One of the surefire ways to help increase productivity is having a to-do list. Apart from giving us a reminder of the things needed to be accomplished, it also helps in managing our time. But while one of its supposed benefits is to minimize stress, to some people looking at a long list of tasks can seem stressful and overwhelming.
As present-day followers of Jesus, we are called to live a fruitful life. Fruitful life however does not equate to productivity as the world views it. Fruitful in the sense that it is balanced enough to not depend on others for sustenance, yet not too preoccupied that we will fail to prioritize our relationship with God and others.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, He may give it to you.” John 15:16
When we are too overwhelmed with the tasks that we have to do — be it at work or at home, our tendency is to become resentful and bitter. While others can just clam up until the feeling passes, most of us become cranky, and would even take out our tiredness and frustrations on the ones we love the most. And this is what we have to avoid.
In his letter to the Colossian church. St. Paul the Apostle encouraged early believers to do their tasks cheerfully with the Lord in mind. That every task be done for God’s glory.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24
When we are worried that we do not have enough time or strength to do what needs to get done, we must remind ourselves that unlike our Heavenly Father, our strength is limited. We have to have the wisdom to discern what needs to be done and what can wait. We can rest in our relationship in Jesus, and lift up to Him in prayer situations and tasks we can no longer manage, and ask for His guidance on what to do.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34
And so what are we to do? We seek God’s first. We establish a relationship with Him, through prayer and meditating on the scriptures. Our relationship with Him will illuminate our day-to-day path, and will serve as a guide for both our daily choices and life-changing decisions.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
When we prioritize our relationship with God, we will know our purpose in life. With this, we will also be able to pursue life-giving goals that will help us live the fruitful and abundant life He has ordained for us.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Philippians 2:14-18 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: What do you do when you feel overwhelmed?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your loving kindness and mercy, for helping us through our daily lives and being there to guide us. Give us the confidence to continue reaching out to you to grow our relationship. Amen.