Self-Packaging and Comportment

by Pastor Faith Oyedepo, Week 1, November, 2006

Hello Reader,

A wise man once said, “Attractive packaging sells products.” As a single person, you are a salesman, therefore, everything about you matters. It is this everything that is called self-packaging – your comportment, personality, character etc. In this series this month, I want to be addressing the singles ready for marriage but yet expectant of that glorious invitation. Often times, you hear people say they have done all they know to do and yet have not realized their desire. You may do many things but until you do the right thing, you cannot have an access to what it is designed to produce.

What Is Self-Packaging’

Let me begin by defining what self is. Self is defined as a person’s inner being, a person’s nature and personality; the qualities that make up an individual; the entire person of an individual; an individual’s typical character or behaviour. Packaging is defined as materials used to wrap or protect goods, a covering, wrapper or container. Self-packaging, is therefore, the outer covering over a person’s true nature, being, personality, character, behaviour, individuality and identity.

What Is Comportment’

The word comportment means to bear, conduct, bring together, carry, and to behave in a manner conformable to what is proper and expected. One of the most important questions you must ask yourself is “How am I conducting myself’” If your life is to attract the kind of attention desired, then you must begin to conduct yourself in a manner that reflects that expectation. In other words, how you behave, talk, dress and walk will determine how people will respond to you. Let us examine these vital areas in detail.

Think Right!

The starting point is in your thoughts. Whether we like it or not, we are products of our thoughts, The Bible says, For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23: 7).Your thoughts form the basis of your speech. It affects the way you act, determines your motives for dressing the way you do and sets a pace for how you walk (your bearing). It is, therefore, vital to the issue of comportment and self-packaging.

In order to properly manage the thoughts of your heart, you need to do the following:

Study the Word: – What is the place of the Word in your thought life’ There is an adage in the computer world that says, “Garbage in, garbage out.” As long as you are investing the Word of God into your mind, that is what will govern your thoughts and ultimately determine your destiny (Colossians 3: 16). If you begin to think healthy thoughts, you will live a healthy life.

Philippians 4: 8 outlines what you must think about: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. When you discipline yourself to think only what the Word of God permits, your thoughts will be pleasing to God, and you know that those who please God don’t depreciate but appreciate!

Meditate on the Word: – Meditation is the art of pondering on what you are studying, until it begins to make sense to you. You think on the Word until you practically know what to do to go forward. The Word of God is designed to profit you, but it cannot do so until you give it the desired attention. God’s Word says: All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable… (2Timothy3: 16). But for the profiting to be your own 1 Timothy 4: 15 says: Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

Guard your mind: – Your mind is your own; what goes on in it is what you allow. The devil will bring negative thoughts into your mind, but you either allow it or rebuke it. In other words, you are the architect of your own destiny; the sooner you accept responsibility the better for you. Don’t say, “I don’t have a choice.” You do! Remember that you make your choice and your choice makes you! Choose positive destiny-moulding thoughts over ordinary sinful thoughts, and you are on your way up. I see you get there (Proverbs 4: 23).

In conclusion, how you comport yourself will determine how far you go in the race of life. Your packaging will always affect your product; so refuse to live your life carelessly! As you put these words to practice, I see God promote you, in Jesus’ name.

The ability to think right is a product of grace and grace is only available to the redeemed of the Lord. To become a child of God, you must first accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. If you would want to receive Him right now, please pray this prayer of faith with me: “Dear Lord Jesus, I come to You today as a sinner. I believe You died for my sins and rose on the third day. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me by Your blood. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You Lord for saving me!”