Two Life-changing skills for Young Christian Women

If you’re anything like me, then you’ve probably heard a lot about how you should live your life as a Christian woman. This is particularly true if you’re a single woman. One major piece of advice is to make the most of this season of our lives, and I couldn’t agree more.

Recently, I sensed that one chapter of my life had ended and I was about to begin a new one, one that would require so much more of me. So, I decided to take out some time to reflect, regroup and restrategize. 

During this period of guided introspection, there were two words that kept coming back to me.

Words that came up during my readings, and even in productivity videos and gospel teachings. It was clear I needed to pay attention to these words, and the unquestionable importance that had been attached to them. I have highlighted them below

Two life-changing disciplines for Christian women

1. Competence

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines competence as the “quality of having sufficient knowledge, judgment, skill or strength.”

When I delved deeper, I noticed certain characteristics or foundational qualities of competence:

• A quest to learn, acquire new skills and resources
• An undeniable commitment to hard work
• Self-discipline and motivation
• Taking action

One of the resources I read stated that our competence is what makes our value, talents, and gifts valuable. It is one thing to know how to do something, it is quite another to improve and apply that gift. 

We build competence by learning and taking action on what we have learned. I must confess that this was a hard but necessary pill to swallow. 

It is no mistake that the Bible highlights the power of competence: 

“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.”

Proverbs 22:29(NIV)

I was reminded that our lives are bound by kingdom principles and one of these principles is that resources will follow those who are valuable, and being valuable requires building our competence through diligence and hard work.

As I pondered on the idea of competence, some questions came up, questions I encourage you to consider and answer:

1. Do you believe you are making time to learn and develop your skills?
2. Are you committed to doing the work or do you find that you’re always distracted and unfocused?

iii. Are you taking the necessary actions or do you keep making excuses for why you have not started on that project or dream?

What you should do:

Set aside time to regroup and restrategize, make time to learn by finding ways to limit your distractions and fears. Pray continually, and take action on what you have learned.

2. Consistency 

The second word or skill is one that has plagued me for a while. I know I have struggled with being consistent. This blog is definitely a case in point, but I have felt the Lord continually highlight this word to me this year. 

By consistency, I mean the concerted effort to work on the things that matter despite the challenges, distractions, and drawbacks.

Consistency helps us build momentum. 

More importantly, it has a compounding effect on our work so that those little drops create the ocean of our dreams. 

If you’re anything like me, then you’re probably used to having sporadic bursts of inspiration, creativity, and output. But these bursts are not bankable as you never know when they will come, and they may disappear at critical times. This invariably hurts our output and productivity, leaving us with failed attempts and regret. 

Thank God our stories need not end here. 

As one who has struggled with consistency, I know there is a way forward. One key thing for me was to stop overthinking things(where I allow my fears to get the best of me). 

Now I’m learning to show up and do what I can, no matter how little it may be.

I know that showing up each day and working on the little pieces of the project will, one day, turn into a whole.

So, here are some questions for you:

1. Do you give up too easily?
2. What is it about the task or project that makes it difficult to follow through and complete? 

iii. What can you do differently?

 

How to build consistency

To help you through this process, here are some tips I came across

1. Break down your goals into bite-sized pieces that you can do on a daily basis. 

If your goal is to write a book, start by breaking down the different parts of the process – what the book is about, characters, outlines, how many words you need to write per day, etc. 

2. Check your progress periodically. 

With your book project, you can check that you are meeting your daily word target. You could also set a deadline to increase your accountability. 

3. Constantly remind yourself why what you’re working on matters. 

Perhaps, you are writing to share your story or share something God has placed on your heart. Whatever it may be, make sure you put your ‘why’ front and center for those rough days, for I promise you that they will come. 

 

Concluding Thoughts

What did you think of these two words/skills? Are there other words or phrases that have impacted your life recently? Please share with us. 

Finally, remember that our life on earth is governed by principles.

One of the defining principles in life is that ‘you reap what you sow’. Another says that “those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly and those who sow bountifully will reap bountifully.” (See 2 Corinthians 9:6)

I don’t know what your current situation looks like but I pray you take time to work on the things that matter, by the grace and power of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen