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Priorities
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9/3/2010
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"My eyes shed streams of water, because they do not keep Your law...My zeal has consumed me because my adversaries have forgotten Your words." - Psalm 119:136-139 NASB
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"To do" lists have become a central part of life for many people. Creating these lists has helped many to reduce distractions and stay focused. They become more efficient, accomplishing more and wasting less time.
But many researchers and management experts have come to recognize that these "to do" lists actually can be distractions if they become goals in themselves. Some people become so focused on their lists that they lose perspective. They're so busy trying to cross off items from their list that they fail to consider the bigger picture.
In his book about going from "good" to "great," Jim Collins stresses that "'Stop doing' lists are more important than 'to do' lists." In every area of life, Collins says we should spend time thinking about our priorities, realizing that some things on our "to do" list may be keeping us from accomplishing objectives of far greater importance.
Reinforcing this same point, management consultant and author Jack Canfield concludes that "there are only two words that will always lead you to success. Those words are yes and no...Start practicing saying no. Your goals depend on it!"
Many Christians have schedules packed with projects. They are very busy, all the time. But how many have asked God to evaluate their schedules? Their lists? How many have given Him permission to remove anything that is not important to Him?
The psalmist knew he had the right priorities, for his life was consumed with zeal for the things of God. Jesus had this same priority (John 2:17). To Him, nothing was more important than serving His Heavenly Father.
Today, give God permission to review your schedule and give you His priorities. Allow Him to help you focus on the issues that are most important to Him!
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Father, I commit my schedule to You. I commit these projects to You: _______. Give me Your priorities. I seek Your wisdom and guidance. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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| Extended Reading
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Psalm 119
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