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Organize and Optimize
Tim SavageFinally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. 1 Thessalonians 4
This morning a couple of lessons stood out to me. First, there are so many things that I can improve on as I journey towards my Heavenly Father. There are some things that I’m pretty good at and don’t struggle with, like the Thessalonians, but there are a lot of things that Paul would encourage me to do even more. I haven’t arrived, not even close. I’m a white belt, but my pride would have me believe I’m a black. I must fear God more, die to myself and my selfish desires. Too often I justify my sin and tolerate it rather than repent of it and discipline myself to not repeat it.
Also, on a somewhat different track, in Chronicles we see the great effort put in to organization and structure. There is a meticulous attention to their organization chart, clearly delineating who had responsibility over what. Responsibility is a powerful thing. People take more ownership when they know they are responsible. Too often tasks or quality can be taken for granted if people don’t take responsibility. We live a busy, multi-tasking life and although we would love to slow down a little, the reality is that, for the foreseeable future we’ll continue to move at a fast pace. I will be more efficient and effective; I will be a better leader, mentor and teacher if I organize more thoroughly and prudently delegate.
I’m grateful for devotions and journaling to give me constant course corrections. The enemy doesn’t force us to go off track all at once, but deceptively just one degree at time. Reading His word keeps me pointed in the right direction as God reveals to me His life plan one day at a time. I must keep improving daily, constantly checking my pride and personal holiness. I must also spend time in organizing and optimizing in order to be as productive and efficient as possible for God’s kingdom.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive me when I stumble and fall. Please grant me wisdom and discernment, strength and courage as I strive to be an example to others.
In Jesus name,
Amen
