we lie out of fear of the consequences of our actions. Other times we do it to protect someone else, or simply because it feels easier in the moment. But lying always leaves a mark and it taints your character, makes you untrustworthy, destroys friendships, and in families it often brings consequences far greater than the original mistake. If lying can cause such damage among people, how much more when God Himself calls it an abomination?

Then ask yourself: Is it really worth it? As children of God, we must train ourselves to speak the truth in every situation, whether it’s a simple “yes” or “no” or a complicated matter that requires full explanation. The truth is always consistent, there is only one version of it. Lies, on the other hand, must be twisted, rehearsed, and multiplied to cover omissions, and eventually they strip away your credibility. Remember, your body is the temple of God, including your lips. Honor Him by choosing to tell the truth, no matter what.

2 Timothy 1:7

Fear has a way of creeping into our lives through what we see, perhaps the headlines, or through what we hear by creating thoughts that stir up anxiety and doubt. Apostle Paul, imprisoned for his boldness in sharing the good news of Jesus, wrote to Timothy to encourage him. Those close to Paul were afraid; they feared that if they, too, stood boldly for the gospel, they might face the same fate. So, Paul reminded Timothy to “stir up the gift of God” within him and not to be ashamed of the testimony of Christ.

Here’s the truth: fear is powerful. It can cripple even the strongest convictions, weaken the gifts and potential within you, and rob you of the beauty of your future. That’s why you must walk in the spirit of love, power, and a sound mind to crush fear out of your thoughts. A sound mind helps you focus on the power and potency of God’s Word over the negative whispers of the enemy. It gives you confidence that change is always possible and helps you remain hopeful in difficult seasons. Having a sound mind might look like: Declaring God’s promises over your life. Strategizing (and re-strategizing, if needed) toward your goals. Seeking help when necessary so you can continue to grow.

Then ask yourself: Is it really worth it? As children of God, we must train ourselves to speak the truth in every situation, whether it’s a simple “yes” or “no” or a complicated matter that requires full explanation. The truth is always consistent, there is only one version of it. Lies, on the other hand, must be twisted, rehearsed, and multiplied to cover omissions, and eventually they strip away your credibility. Remember, your body is the temple of God, including your lips. Honor Him by choosing to tell the truth, no matter what.

Titus 2:11–12

We often speak of grace as though it simply means second chances. That’s not entirely wrong, but it’s incomplete. According to Scripture, grace is far more than pardon; it is power. Grace gives us the strength to say NO! No to ungodliness, no to lust, no to laziness, no to anything that can hinder us from living a life that pleases God. Paul asked in Romans 6:1, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” The answer: God forbid! Grace is not a license to sin; it is the divine strength to overcome sin. Grace should not be reduced to a safety net that catches us when we fall, it is the empowering presence of God that keeps us standing.

When we truly love the Lord, we obey His commandments. And the beauty of His commands is this: they are not burdensome; they bring life, peace, and order making not only our lives better but also the world around us. Grace transforms us. It renews us daily. It strengthens our resolve to honor God not out of fear, not by mere religious rules, but through sound doctrine rooted in love. Grace empowers us to live free, upright, and godly lives in this present age. Grace is not a trap of false hope to keep sinning, it is the charming strength of God that enables us to live victoriously.

Proverbs 26:13; Proverbs 6:6–11

Laziness can take many forms. Sometimes it shows up as the desire for immediate comfort, choosing ease over effort. At other times, it appears as procrastination, pushing aside what truly matters. It can even disguise itself in excuses, often rooted in fear or lack of confidence about the future. But no matter the form, laziness ultimately robs you of the possibilities of a great and fulfilling life. The Bible invites us to “go to the ant…consider its ways and be wise” (Prov. 6:6). Ant colonies are small but powerful examples of discipline. Within a colony, there are queens, workers, males, and in certain stages, winged reproductive. Each ant has a clear role, and without parents, teachers, or advanced brains like humans, they still demonstrate purpose, teamwork, and diligence. Their tiny size does not stop them from building something strong and enduring.

In today’s world, distractions are everywhere via technology, social media, peer pressure. Many falls into the trap of “I’ll do it later,” not realizing that delay weakens their stamina to focus on what matters most. But you can take the first step toward freedom from laziness by making up your mind to build healthier habits and adopt a focused approach to your goals. If you’ve been drifting through life without a clear direction, you can choose today to commit yourself to the things that truly matter, such as your education, your spiritual growth, your character, and your future ambitions. As an African adage says: “He who is lazy will eventually steal.” Laziness doesn’t just waste time, it steals potential, integrity, and opportunity. Choose diligence, and you will secure a bright future.

Exodus 31:1–3

God is such a great Father! He formed us, knows us intimately, and created each of us with unique potentials. He nudges us, guides us, and because He knows the posture of our hearts, He chooses us, not based on our qualifications, but based on His purpose. When men make selections, they often go for the most skilled, the strongest, or the most impressive. But God doesn’t work that way. He delights in choosing the unqualified so that He might qualify them by His Spirit.

Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the “Ruach Elohim”, God equips ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Just as He filled Bezalel with wisdom, knowledge, and craftsmanship to build the tabernacle according to His command to Moses, God can empower you to accomplish tasks, reach goals, and walk in assignments that would be impossible in your own strength. The key is surrender. Bring to Him your frailty, your imperfections, your dreams, and your desires. In His hands, your limitations are not obstacles—they are opportunities for His power to be revealed. We are nothing but pencils in the hand of the Creator and with your life surrendered to Him, God can write a beautiful, eternal story through you.

Col 3:23, Pro 10: 4

Discipline is doing what you must do, whether you feel like it or not. Discipline goes hand in hand with diligence, faithfully applying effort with the intention of achieving success. The Bible reminds us, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). God values our diligence because it reflects our commitment, faithfulness, and stewardship of the time and gifts He has given us. There are many principles of success, but without self-discipline, none of them will work. We may have beautiful goals and even foresight about how to reach them, but without discipline, those goals remain just dreams. Discipline is more than making up your mind, it is the unwavering commitment to do what needs to be done, when it needs to be done.

This concept may sound heavy, but you’re already practicing it every time you choose responsibility over convenience, or faithfulness over shortcuts. Take Folashore, a middle schooler with goals just like any other student. One busy day, she had a full plate: school assignments, a family outing, and chores waiting at home. After the picnic, she came back and began her homework, but her mom reminded her of her chores. She paused, completed them, and returned to her work. By bedtime, she still had at least 20 minutes of reading to do. Tired, she asked her mom to read aloud to her, but her mom said no. Folashore realized she didn’t want to fall short of her responsibility, so while everyone else slept, she stayed up to finish her reading. The next morning, when her mom checked in, Folashore proudly said, “I did my reading. I took responsibility!” Her diligence turned a simple task into worship, faithfulness in the little things. Remember, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much” (Luke 16:10). Each time you hold yourself accountable, you are learning, growing, and preparing to be entrusted with greater things.