I started visiting Francophone countries in 1997. Since then, I have nurtured the idea of learning how to speak French. On one of my trips to Congo Kinshasha, I asked for a copy of the Bible in French, thinking that would do the magic. It yielded no result. At another time, I downloaded audio Bible in French. The idea was that I may get acquainted with the language by listening to the Bible played. None of these worked. Not that they could not have worked, I just did not stick to them. Then in the last quarter of 2023 when I mentioned my frustration on the pulpit, I got to know that two siblings – Rosemary and Elijah – are expert French teachers. I came under their wing in online classes. In only about two months, I made more progress than the previous 25 years. For the first time since I had the desire to learn the language, I chose to apply myself to it and the difference is obvious.

You can never make any headway in a thing you do not give yourself to – and this includes relationships, calling, and vocation. What you give yourself to is what ultimately responds to you.

Every year, people come up with a list of what they want to do or achieve. There is nothing wrong with a wish list. However, it will remain just a wish list without a deliberate effort to do something about it. Wishes don’t turn to reality on their own, they only respond to those who go the extra mile. Take a look at our text from two other translations for effect. The New Living Translation says “Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge.” Here is how it is captured in The Message Bible:  “Give yourselves to disciplined instruction; open your ears to tested knowledge.” You can never make any headway in a thing you do not give yourself to – and this includes relationships, calling, and vocation. What you give yourself to is what ultimately responds to you.