Biblical Principles of Self-Management: Attitudes and Characteristics Exemplified by The Apostle Paul

The Apostle Paul is one of the most celebrated figures in the Christian Bible and is often referred to as the Christian movement,s most prolific cross-cultural missionary. Through much blodd, sweat, and tears, the Apostle Paul established new Christian church movements in present day Turkey (or Asia Minor); Greece and Macedonia; and perhaps even Rome. What were the foundation principles of his life? What personal growth plan did he follow? This hub explores the life of the Apostle Paul for tips on how to design a successful life.

Inspiration is the first principle of a biblical personal growth plan. This type of inspiration comes from a relationship with God and results in a passion to fulfill your life's purpose to glorify God with your life. From his youth, the Apostle Paul was zealous to do God's will even if he did not always know what God's will was for his life. Inspiration is the first principle for designing a successful life.

The second principle of a successful life is to gain a well-rounded education. While some biblical figures were successful without a formal education, the Apostle Paul demonstrated that a personal growth plan inlcudes a well-rounded education. A solid education builds learning capacity and wisdom. Before his conversion to Christianity, the Apostle Paul dedicated himself to be a scholar of the Hebrew Scriptures studying under Gamaliel, the most reknowned teacher in Israel. His education allowed him to understand Greek history and mythology which he used to teach the men of Athens about the the one God who created all things. Paul's early education also included lessons in logic, debate, and persuasion which Paul utilized when teaching and preaching in the synagogues and marketplaces.

Industriousness is a third principal of a biblical personal growth plan. A successful life does not come automatically or by osmosis. Rather, a life well-lived takes hard work. The Apostle Paul poured his whole life into his work, spilling much blood, sweat, and tears to make Christ known to Jews and Gentiles alike. The same attitude must be worked into your personal life plan if you want to live a successful life.

A fourth principle for designing a successful life is enthusiasm. Industriousness means to work hard; enthusiasm means to enjoy your work. Paul was inspired by God to win as many as he could to Jesus Christ. Paul believed that each person was special to God and he happily gave all his life that every person might one day be found complete in Christ. Whatever your work, you must determine to enjoy it if you are going to be successful at it. Enthusiasm is a necessary part of a biblical personal growth plan.

Vision is another principle of a biblical personal growth plan. No one can do it all; therefore, to be successful you have to narrow your focus. Jesus came to reach out to the lost sheep of Israel. The Apostle Paul was the sent by Jesus to be the apostle to the Gentiles. Designing a successful life means finding your personal niche and dedicating your time to mastering that niche.

The sixth principle for designing a successful life is endurance. Life is not easy. To fulfill your dreams will probably mean enduring hardship. The Apostle Paul endured many obstacles on his way to establishing Christian churches throughout Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) and Southern Europe. Whatever your dream, a biblical personal growth plan anticipates difficult situations and builds stamina for the long haul.

Companionship is the seventh principle of a biblical personal growth plan. The Apostle Paul was not a loner. In everything he did, he travelled with and included others in his ministry. Early on Paul travelled with Barnabas and John Mark. After Barnabas and Paul separated, Paul travelled with Silas, Titus, and Timothy. Life was designed by God to be lived with friends by your side. Designing a successful life includes companionship.

The final principle for a biblical personal growth plan includes training others. While the Apostle Paul went about his daily ministry, he called others to go with him and mentored them to do what he was doing. He did that with Timothy, Titus, Silas, and others. Designing a successful life includes training others to take up the trade after you have gone.