with Michele Gray

COMPANIES spend millions each year defining their corporate vision and values - yet many of us have worked in companies where the management behaviour is clearly conflicting with what they say they value.

Lack of conviction and active commitment leads to mediocrity, and this is certainly true for individuals.

In our rapidly changing world security comes from within ourselves, a sound comfort with the Christian values and a certainty that the resurrection gives us an eternal connection to God - during life and after death.

A connection from which we can gain strength and purpose.

Take time out to refresh your understanding of what you stand for as a Christian.

If the pressures of this world are distracting and divorcing you from that closeness with God - do what Jesus did, take time out and focus on what's important in life.

Not that you need to go off to the desert of course ... but don't wait for the death of a close-one or a significant personal trauma to shock you into sorting out your priorities in life.

The aura of peace that comes from those who spend time with God is plain for all to see - they work at building a relationship with God and are richly rewarded with inner strength no matter what life throws at them.

This has always been true for individuals - 2 Peter 1 vs 3-11 encourages the early Christians to work at growing their faith. Personal development in your relationship with God comes from closeness, open-mindedness and time spent together.

Time is a precious resource, so make sure that you are spending it where it will bring the best returns -with God!

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.