THE POWER OF SELF EVALUATION

THE POWER OF SELF EVALUATION

                                         A MESSAGE BY PASTOR OLAWOLE DAHUNSI
                                   (REGIONAL OVERSEER SOUTH SOUTH REGION 2, CALABAR)

Text: Matthew 25:14-19

 “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. [15] And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. {talents: a talent is one hundred and eighty seven pounds ten shillings} [16] Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. [17] And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. [18] But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. [19] After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.”

 Matthew 18:23-24

“Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.”

Luke 12:42-48

“And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? [43] Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. [44] Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. [45] But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; [46] The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. {cut...: or, cut him off} [47] And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. [48] But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”

2 Corinthian 13:5

 “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”

As a Christian you need to sit down and ask yourself some questions to know if you are achieving success or failure in your Christian life because by evaluation, you will come to the realization of the level of success or failure in life.

What is Self-valuation?

1.      It is the process of assessing ones success or failure

2.      Self-Evaluation reveals the impact and effectiveness of set goals

3.      It the process a man use in judging or calculating the quality, importance, amount or value of his life

4.      The process a man uses to know or realize the faithfulness of God upon his life. Evaluation can be done daily, monthly, bimonthly, quarterly or yearly.

QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED DURING SELF-EVALUATION:

1.      Am I running this race well?

2.      My Christian life, does it match the Christian lifestyle?

·        Does my lifestyle match with what the Bible says?

·        How do I see God? as my mate? Father or creator?

·        How do I see life?

·        How do I see success? What is my definition of success or failure?

Success is not what you have, but the impact you create with what you have. The value of success is determined by the value you add to your life.

·        How do I see relationship?

Your relationship with people should be taken seriously and carefully. Relationship is something you must try to build because you might not know what will be the outcome tomorrow.

The person you look down on today may be at the top tomorrow. So learn not to look down or step on anyone.

·        How do I see tomorrow?

·        How prepared I am for the life outside here?

·        What legacy am I building for my children?

There is need for self-examination

·        What must you correct?

-         your relationship with God?

·        Your life, does it need any adjustment?

·        Your relationship with others.

-        Do you need to drop anyone in your life? The categories of people we meet in our life are:

a.      The people you meet and your life changes instantly

b.      The people you meet and your life is demoted instantly. These people you must avoid

·                  Do you have any impact on your children and family?

·          What do you need to build more?

-        your prayer life

-         your study life.

Requirements for self-evaluation:

1.      Self-realization

2.      Self-determination

3.      Self-discipline and focus

If a man lives his life without self-evaluation, he cannot escape wreckage or destruction

4.      Readjustment of character and behavior towards life.  Character and behavior towards life like:

a.         There is nothing I can do

b.      I have tried

c.      I cannot kill myself

d.      There’s nobody to help me

e.      Excuses

f.       and passing blame

5.      Set a fresh goal for yourself, for your Christian life like;

-        I want to hear from God,

-        I want to read the whole Bible,

-        I will change my sleeping time,

-        Relationships: resolve to associate with only people that will add value to your life.

-        Self-development; like I want to learn a new trade, I want to add to my Knowledge

-        My marriage and family: care more for your wife and children, be interested in their growth and future.

-        In your career; change your prospective about your business and career.

6.      Your attitude towards prayer and spiritual issues must change

7.      Think positive

Enemies of self-evaluation:

1.      Laziness

2.      Lack of deep thinking

3.      Procrastination

4.      Indiscipline and bad attitude to life

5.      Hatred for truth and reality

6.      Fear

7.      Compromise

8.      Imitation

9.      Lack of genuine lifestyle

1.   Not thinking about Heaven

Need for self-evaluation:

1.      God is interested

2.      It allows you to see your strength, weakness, opportunities and threats

3.      It gives opportunity to see your life better

4.      It gives you opportunity to plan and re-assess your vision

5.      It makes you to see what you are not doing well

6.      It helps you see your omissions

7.      It gives you opportunity to know how secure your life is

8.      It makes you re-adjust your relationship with God and man

11.   Give insight to issues of life are received

12.   It reveals how prepared you are for your master

13.   It gives you opportunity to adjust for Heaven

Finally, you need to evaluate your life so that you can adjust to meet the requirements of Heaven and be with your maker

Prayer points:

1.      Agenda of Hell fire in my life, die

2.      Power that does not want to hear my voice alive, what are you living for, die

3.      Agenda of poverty , shame and disgrace coming from my father’s house, die in Jesus name

4.      I will not miss my divine opportunity in Jesus name

5.      Enemies of my progress, what are you living for, die

6.      Any power that wants me to suffer this month, die, in Jesus name

7.      Anywhere I turn to this month and this week, I shall not be put to shame in Jesus

8.      This week and month, I shall be a wonder and a miracle in Jesus name

9.      You my life, reject failure this month in Jesus name