2018 AND BEYOND: THIS IS THE BEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE TO YOURSELF.

The festive period has just come and gone even though we are still basking in the euphoria that greeted it.

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Now, one remarkable feature of the celebration period is the gifts that we share between and among our loved ones. In fact, it has been adjudged to be the hallmark of the celebration.

Yet, there is often one precious gift that we ought to give to ourselves aside every other gift.

We have to give it to ourselves because no one else can give it to us. And I tell you the truth, it is the best gift you can give to yourself at all times.
So what is this gift? You may be asking.

Well, you can always take a guess and you will always be right depending on what you think you should give to yourself this period.

But am talking about a different gift: am talking about a gift that can transform your entire life; a gift that will certainly make you a better person, not only to yourself, but also to every other person around you!

So, what is it?

It is:

Be A Person Of Excellence And Integrity.

And what does it mean? Let us find out together.

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According to the google online dictionary, excellence means the quality of being outstanding and extremely good, while integrity means the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.

From the above, it is safe to conclude that a person of excellence and integrity will go the extra mile to do what is right, according to Pastor Joel Osteen of the Lakewood Church, Huston.

It goes beyond mere saying it as it is. Being a person of excellence and integrity is an attitude that should encompass every area of our lives; it should be an all-round attitude, otherwise, the whole thing will become a child's play.

Hence, we can talk of being a person of excellence and integrity in the following areas:

In Your Work

It was the all Holy book that says, whatsoever your hand findeth to do, do it with thy might...(Eccl.9:10). Your work is very crucial to your existence in more ways than one.

So you should strive for excellence and integrity here by all means. Among other things, this means that you should resume work on time and leave a little bit late. Don’t give unnecessary excuse to be absent from work. Work more than you are paid for. Don’t wander around in the office, or use your company material for your personal benefit.

Care for the company equipment as you do yours. And more importantly, do your work enthusiastically. Don’t complain; be the solution, and never the problem.

If you truly do your work enthusiastically with the spirit of excellence and integrity, it will show off, and you will be recognised by the King, like Joseph in the Bible.

In Your appearance and property

Pastor Chris always say that, you should not let anything die in your hands. Nothing should rot in your hand, all your property should be well used and cared for.

No matter the car you drive, let it be extremely neat, in and out.

As a child of God, you must take good care of yourself; your appearance should be immaculate because you represent the KING of kings.
Eat healthy. Stay away from hard drinks. Avoid going to dangerous places. Maintain healthy thoughts; sex should be moderate.

Dress smartly and neatly.

Take good care of your environment. Your house must be neat and things properly arranged. Everything about you should represent God.

In Dealing with Others and their Property

In dealing with other people and their property, the golden rule must be the guiding principle: do unto others as you will have then do unto you.

Ensure that you treat people very nicely and politely; don’t be rude to anyone. Learn to say please and thank you always. Seek the good of others. After all, we rise by lifting others.

Keep your promises to them. Don’t nag anyone. Never you use abusive words for people

The same way you care for your property, should be the same way you care for others'.

If you borrow anything from anyone, take good care of it, and if possible, add value to it, and return it as promised. Otherwise, inform them ahead and ask for forgiveness.

The Government and Society

Your integrity and Excellence is also required in these areas.

To the government, be law-abiding, pay your bills correctly and timely, too. Handle government facilities as yours.

To the society, learn to give back to it in whatever way you can. Keep it clean.

When you visit the library or the grocery store, put back books and items to their proper position neatly. Don’t just leave things haphazardly assuming that an employee will take care of them. If you can, plant a tree; do whatever you can do to protect the environment.

The list of things to do as a person of excellence and integrity is inexhaustible. But thanks to that gentle voice the Creator has put inside everyone of us. That gentle voice always tells us to do the right things. The problem is that we choose to ignore it.

Needless to say, being a person of excellence and integrity has its numerous benefits:

1. It is the only way to be truly happy.
2. Our God is a God of excellence and integrity; and we are here on earth to represent Him.
3. Hence, God does not bless mediocrity; He blesses excellence and integrity.
4. Whatever you are doing, it is for the Creator;do it to please Him, not any man.
5. It makes you feel better about yourself.

A good example of lack of excellence and integrity is the popular story of the building engineer and his wealthy friend. The wealthy friend gave him a huge amount of money to build a house for him.
Gladly, the engineer went to work. Hoping to make a huge profit, he used inferior materials to complete the house.

Outside, the house looked nice, but it was all a mess inside.
When the rich friend showed up, he was so happy seeing the beautiful finished house.

But unexpected, he handed over everything back to his friend and said: I don’t need it, you know am so rich, it is your house. He got the shock of his life and regretted his action for a long time

The moral of this story is that, each time we choose to take the easy road, it always comes back to us.

Another example. Back in the university, this writer had a practical course which required that each person source for an advert to have an A.

Unfortunately, this writer could not get any, but his best friend was able to get two adverts and had one to another student.

When the friend of the writer got to know about this, he suggested taking it from the other student to give to him, but the writer objected to it, and wrote the paper without submitting an advert. He chose to take the high road of excellence and integrity.

Then it happened! When the result was released, the writer got an A. His best friend and the other student that submitted advert got B each.

To this day, the writer still feels the joy of taking the high road in that instance.

Fellow steemians, being a person of excellence and integrity is the best gift you can ever give to yourself. It is for the betterment yourself and the world at large. Try it today and everyday, you will be glad you did.

Thanks for reading!!