BIBLE TEXT: Acts 4:13

In the first part of our conversation, we emphasized the importance of knowing our values and how they help us tame certain excesses in our lives because there are consequences for every decision we make. We will focus on how our relationship with God can make us have clear values.

Values based on relationship with God

A destiny that blossoms and a life that is likely going to end in regrets can be seen by the kind of relationships we entertain in our lives. The Matriarch, Rev. Funke Felix Adejumo, will pray and say: “May we not meet who we should miss and miss who we should meet.” Our associations rub off on us consciously or unconsciously. When Jesus saw Peter and Andrew in Matthew 4:18-19, He told them, “Follow me and I will make you.” This is such a profound statement in showing us that who you follow determines what you are made of.

In Acts 4:13 (NKJV), it states,

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.”

The Sanhedrin recognized that Peter and John lacked formal education in Jewish theology, yet they were amazed by their knowledge and courage. Despite not having been schooled in Jewish traditions, Peter and John had been deeply influenced by Jesus and were empowered by the Holy Spirit, living out the promise of “greater works than these.”

These apostles didn’t view their lack of formal training as a disadvantage. Instead, they focused on the transformative relationship with Jesus, which redefined their destiny. Jesus, known for teaching with authority (Mark 1:22, Matthew 7:29), had equipped them with a purpose that surpassed conventional training. Their commitment to Jesus and His mission was evident in their willingness to spread His message boldly, even in the face of danger.

When Jesus called them from their fishing boats to become “fishers of men,” He didn’t just change their careers; He elevated their lives to fulfill a higher calling. They understood the value of following Jesus, which made their decision to leave everything behind an easy one.

If you find that following Christ has led you to a path different from what you expected, remember that this journey often amplifies your purpose as you are stretched in your assignments.

Consider whether the relationships in your life are guiding you towards a purposeful direction or are merely aimless. Reflect on the change in the disciples after Jesus’ resurrection. Initially, they had fled in fear, and Peter had denied Jesus three times. However, after receiving the Holy Spirit, they were transformed. The boldness they displayed was because of the Holy Spirit’s power, likened to the “fire” John the Baptist spoke of in Matthew 3:10-11—

¹⁰ And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ¹¹ I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Fire is fierce, visible, and consuming, and the Holy Spirit being indwelling in you leads and guides you, and every relationship around you needs to catch the fire. The added advantage you have is the Holy Spirit and the WORD. I always say that you cannot have the Holy Spirit and just be normal; men ought to marvel and be astonished by the way you live your life, they should see something to make them know you have been with Jesus—something that demonstrates the transformative power of your relationship with Jesus. Here are four questions for us to pause, ponder, and answer genuinely:

• How has your relationship with Jesus influenced your purpose and direction in life?

• In what ways has the Holy Spirit ignited a boldness in you that others can see?

• How can you allow the influence of the Holy Spirit and the Word to make your life remarkable to those around you?

• What decision are you making today and what sacrifice are you making to live a God-honoring life?

There is a price to pay in other to get the prize we desire and so we must continue to press for the mark of the high calling. In the concluding part of this conversation, we will look at values based on relationships with others.

Prayer: Heavenly Father I come to you today and I ask that you help me reflect your essence everywhere and anywhere I find myself in Jesus name. Amen.