trbccoffeebreak

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12 (ESV)

Nothing feels better to me than marking something (anything) off my To Do List. I’m one of those people who actually add something they’ve completed to the list and then proudly scratch through it. Accomplished. Done. Finished. Sounds silly….however, it actually motivates me to keep marking those things off my list.

How about you – are you a list maker? I have a list for just about everything. Keeps me organized, productive and avoiding procrastination. But sometimes the downfall of my list is when it overrules my To Love List. I can get so task-driven, focused and determined to get it all done that I overlook the people aspect.

Marking it off my list at the expense of others is not a good thing. Missing out on the fun because my ever-growing list needs my attention is not always a good thing. Assuming that everyone else is as passionate about my list as I am is definitely an unrealistic expectation.

So how do I gain the proper perspective? Simply lay my To Do List down at the feet of Jesus and relinquish my rights to what gets down. Seek His direction on what stays and what goes. Ask for His help in staying balanced – avoiding the neglect of the people He brings into my path. With God’s guidance recognize a healthy perspective of what needs to be accomplished and who needs my undivided attention.

Being organized is not a sin, but when we make it an idol that doesn’t serve us well. God created the world taking chaos and bringing it into order. All throughout scripture, we see examples of His divine plan woven through the lives of His people – that requires organization. Yet, we also witness the perfect balance of Jesus welcoming interruptions into His limited time on earth.

Never read a scripture that described Jesus as being burned out, depleted, acting out because what He desired to happen didn’t happen. Instead, I only see a loving Savior devoted to His Father’s business – loving God and loving people.

“Father, in this crazy world that zeros in on accomplishment, help us to not lose sight of the things that are truly important to You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life