Becoming a Person of Value - Part 2

In the first part of this series, I shared the first two steps to becoming a person of value:

1. Having the right perspective

2. Valuing people

These are foundational principles for building true value. Today, I’ll share three additional steps that can help you on this journey. But remember—these steps only work when you internalize and practice them consistently. It’s not enough to know them; you must live them.

3. Value Knowledge and Learning

The third step to becoming a person of value is to develop an insatiable hunger for knowledge. Be a lifelong learner, and to do that, you must remain humble. No matter how knowledgeable you are, there is always something to learn—even from those who may know less than you in other areas.

As a Christian, growing in the knowledge of God is essential. It will strengthen your foundation in times of trials and storms. Keep pressing toward deeper understanding of Him (Philippians 3:13-14). The pursuit of God is the most noble quest of all.

However, don’t stop there. Expand your knowledge beyond your faith, career, or business. Learn about history, politics, science, finance—any area that broadens your perspective. Limiting yourself to only one field makes you less valuable compared to someone who combines spiritual depth with broad intellectual insight.

Sadly, many believers excel in spiritual matters but lack understanding in other life areas, resulting in a rich spiritual life but a poor outlook overall. If you come from a national culture like ours that undervalues learning, even small efforts will put you ahead. So, in all your getting—get knowledge!

4. Value Contribution

The fourth step is to be contribution-minded. Nothing beats the heart of a giver! Wherever you find yourself, think first about what you can contribute—not just what you can get. It’s not wrong to desire benefits, but prioritize contribution. Those who give the most often leave with the most.

And never think you have nothing to offer—you always do. Your contribution can be tangible (resources, finances) or intangible (ideas, insights, time). Many believers lose relevance because they ignore Jesus’ words in Acts 20:35: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

If you run a business, consider offering free trials, fair return policies, and customer-friendly practices. Be contribution-minded, not just profit-driven. The same applies in your career, think of how to make your organisation better, contribute meaningfully, not just desiring benefits. 

You have probably heard it said many times that we rise by lifting others, stop sitting around looking for who to help you, and what you can only get from others, rather be contribution minded, think of how you can help someone else. Think of how you can help your desired helper, and offer to help them first! Remember the law of motion: every action brings an equal and opposite reaction. As you contribute more, more will come back to you.

5. Keep Relationships for Value

The fifth step is to maintain relationships for value, not just for association. This is a very important and powerful principle of being valuable. Many people hang around influential personalities for appearances, to be seen to be assiciated with those personalities, rather than for impact. They are more interested in taking selfies than in learning wisdom.

Let the relationships in your life be for true value, not for mere association or photo ops, If your relationships are built on superficial association, entitlement will eventually creep in—and you’ll risk being shut out. Instead, seek genuine value in every relationship. Approach people to learn, grow, and share—not just to belong.

Final Thoughts

I’ve shared five key steps to becoming a person of value. This is by no means exhaustive, but if you embrace and practice them, they will transform your life.

Perhaps you feel like you’ve lost time because you didn’t know these principles before. Don’t worry. Start where you are today. Progress may be gradual, but if you keep moving, you’ll soon look back and see how far you’ve come. You’ll become truly valuable to yourself, your family, and your community.

Shalom!