Talk is Cheap

The eighth month of the year is here and the year is advancing gradually. We still have more to achieve in the progressing year. Continue to make commitments towards achieving a fulfilling year full of well-accomplished goals.

Talk Is Cheap

Saying things we don’t mean comes easily, as it lacks the thoughtfulness required when expressing genuine intentions. Following the prevailing opinions of the masses in speech is easy and inexpensive. Yet, wholeheartedly following through on those words is a challenge when compared to the careful and deliberate words we utter.

It’s hard to discard things we have thoughtfully uttered. Therefore, first, speak thoughtfully. Second, let your thoughts and their accompanying utterances be those you are willing to follow through to fulfilment. Let them be breakthrough ideas as these are not easily disposable. Third, choose to be one who acts rather than just speaking. Talk is cheap but action is expensive.

Let your desires supported by a dedicated commitment drive their achievement. Proverbs chapter 18 verse 1 in the Bible says, “Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeks
and intermeddles with all wisdom”. Let whatever you desire to achieve for life and godliness not only cause you to speak but to consecrate yourself to actualizing them. Let this drive influence your utterances.

BUILDING LASTING FRIENDSHIPS

Friends are hard to come by; if you find one, especially a loyal one, keep them. Many demonstrate their level of commitment in friendships in diverse ways. However, commitment in friendship is not easy, especially when faced with inconveniences like distance, time, and personal ambitions. Meanwhile, we often forget that “one man will chase a thousand, and two will put ten thousand to flight”. This verse reminds us of the exponential strength found in committed friendships. Moreover, nothing should come between committed and purposeful friendships.

We can take cues from the example of David and Jonathan in the Bible, where David remained committed to his friendship with Jonathan even after Jonathan’s passing. Despite the challenges and limitations of life, David’s commitment endured. He diligently sought someone from Jonathan’s lineage to fulfil the promises he had made (2 Samuel chapter 4 verse 4 and chapter 9). This demonstrates the depth and lasting impact of true friendship.

Such long-term friendships and commitment are born out of firm decisions, including the following:

Authenticity: Embrace your true self as God has created you. This is the foundation of any genuine connection. Avoid pretence or attempting to be someone you’re not.

Openness: Honesty is the cornerstone of strong friendships. Be candid about your values, preferences, and dislikes. Moreover, maintain transparency in your relationships and withhold nothing. This openness fosters trust and understanding.

Selflessness: Interact selflessly and freely communicate your aspirations and goals. Avoid unnecessary assumptions, and readily forgive each other when conflicts arise. Selflessness and forgiveness are essential to overcoming inevitable challenges.

Kindness and Genuine Concern: Exhibit kindness and genuine concern for one another. Whether near or far, share each other’s burdens and actively pursue each other’s best interests. These acts of kindness and care are the threads that weave a lasting bond.

By embodying these qualities, your friendships can evolve into what God has intended them to be. Just as David and Jonathan’s friendship endured, yours can also stand the test of time and adversity.