The Christian Man, Value, and Diligence

Have you ever shouted “Amen!” so loudly in church that you almost lost your voice-yet nothing really changed in your life? Let’s be honest. Many Christian men love sermons about prosperity, success, or promotion. They get excited, clap, shout, and even prophesy. But when Monday comes, nothing in their daily lives reflects what they claimed in faith.

Here’s the truth: your growth determines your height.

The Bible says:

“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.” - Proverbs 22:29 (NIV)

"In todays context , they can even become the king."

This means if you want to rise, you must add value. The louder you shout without action, the further you remain from your destiny.

In this article, written directly to the Christian man, we’ll dig deep into why diligence and value are essential for your growth, how spiritual and practical development work hand-in-hand, and why even Nigeria as a nation mirrors this principle.

So buckle up. Let’s walk through it together.

Section 1: The Illusion of Loud “Amens”

Every Sunday, churches are filled with men who respond with thunderous shouts when the pastor says:

• “You will be great!”
• “You will stand before kings!”
• “You are the head and not the tail!”

Of course, these words are true-biblical promises. But here’s the mistake: they are conditional.

The Bible does not say “any man who shouts Amen will stand before kings.” It says the diligent man will.

“Faith without works is dead.” - James 2:26

Let’s Be Real

• If you never improve your skills, no amount of shouting will make you valuable at your workplace.
• If you never read, study, or learn, you will always remain dependent on others.
• If you never manage your finances wisely, you will stay in debt no matter how many offerings you give.

Spiritual excitement is good, but practical diligence is what sustains greatness.

Section 2: The Example of Peter

Think about Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples. Before Christ called him, Peter was a fisherman (Luke 5:1-11). When Jesus was crucified, Peter went back to what he knew-fishing (John 21:3).

But here’s the shift: after Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit filled him, Peter preached one sermon and 3,000 people gave their lives to Christ (Acts 2:41).

What happened? Growth. Capacity. Transformation.

Peter could not lead nations while holding on to his fisherman’s mindset. He had to grow into his calling.

“A man cannot lead with yesterday’s capacity. Growth is the price of influence.”

Section 3: A Nigerian Example

Let me make this personal. I once knew of a brother who was said to carry great spiritual gifts. He was prayed for, prophesied upon, and people expected him to rise. But here’s the issue: he never pursued education, training, or skills. Years later, I saw him still doing small jobs like cutting grass for daily pay.

Now, I don’t know his spiritual level, but I do know this: if you refuse to grow, life will pass you by, no matter how many prophecies are spoken over you.

This brother’s story is not unique. Across Nigeria and beyond, many Christian men rely only on prophecy but neglect diligence.

Section 4: Nigeria’s Independence and the Principle of Value

Today is Nigeria’s Independence Day. And like every year, debates rise: “Nigeria is not working.”

Yes, the country has challenges. But here’s the deeper truth: a nation only works when its people add value.

Instead of asking: “Why is Nigeria not working?” we should ask:

• “What am I doing to make my environment better?”
• “What value am I adding to my workplace, community, or family?”

The Bible says:

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” - Matthew 5:14

Light does not complain about darkness. It shines. Christian men must stop complaining and start shining by adding value.

Section 5: Lessons from Football and Business

One of my bosses once told me something unforgettable:

“You must fight for your shirt.”

In football, the coach doesn’t give jersey number 11 to the laziest player. He gives it to the man who can deliver results on the pitch. Even if politics influences one or two players, overall, the team must perform.

The same principle applies to business, ministry, and life.

• No company will keep a lazy employee just because he shouts “Amen.”
• No investor will fund a man without vision or discipline.
• No ministry will grow if its leaders refuse to develop.

Opportunities are reserved for those who prove they can deliver.

“Life does not reward intentions; it rewards results.”

Section 6: Why Value Is the Currency of Life

Let’s break it down.

• Money follows value. People don’t pay you for existing; they pay you for solving problems.
• Honor follows value. Kings listen to men who can interpret dreams (Joseph) or solve national crises (Daniel).
• Influence follows value. Even Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, gaining favor with God and man (Luke 2:52).

Table 1: Biblical Examples of Value Leading to Elevation

Section 7: The Balance of Spiritual and Practical Growth

Some Christian men separate spiritual growth from practical growth. But the Bible never does that.

• Jesus prayed (spiritual), but He also studied and taught in the temple (practical).
• Paul fasted and wrote scripture (spiritual), but he also built tents to fund his mission (practical).
• Nehemiah prayed for Jerusalem (spiritual), but he also organized laborers and rebuilt the wall (practical).

Table 2: Areas Every Christian Man Must Grow

Section 8: The Danger of Burying Your Talent

Remember the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). One servant hid his talent because he was afraid. The master didn’t praise him-he called him wicked and lazy.

Christian man, listen:

• If you bury your gifts, you lose them.
• If you refuse to grow, opportunities pass you by.
• If you don’t build value, even what you have may be taken.

“Greatness is not inherited. It is cultivated.”

Section 9: Practical Steps to Build Value

Now, let’s get practical. How can you, as a Christian man, start adding value today?

1. Invest in Knowledge

• Read daily (Bible + personal development books).
• Take courses, attend workshops, seek mentors.

2. Sharpen Your Skills

• Be excellent at your job.
• Learn a trade or a tech skill.
• Improve communication.

3. Build Character

• Be trustworthy.
• Be disciplined.
• Keep your word.

4. Grow Spiritually

• Consistent prayer life.
• Word study.
• Serve in church.

5. Take Responsibility

• Stop blaming government or others.
• Own your mistakes.
• Lead in your family and community.

Section 10: A Final Call to the Christian Man

Christian man, here’s the truth:

• You cannot pray laziness into success.
• You cannot prophesy irresponsibility into greatness.
• You cannot complain yourself into relevance.

Instead, you must grow. Spiritually, intellectually, socially, financially.

Because your growth determines your height.

As Nigeria marks another Independence Day, remember this: a free nation is only as free as its men. If Christian men rise, Nigeria rises. If Christian men grow in diligence, value, and responsibility, nations will take notice.

So don’t just shout “Amen.” Add value. Grow. Be diligent. Stand before kings.

References

1. Proverbs 22:29
2. James 2:26
3. Luke 2:52
4. Matthew 25:14–30
5. John 21:3
6. Acts 2:41
7. Matthew 5:14

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