Relevance is not a title people are born with; it is something they grow into through service, value, and intentional living. Today reminded me of that truth. I wasn’t scheduled to work, yet I found myself in the classroom again. Not because of money, because most of the time, there is none, but because knowledge is a seed that should never be hoarded. If life has given me even a little wisdom, then someone must benefit from it. That is the journey to relevance: giving what you have, not waiting for what you don’t have.
While teaching my students, I asked them a simple question: “What makes someone relevant?” Many of them quickly said, “Money.” To them, importance is tied to a bank account. But I had to gently correct that mindset. Before anyone becomes wealthy, what do they actually do? What skills do they build? What character do they develop? What problem do they solve? Money is only a reward; relevance is built long before the reward comes.
Relevance is not about having much, it is about adding much.
It is not about who notices you, it is about who you lift.
It is not about the title you carry, it is about the transformation you inspire.
Nobody arrives in the world already relevant. Even royal children are not influential by birth; they become influential by what they eventually contribute. The world does not remember people for their possessions but for their impact. Your relevance is measured by the stories people tell of how you helped them, guided them, encouraged them, or opened doors for them.
Sometimes, the journey to relevance can be misunderstood. When you start growing, your mates may become uncomfortable. They may say you are proud or acting differently. But that is not pride, it is growth. And growth often stretches you beyond your comfort and beyond the expectations of those around you.
True relevance comes from solving problems and touching lives. Joseph in the Bible became relevant because he interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and provided a solution that saved a nation. The little slave girl in Naaman’s house became relevant because she gave a recommendation that led to his healing. Dorcas became relevant because her hands were constantly doing good, so much so that when she died, people cried out for her return.
Value is what makes a person unforgettable.
This is why our society must prioritise value-adding, not just money-chasing. If we continue raising young people who believe money is everything, we will produce a generation empty of compassion, creativity, or purpose. We must teach them that relevance grows from service, integrity, kindness, and the courage to help even when no one is watching.
Every young person must understand that relevance starts with a single step: choosing to be useful. Choosing to share knowledge. Choosing to help. Choosing to look beyond yourself.
At the end of the day, relevance is the beauty of becoming part of someone’s success story. When you add value, you do not just change others, you also transform yourself. That is the kind of wealth that never dries up.
