Is Your To-Do List Missing Something?
Acquainted with the to-do list?
A to-do list is a check sheet of tasks that we are compelled to do within a day or a week or a month. As each proposed task is accomplished, a checkmark is placed beside that task to show that it has been completed.
We like the satisfaction of checking things off our list, but sometimes our to-do list contains more than we can accomplish. That’s when frustration sets in and we can become discouraged.
Saul’s To-Do-List
The Jews, Pharisees and Sadducees had a to-do list for a man named Saul. That to-do list was one that Saul had performed religiously.
- Hebrew
- Israelite
- seed of Abraham
- tribe of Benjamin
- righteousness which is of the law of Moses
- a member of the Pharisees
- attend Gamaliel’s school
- follow traditions and procedural protocol of the fathers
- zealous toward God
Wow! What a to-do list, and yet Saul was certified to check off each of the above by the Sanhedrin. In fact, the chief priests entrusted Saul with letters giving instruction and permission to persecute those who did not follow their religious to-do list.
Saul’s Revised To-Do List
Saul soon found out that something important was missing from his to-do list. In fact, he discovered his to-do list was worthless.
While traveling to Damascus on one of his commissioned trips, Saul saw a great light from heaven shining around him. He fell to the earth and heard a voice speaking unto him in the Hebrew language.
That voice said, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”
Saul immediately asked, “Who art thou, Lord?”
The response, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.”
Saul’s to-do list quickly changed. His new checklist contained the following:
- repent
- turn to God
- do works meet for repentance
Saul immediately obeyed the heavenly vision. His life dramatically changed including his name which became Paul.
Paul became the great apostle to the Gentiles. His new commission was to preach the gospel of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God: that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in [Christ].” Acts 26:18
Paul’s past frustration turned to joy as he completed his newly revised to-do list.
At life’s end Paul confidently recorded in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
©2018 by Peggy Clark
Do you have a to-do list?
Is your to-do list a daily, weekly, or monthly list?
Are you frustrated when you are not able to complete all the tasks on your list?
If so, how can your list be adjusted so that the most important tasks are completed first?
Please share any frustrations or victories concerning your to-do lists that will help others (including me) in the comments below.