BiblicalProductivity

ByC.J.Mahaney

1.AreYouBusy?
Lazy?Notme.Imbusy.Upearly,uplate.Myscheduleisfilledfrom beginningtoend.IlovewhatIdoandIlovegettingstuffdone.I attackadailytodolistwiththesameintensityIplaybasketball.Me lazy?Idontthinkso! OratleastIdidntthinkso.Thatis,untilIreadaboutthedifference betweenbusynessandfruitfulness,andrealizedjusthowoftenmy busynesswasanexpressionoflaziness,notdiligence. Iforgetnowwhofirstbroughtthesepointstomyattention.Butthe realizationthatIcouldbesimultaneouslybusyandlazy,thatIcould beahecticsluggard,thatmybusynesswasnoimmunityfrom laziness,becamealifealteringandworkalteringinsight.WhatI learnedisthat: BusynessdoesnotmeanIamdiligent BusynessdoesnotmeanIamfaithful BusynessdoesnotmeanIamfruitful Recognizingthesinofprocrastination,andbroadeningthedefinition toincludebusyness,hasmadeasignificantalterationinmylife.The sluggardcanbebusybusyneglectingthemostimportantwork,and busyknockingoutatodolistfilledwithtasksofsecondary importance. Whenconsideringourschedules,wehaveendlessoptions.Butthere areafewclearprioritiesandprojects,derivedfrommyGodassigned roles,thatshouldoccupythemajorityofmytimeduringagiven week.Andthereareathousandtasksofsecondaryimportancethat temptustodevoteadisproportionateamountoftimetocompleting anendlesstodolist.Andifwearelazy,wewillneglecttheimportant fortheurgent.

ThisdocumentisanaggregateofpostsfromC.J.sblog:http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/Blog/ page1of36

OurSaviorunderstoodpriorities.Althoughhispublicministrywas shorterthanonepresidentialterm,withinthattimehecompletedall theworksgivetohimbytheFather. TheFatherevidentlycalledhimtohealalimitednumberofpeople fromdisease,raisealimitednumberofbodiesfromthedead,and preachalimitednumberofsermons.AsJesusstaredintothecupof Godswrath,helookedbackonhislifeworkascompletebecausehe understoodthecallingoftheFather.Hewasnotcalledtoheal everyone,raiseeveryone,preachcopioussermons,orwritevolumes ofbooks. Whilewemustalwaysbeextracarefulwhencomparingour responsibilitieswithChristsmessianicpriorities,intheincarnationhe enteredintothelimitationsofhumanlifeonthisearth. Sojoinmeoverthenextfewdaysaswediscovertherootandnature oflaziness,sothatwemightdevoteourselvestobiblicalprioritiesand joinourSaviorinonedayprayingtotheFather,Iglorifiedyouon earth,havingaccomplishedtheworkthatyougavemetodo(John 17:4,ESV).

2.ConfessionsofaBusyProcrastinator

InthepastIthoughtthataslongasIwasntidle,Iwasntlazy.Not true.Infact,mylazinessoftenshowsupintheformofbusyness. AndthiswasthesamediscoveryWalterHenegarmadeinhislife,as heexplainedinhiscandidautobiographicalarticlePuttingOff ProcrastinationinTheJournalofBiblicalCounseling(Fall2001). Iprocrastinate,hewrites.Ivebeendoingitmostofmylife.Ifa particulartaskisevenremotelyunpleasant,myfirstandpersistent tendencyistoputitoff.ItsnotthatImlazy;Imactuallyverybusy.I justwaitaslongaspossibletodothereallyhardstuff.Ialwayspullit offintheend,butitregularlymakesmemiserable(p.40). Hereisaglimpseintohislife: WhenIgotmarried,myuncle,whomarriedus,jokedabout mywellknowntendencyrightinthemiddleoftheceremony. Hissermonwasaboutthenecessityofchangeinmarriage,

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 Ashebeganstudyinghisheart,Mr.Henegardiscoveredthathissin operatedfromthreepredictablemanifestationsofwhathecallshis flowchartofifthens: Ifmytaskisnotdueanytimesoon,putitoff. Ifthetaskisduetomorrow,castasideallotherresponsibilities andfocusonthisonetask. Andafteraccomplishingalargetask,takeabreakandreward yourself. Ashecontinuedtostudyhisownheart,hebegantounderstandthat althoughhisdaywasfilledwithbusynessandevenwithgenuinely goodactivitieshewasprocrastinating.ThereIwas,buzzing diligentlyaroundtheroom,whilethatthing,theonethingIneeded todomost,satunheededinthemiddleofit.Iwasntjusta procrastinator;Iwasaworkarounder(p.41). Thencamethedecisivepointinhislifewhenhelearnedmoreabout thisprocrastinatorwithin. Abouttwoyearsago,acounselingclassinseminary challengedmetogiveScriptureashotatdiagnosingmy

andlookingrightatme,hesaid,Onewhoisa procrastinatorwillputthatoffaslongashecan. AndthatsexactlywhatIdid,thoughmarriedlifemadeit increasinglymoredifficult.Mydesignatedcrunchtimesnow belongedtomywifeaswell,andIhadtopushherawaytoget lastminuteworkdone.Cantshejustcutmesomeslack? Shedidcutmesomeslack,butonlyasmuchasherchronically illbodywouldallow.Repeatedhospitalstaysandconstant boutswithpainforcedhertoleanheavilyonmetotakecare ofherandourtwochildren.IfmarriageisGodscoldchisel forsanctifyingus,thenchildrenonlysharpentheedge.The threeofthemdrovemyworkresponsibilitiesdeeperintomy freetimeandfartherintothehoursofthenight.Isleptless andless.Istillmanagedtopullmostthingsoff,butthequality ofmyworksuffered,andmylistofundonetodosgrew.I wascontinuallyweary,discouraged,andfeelingsorryfor myself.Acoupleoftimes,inthethroesoflastminute working,Ievenexperiencedsomethinglikepanicattacks.I enviedmymoredisciplinedfriendsbutsawlittlehopeof becominglikethem.(pp.4041)

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 Buttherewasnoshortcut. NexttimewelldiscoverhowMr.Henegarconfrontedthe procrastinatorwithin.

problemandsettingacourseforchange.Whatcapturedmy imaginationwasthebiblicalmetaphorofatree,andthe suggestionthatmypricklybranchesofprocrastinationwere beingnourishedbyunseenrootsgrowingdeepinthe chambersofmyheart.AhopeevenflashedthatImight uncovertheroot,andsomehowcutitoutonceandforall.In retrospect,thissecondhopewasareflectionofmy procrastinatorsheart,alwayslookingforashortcutorasilver bullet.(p.41)

3.TheProcrastinatorWithin

IfIambusy,Imustbeproductive,right?Abusymanisafaithfuland fruitfulman? Nope.Busynessisnoguaranteeofproductivity,faithfulness,or fruitfulness. Butwhy?Whatdistinguishesafruitfullybusyschedulefromanon fruitfulbusyschedule? Ithinkitcomesdowntotwoimportantpoints:understandingoursin andunderstandingourroles.Todaywelllookatoursinandlaterwe willlookmorecloselyatroles). InthelastpostwelookedatWalterHenegarscandidaccountofhow heprocrastinatedingettingtotherootofprocrastination. Inseminary,Mr.Henegarnoticedathreefoldpatternof procrastinationinhisacademiclife: Ifitsnotduetomorrow,thenIlltakemytimeandputoffthe work. Ifitsduetomorrow,Illstarttheproject,stayuplate,and dropallmyotherpriorities. OnceIvefinished,Imentitledtoareward.

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AndthenMr.Henegarenrolledinaseminarycourseoncounseling, wherehebegantouncoverthehiddensideofhisprocrastination.He realizedthatmypricklybranchesofprocrastinationwerebeing nourishedbyunseenrootsgrowingdeepinthechambersofmy heart(p.41). HesreferringheretoadiagramcalledTheThreeTrees,developed bytheChristianCounselingandEducationalFoundation(CCEF).The diagram,basedonLuke6:4345,presentsthesituationsoflife (illustratedbysunorheat)thatrevealtherootsofsinfulnessor godlinessinourlives.Theserootsrevealwhatwereallywantand believe. Undertheheatoflifescircumstances,wesometimesrespondina godlyway,revealinghealthyrootsthatleadtofruitfulness(illustrated byafruitfultree).Orthesesituationstemptustorespondsinfully, revealingabadrootandalackoffruit(illustratedbyafruitlesstree). Thegospelisthecenterpieceofthediagram,givinghopetothe fruitless(throughrepentance)andremindingusthatallgodlyfruitis aresultofthegospelinourlives. Whenhebeganrecognizingtheheartissuesinvolved,Mr.Henegar continuedthroughhissemesterwithacloserwatchontherootsof sinthatnourishedhisprocrastination. Thisishowhedescribeshisdiscovery: IbegantofeellikeIwasreallyfiguringmyselfout,anditwas stillearlyenoughinthesemestertothinkIwasstayingontop ofthings.IdnoticewhenIstartedslippingblatantlyinto procrastination,anditwaseasyenoughtostopatfirst.But soonmidtermshit,andeverythingquicklyfellapart.Ifound myselfpullingallnightersagain,anditwasbackatsquare one.Ironically,though,Istillhadtoworkonanassignmentfor mycounselingclass.Ireluctantlydoveback,thistimetryingto getatdeeperissues.Itwasnthardtobeginnamingthings. Pridewassurelyoperating:everytimeIpulledanallnighter tofinishajob,Iwasprotectingmyreputationbeforemy friendsandsuperiors. Fearofotherswascloselyrelated.WhenIhadthosemild panicattacks,thefearofothersdisapprovalwasforemostin myhead.
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 Mr.Henegardidtherightthingafterthisdiscovery.Herepentedof hissin.Herepentedtohiswifeforthepresenceandeffectofhissin. Andheturnedtoagroupoffriendsfromhislocalchurchwhomhe offeredastandinginvitationtoshowmemysinandtoremindme ofthegospel(p.44). WhatMr.Henegardiscoveredwasthesimpletruththatunderlying ourprocrastinationputtingoffthemostimportantdutiesweare calledtoaccomplishwasnotsomuchabusyschedulebutasinful heart. Thegoodnewsforallofuswhoareprocrastinatorsisthis:Thegospel addressesthesesins,providesforgivenessofsin,andgivesusthe powertoweakensinandcultivatetruediligence.Inthegospelwe findhopetoaddresstheprocrastinatorwithin.

Lazinesswasntthemainthing,butitdefinitelyplayedapart; sometimesIjustdidntwanttodoanything. Pleasureseekingandescapismwerebigplayers,too,thoughI generallyconfinedmyselftoacceptablethrillslikewatching moviesandbingingonBen&Jerrys.(p.42,emphasismine)

4.JustDoIt

Duetomytendencytowardsprocrastination,thefollowingquoteby preacherAlexanderMacLarenispostedundermycomputermonitor asadailymeansofconfrontingthatprocrastinatorwithin.Myhopeis that,bythegraceofGod,itwillprovokediligencetoattendtothe mostimportantmatterseachdayforthegloryofGod. Itreads: Nounwelcometasksbecomeanythelessunwelcomeby puttingthemofftilltomorrow.Itisonlywhentheyarebehind usanddone,thatwebegintofindthatthereisasweetnessto betastedafterwards,andthattheremembranceof unwelcomedutiesunhesitatinglydoneiswelcomeand pleasant.Accomplished,theyarefullofblessing,andthereisa smileontheirfacesastheyleaveus.Undone,theystand threateninganddisturbingourtranquility,andhinderingour communionwithGod.Iftherebelyingbeforeyouanybitof

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workfromwhichyoushrink,gostraightuptoit,anddoitat once.Theonlywaytogetridofitistodoit. AlexanderMacLaren(18261910),Scottishpreacher

5.InAllThyWays
Mytendencyistochargeintothedayintentongettingstuffdone, attackingmytodolistmotivatedbyselfsufficiencyratherthanby humbledependenceuponthegraceofGodrevealedinthegospel. Andgiventheactivepresenceofprideandselfsufficiencyinmylife, itisimperativeformeattheoutsetofeachdaytodevotetimeto humblingmyselfbeforetheLordandacknowledgingmydependence uponhimforallthatawaitsme. AsIdevotemyselftothisspiritualdiscipline,thewordsofProverbs 3:57frequentlyinformmymeditationandprayer: TrustintheLordwithallyourheart,anddonotleanonyour ownunderstanding.Inallyourwaysacknowledgehim,andhe willmakestraightyourpaths.Benotwiseinyourowneyes; feartheLord,andturnawayfromevil.(ESV) Thispassageiswellsuitedformyfellowprocrastinatorsandusefulas weexamineourheartsandapplythecontentoftheversestoour heartsthroughouteachday. AlongsideanopenBible,Ifindtheexpositionoftheseversesby nineteenthcenturypastorCharlesBridgesinhiscommentaryon Proverbstobehelpfulandinsightful.Hewrites: Letourconfidencebeuniform.Inallthywaysacknowledge him(Proverbs3:6).Takeonestepatatime,everystepunder divinewarrantanddirection.Everplanforyourselfinsimple dependenceonGod.Itisnothinglessthanselfidolatryto conceivethatwecancarryoneventheordinarymattersof thedaywithouthiscounsel. Helovestobeconsulted.Thereforetakeallthydifficultiesto beresolvedbyhim.Beinthehabitofgoingtohiminthefirst placebeforeselfwill,selfpleasing,selfwisdom,human friends,convenience,expediency.Beforeanyofthesehave
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beenconsultedgotoGodatonce.Considernocircumstances toocleartoneedhisdirection. Inallthyways,smallaswellasgreat;inallthyconcerns, personalorrelative,temporaloreternal,lethimbesupreme. CharlesBridges(17941869),fromACommentaryon Proverbs(BannerofTruth,1846/1968)pp.2425.

6.TheSluggard
MystudyinthebookofProverbsbeganshortlyaftermyconversion in1972.AnditwasntlongafterthisthatIbeganreadingandlearning fromDr.DerekKidnerslittlecommentary.FordecadesnowDr. Kidnerhasbeenoneofthescholarsholdingmyhand,leadingme throughthebook,andhelpingmetodiscoverwhathecallsthe neglectedwealthoftheProverbs(p.9). Oneofthemostdistinctfeaturesofthecommentaryishisbrief subjectstudies.InthesesummarieshecoversthetopicsofGodand man,wisdom,thefool,thesluggard,thefriend,words,thefamily, andlifeanddeath(seepages3156).IwishallChristianscouldread thesebriefandpointedstudiesandexperiencethegraceandwisdom Ihavederivedfromthem. WhenIbeganmyChristianlife,Iheldtoanarrowandlimited understandingoflaziness.ThenIreadKidnerssubjectstudyonthe sluggard. Illneverforgetit. AsIbeganreading,Isawmyfaceinthepicture.Mydefinitionof lazinesswasexpanded,anditssubtletywasexposed.Idiscovered thatIcouldbeandoftenwasasluggard. HerearethewordsIread: ThesluggardinProverbsisafigureoftragicomedy,withhis sheeranimallaziness(heismorethananchoredtohisbed:he ishingedtoit,26:14),hispreposterousexcuses(thereisa lionoutside!26:13;22:13)andhisfinalhelplessness. (1)Hewillnotbeginthings.Whenweaskhim(6:9,10)How long?When?,wearebeingtoodefiniteforhim.He
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doesntknow.Allheknowsishisdeliciousdrowsiness;allhe asksisalittlerespite:alittlealittlealittle.Hedoesnot commithimselftoarefusal,butdeceiveshimselfbythe smallnessofhissurrenders.So,byinchesandminutes,his opportunityslipsaway. (2)Hewillnotfinishthings.Therareeffortofbeginninghas beentoomuch;theimpulsedies.Sohisquarrygoesbadon him(12:27)andhismealgoescoldonhim(19:24;26:15). (3)Hewillnotfacethings.Hecomestobelievehisown excuses(perhapsthereisalionoutthere,22:13),andto rationalizehislaziness;forheiswiserinhisownconceitthan sevenmenthatcanrenderareason(26:16).Becausehe makesahabitofthesoftchoice(hewillnotplowbyreason ofthecold,20:4)hischaractersuffersasmuchashis business,sothatheisimpliedin15:19tobefundamentally dishonest (4)Consequentlyheisrestless(13:4;21:25,26)with unsatisfieddesire;helplessinfaceofthetangleofhisaffairs, whicharelikeahedgeofthorns(15:19);anduseless expensively(18:9)andexasperatingly(10:26)toanywho mustemployhim Thewisemanwilllearnwhilethereistime.Heknowsthatthe sluggardisnofreak,but,asoftenasnot,anordinarymanwho hasmadetoomanyexcuses,toomanyrefusalsandtoomany postponements.Ithasallbeenasimperceptible,andas pleasant,asfallingasleep. DerekKidner,Proverbs(IVP,1964),pp.4243.

7.Time.Redeemed.
TwoorthreetimeseachyearIretrieveacollectionofarticlesina folderlabeledTimeManagement.AmongthearticlesIreviewis onetitledTimeWellSpent:RightNowCountsForever,writtenby oneofmyheroesinthefaith,Dr.R.C.Sproul. ThearticlefirstappearedinTabletalkmagazineseveralyearsago (September1997,pp.47).Andifyoucouldseemycopyofthe

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article,youwouldnoticethatitspepperedwithyearsofhighlights, underlines,andcheckmarks. ImthankfulDr.Sproulwrotethisarticle.AndtodayIoffertoyouthe essentialsubstanceofthearticleaswecontinueourseriesonbiblical productivity. Itsworthyourtime.

TimeWellSpent2

ByR.C.Sproul Timeisthegreatleveler.Itisoneresourcethatisallocatedin absoluteegalitarianterms.Everylivingpersonhasthesamenumber ofhourstouseineveryday.Busypeoplearenotgivenaspecial bonusaddedontothehoursoftheday.Theclockplaysnofavorites. Weallhaveanequalmeasureoftimeineveryday.Wherewediffer fromoneanotherisinhowweredeemthetimeallotted.When somethingisredeemeditisrescuedorpurchasedfromsome negativecondition.Thebasicnegativeconditionweareconcerned withistheconditionofwaste.Towastetimeistospenditonthat whichhaslittleornovalue. Iamatimewaster.WhenIthinkofthetimeIhavewastedoverthe courseofmylife,Iamhoundedbyremorse.Thisguiltisnotafalse onefosteredbyanoveractiveworkethic.Theguiltisrealbecausethe timeIhavewastedisrealtime. ThelateVinceLombardiintroducedtheadage,Ineverlostagame,I justranoutoftime.Thisexplanationpointstooneofthemost dramaticelementsofsportstheraceagainsttheclock.Theteam thatismostproductiveintheallottedtimeistheteamthatwinsthe game.Ofcourse,insports,unlikelife,thereareprovisionsforcalling timeout.Theclockinasportscontestcanbetemporarilyhalted.But inreallifetherearenotimeouts
ThearticleTimeWellSpent:RightNowCountsForeverbyDr.R.C.SproulandpublishedinTabletalk magazine(September1997,pp.47).Tabletalkmagazine.Permissions:Youarepermittedandencouraged toreproduceanddistributethismaterialinanyformatprovidedthatyoudonotalterthewordinginanyway, youdonotchargeafeebeyondthecostofreproduction,andyoudonotmakemorethan500physicalcopies. Forwebposting,alinktothisdocumentonourwebsiteispreferred(whereapplicable).Ifnosuchlinkexists, simplylinktowww.ligonier.org/tabletalk.Anyexceptionstotheabovemustbeformallyapprovedby Tabletalk.Pleaseincludethefollowingstatementonanydistributedcopy:FromLigonierMinistriesandR.C. Sproul.Tabletalkmagazine.Website:www.ligonier.org/tabletalk.Email:tabletalk@ligonier.org.Tollfree:1 8004354343.Ministries.
2

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 Givenmypropensitytowastetime,Ihavelearnedafewtrickstohelp mebeattheclock.Theymaybehelpfultosomeofyou. First,IrealizethatallofmytimeisGodstimeandallofmytimeismy timebyHisdelegation.Godownsmeandmytime.Yet,Hehasgiven meameasureoftimeoverwhichIamasteward.Icancommitthat timetoworkforotherpeople,visitotherpeople,etc.Butitistimefor whichImustgiveanaccount. Second,timecanberedeemedbyconcentrationandfocus.Oneofthe greatestwastesoftimeoccursinthehumanmind.Ourhandsmaybe busybutourmindsidle.Likewise,ourhandsmaybeidlewhileour mindsarebusy.Woolgathering,daydreaming,andindulgingin frivolousfantasyarewaysinwhichthoughtsmaybewastedinreal time.Tofocusourmindsonthetaskathandwithfierce concentrationmakesforproductiveuseoftime. Third,themindcanredeemvaluabletimetakenupbyordinaryor mechanicalfunctions.Forexample,themechanicsoftakingashower arenotdifficult.Inthissettingthemindisfreeforproblemsolving, creativethinking,orthecompositionofthemes.Manyofmy messagesandlecturesaregerminatedintheshower.WhenIusedto playalotofgolf,IfoundthatthetimeIhadbetweenshotswasa greattimeforcomposingmessagesinmymind. Fourth,useyourleisuretimeforpursuitsthatarelifeenriching. Leisuretimeisoftenspentonavocations.Readingisavaluableuseof time.Itenricheslifetoreadoutsideofyourmajorfieldorareaof expertise.Augustineonceadvisedbelieverstolearnasmuchas possibleaboutasmanythingsaspossible,sincealltruthisGods truth.Otheravocationsthatareenrichingincludethearts.Iliketo studythepianoandIdabbleinpainting.Noonewillevermistakeme foraseriousmusicianoranaccomplishedartist.Buttheseavocations openuptheworldofbeautytomethatenhancesmyviewofGod andHismanifoldperfections.Ialsoenjoyworkingcrosswordpuzzles towarmupthelittlegraycellsandtoexpandmyvistaofverbal expression. Fifth,findwaystocheattheSandMan.SeveralyearsagoIhadan epiphanyabouttimemanagement.Thoughmylifelongpatternhad beentostayuplateatnightIrealizedthatforme,thehoursbetween 912p.m.werenotveryproductive.IreasonedthatifIusedthose hourstosleepImightsecuremoretimeformoreproductivethings. Sincethenmyhabithasbeentoretirebetween89p.m.when
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possibleandriseat4a.m.Thishaseffectedawonderfulrevolution formyschedule.Theearlyhoursofthedayareatimefreefrom distractionsandinterruptions,amarveloustimeforstudy,writing, andprayer. Sixth,usedrivetimeforlearning.Drivingacarisanothermechanical functionthatallowsthemindtobealerttomorethanwhatis happeningontheroadway.Thebenefitsofaudiotapecanbeputto greatuseduringthesetimes.Icanlistentolecturesandinstructional tapeswhiledriving,therebyredeemingthetime. Finally,inmostcasesascheduleismoreliberatingthanrestricting. Workingwithaschedulehelpsenormouslytoorganizeouruseof time.Thescheduleshouldbeafriend,notanenemy.Ifinditfreeing inthattheschedulecanincludetimeforleisure,recreation,and avocation.IthelpsusfindtherhythmforaGodglorifyingproductive life.

8.Roles,Goals,Scheduling
CurrentlyAmazon.comlists90,864booksunderthetopicoftime management.TitlesrangefromGettingThingsDone:TheArtof StressFreeProductivitybyDavidAllen,ahelpfulbookIrecommend, toTimeManagementforDummies,abookIhavenotread,although itappearsIrepresentthetargetaudience. Timemanagementbooksarehotanditsobviouswhyweallwant todiscoversomepreviouslyunknownsecretthatwillenableusto becomemoreproductive.Yetinthisserieswehavediscoveredthat gettingmorethingsdonedoesnotmeanwearegettingtheright thingsdone. Ortoputthisinalittletriad:busynessdoesnotmeanIamdiligent; busynessdoesnotmeanIamfaithful;busynessdoesnotmeanIam fruitful. Inthepastseveralpostsinthisseries,welookedatprocrastination: puttingoffuntilthelastmomenttasksthatareimportant(and presumablymostdifficult),andinsteaddevotingourselvestowhatis easyandurgent,butnotasimportant. Mybusynessmaybeprocrastinationindisguise.
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Buttodaywetransitioninthisseriesfromdiscussingthehindrances tobiblicalproductivity(procrastination,laziness,andthetendencies ofthesluggard)tolookingathowwecaneffectivelyplanand prioritize. FrommystudyofthistopicandmyobservationofthoseIadmire (anddesiretoemulate),itappearstomethatbeingfaithful, productive,andfruitfulforthegloryofGodrequiresthatIaccomplish threethings: 1. definemypresentGodgivenroles, 2. determinespecific,theologicallyinformedgoals,and 3. transferthesegoalsintomyschedule. Overthenextseveralpostswewilldevelopthesethreeinsome detail. Butyoumaybethinkingtoyourself,whygothroughthetroubleof determiningtheseroles,creatinggoals,andfittingallthisintomy schedule?Whynottakelifeasitcomes? Perhapsyoudislikeorevendespiseallthingsrelatedtoplanning. Perhapsyou,likeme,canidentifywithmyfriendMichaelMcKinley whenherecentlywrote:Iwouldratherstickaforkinmyeyethansit inaplanningmeeting.Mikehaspainfullyandcreativelycapturedmy tendencytopostponeplanning,andifpossible,avoidplanning altogether.ButwhileIthinkofmyselfasanallaboutthemoment guy,myavoidanceofplanningistothedetrimentofmyscheduleand (moreimportantly)tothedetrimentofmyservicetomyfamilyand church. Hereswhy. Theproblemforthoseofuswiththisforkintheeyeapproachto planningisthatduringeachdaythemosturgentrequestswill competewithanddistractfromthemostimportantgoalsand prioritiesofourlives.Eachdaythenumberofrequestswereceive normallyoutnumberthetimeallottedfortheday.Myexperience confirmsthatifIfailtoattackmyweekwiththeologicallyinformed planning,myweekattacksmewithanonslaughtoftheurgent.AndI endupdevotingmoretimetotheurgentthantheimportant. Andattheendoftheweekthereisalowgradeguiltand dissatisfactioninmysoul,becauseIveneglectedtodothetruly importantstuff.Iwanttohaveasfewweekslikethisaspossiblein
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whatevertimeremainsformetoservetheSavior.Imthinkingyoudo aswell.

9.Roles(Part1)
Itsnothardforustoimaginethatpastorsandchurchplantersare calledbyGod.ThisiscleartousthroughoutScripture.Sowhenwe comeacrossthefirstverseinRomans,wherePaulsayshewascalled tobeanapostle(ESV),wehavenoproblemwiththis. Butwhatabouttherestofus? Whataboutastayathomemomwithtwokids?Whataboutanauto mechanic?Howaboutarealestateagentandabusinessowner?Has Godcalledthem? Whataboutyou?AreyouawareofbeingcalledbyGodtoaparticular task? TheologyofWork Disagreementsoveratheologyofworkarecommonthroughout churchhistory.Infact(Iwasjusttold)theMiddleAgeswasmarkedby astiffdistinctionbetweensacredandsecularwork.Pastorsand churchleaderswereconsideredcalled;laborerswerenotsocalled. Oneissacred;oneissecular. ThenalongcameaReformation. NotonlydidtheReformersmakeagiantstridebyviewingsecular workasacallingfromGod,theytookasecondstepandbroadened thiscallingtoincludenotonlyworkbutalsovocation. LelandRykenwritesinhisbookRedeemingtheTime(Baker,1995), TheearlyProtestantsrightlyconceivedofourcallingsasbeingmuch broaderthanourjob.Allofourrolesinlifearecallings.Beinga spouse,aparent,achurchmember,aneighbor,andaChristianareall callings(p.151). Bythis,theReformersintroducedanunderstandingofGods sovereigntythatincludedalloflifeeveryvocation,everydetail, everymoment.
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TodayitappearsthatmanyChristiansarentclearontheirworkas calling.Christiansarenormallyclearthatweshouldliveoutthe Christianethicintheworkplace.ButtheReformerswerecallingfor somethingbigger. Rykenwrites: MostChristiansbelievetheycanbeaChristianatwork.Todo soinvolvesbeingadiligentworker,beinghonestinones dealingswithanemployer,andwitnessingtofellowworkers. Butthisstillleavestheworkitselfuntouchedbyones Christianfaith.TheoriginalProtestantswererightingoing beyondthisandclaimingthattheworkitselfisaspiritualissue andameansofglorifyingGod.WecanbeChristiannotonlyin ourworkbutthroughourworkifweviewourworkasan obedientresponsetoGodscalling.(p.148) Thisperspectivewilltransformyourattitudeasyouproceedtowork, waitintraffic,andarrivetoworkforyetanotherday! DeterminingRoles ButhowcanIbecertainofmyowncalling?HowcanIknowIamin therightjob?AmIinthepropercareerpath?WhataboutwhereGod wantsmeinthefuture?HowdoIdetermineGodsintended vocation(s)formylife? InhisbookTheSpiritualityoftheCross(Concordia,1999),GeneVeith providestwoinsightfulquestions. First,wherehasGodplacedme? Howdoweknowourvocation?Strictlyspeakingand contrarytothewaywepressureyoungpeopletodecide whattheyaregoingtodowhentheygrowupavocationis notsomethingwechooseforourselves.Rather,itisgivenby God,whocallsustoaparticularworkorstation.Godgives eachindividualuniquetalents,skills,andinclinations.Healso putseachindividualinauniquesetofexternalcircumstances, whichareunderstoodashavingbeenprovidentiallyarranged byGod.Sincevocationisnotselfchosen,itcanbeknowntoo throughtheactionsofothers.Gettingofferedajob,being electedtoanoffice,findingsomeonewhowantstomarry you,areallcluestovocation
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 Second,whereamIpositionedtoserveothers? Thepurposeofonesvocation,whateveritmightbe,isserving others.IthastodowithfulfillingChristsinjunctiontolove onesneighborOurrelationshiptoGodisnotdeterminedby ourgoodworks(sincethosewithasinfulnaturecannever haveenoughofthemtoearnanythingbeforeGod)whatwe needrather,isforgivenessforoursinsandtheperfectgood worksofJesusChrist.Butourrelationshiptoourneighborsis determinedbyourgoodworks,whichthemselvesareonly madepossiblebyGodworkingthroughus.(pp.77,78) Essentially,yourvocationistobefoundintheplaceyou occupyinthepresent.Apersonstuckinadeadendjobmay havehigherambitions,butforthemoment,thatjob,however humble,ishisvocation.Flippinghamburgers,cleaninghotel rooms,emptyingbedpansallhavedignityasvocations, spheresofexpressingloveofneighborthroughselfless service,inwhichGodismasked.(p.80) Itmaybethatourvocationisnotclearbecausewehavenotstarted withthesetwoquestions. WherehasGodplacedme? WhereamIpositionedtoserveothers? Takeamomenttolookdownatyourfeet.Goahead,look.Formost ofus,ourfeetarecurrentlyrestingwithinthegeographiccircleof Godscallingonourlives.InthefutureGodmaycallyououtsidethat circle.Butthatisforanothertime. IfeartoomanyChristiansaresodistractedbythoughtsofthefuture thattheycannotdiscernwithclarityhowGodhascalledthemto serveintheirpresentvocations.Thoughtheyshowupforworkeach day,theydontworkwithpassionandjoyeachday.
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Perhapslater,anothervocationwillpresentitself.But vocationistobefoundnotsimplyinfuturecareerdecisions, butinthehereandnow.Norcanapersonusetheexcuseof nothavingavocationformarriageforgettingadivorce,or claimnothavingavocationforparenthoodasawayto dumpchildrearingresponsibilities.Ifyouaremarried,thats yourvocation.Ifyouhavechildren,theyareyourvocation.(p. 80)

Conclusion Asyouaskyourselfthesequestions,praythatGodwillhelphis specificcallonyourlifebecomeclear.Lookdown,andwritedown whatyoudiscover. Keepthelisthandy,becausenexttimewewilllookatthatlistandget intothespecifics.

10.Roles(Part2)

NotlongagoIwasawakeinthemiddleofthenight,reading,and enjoyingthesilence. ExceptIkepthearingasound. TapTapTap. Itsoundedlikedrippingwater.Butfromwhere? Ashortsearchledmetoourmainlevelbathroom,wherethe drippingnoisewastheloudest.Crouchingdown,Iopenedthecabinet doorsunderthesinkanddiscoveredalittlepuddleofwaterinthe cabinet. Theproblemwaseasytosee:Thedripwascomingfromtheshutoff valveconnectingthemainwaterpipetothefaucetpipe. Asmalldrip. Asmallpuddle. Asmallproblem. Ihadtwochoices:seekhelpfromsomeonewhounderstands plumbing,ortakemattersintomyownhandsandfixthedripmyself. Ichosethelesswiseoption. Equippedwithnoplumbingknowledgewhatsoever,Iassumedthat turningtheshutoffvalvewouldtightentheconnectionandstopthe leak.ButasItriedtotightenthevalve,itcameloose.Poweredbythe waterpressurebehindit,thevalvewasfiredpastmelikeabullet.
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Immediatelyanunstoppablespraydrenchedmyclothes,sprayed throughthemakeshiftstopperofmyhandthatwasclenchingthe pipe,soakedthebathroomfloor,andbegantofloodthehallway. Thedark,quiet,sleepyhouseholdwasfilledwiththeloudshoutsofa helpless,waterloggedman. Withsomehelpweshutoffthewaterpressure,cleanedupthemess, laughedalot,andwentbacktobed.Someonewithactualplumbing expertisefixedtheproblemthenextday. Mypointisobvious:Iamnotaplumber.AndalthoughsometimesI thinkIcanexcelbeyondmylimitedgifting,Icannot.Nowthatthe bathroomhasbeenrestoredtoproperworkingorder,Ifindgreat liberationinyetanotherreminderthatIamnotcalledtodo everything. GeneVeithwrites,Inourearthlylives,wedonothavetodo everything.Earthlylifeandthisisoperativewithnonbelieversno lessthanbelieversconsistsofgivingandreceiving,servingand beingserved,inanetworkofeconomicandsocialandpersonal interdependence(TheSpiritualityoftheCross,p.76). WhichistosaythatGodcallsustofulfillspecificroles. WhatAreMyRoles? ItisliberatingtoknowthatGodhascalledmetofulfillspecificroles. Andknowingthiscanprotectmefromdoingstupidthings.Buthow doIknowwhatGodhascalledmetodo? Inthelastpostwetalkedabouttwoveryhelpfulquestions: WherehasGodplacedme? WhereamIpositionedtoserveothers? Ifthisallseemsillusivetoyou,itmayhelptoseealistofroles(or vocations).Thisishardlyacomprehensivelist,butinthislistperhaps youwillbetteridentifyspecificroleswhereGodhasplacedyou. Christian Singleman Singlewoman Husband Wife
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 Father Mother Child Grandfather Grandmother Churchmember Pastor Ministryleader Churchplanter Employee Businessowner Student Educator Chef 24houremergencyplumber Wonderfully,noneoftheserolesfallsoutsidethescopeofGods calling.Byhissovereigngrace,hehasplacedeachofuswherewe presentlyare.AndonceweidentifytheseGodgivenroles,wecan begintothinkaboutcreatingspecificgoals. AndIthinkitsimportanttonotethatourspecificroleswillchange overtime,soweneedtorevisitthelist(maybeevenannually). MyRoles Sohereiswheremyplanningforaparticularweekbegins,notwith theschedule,butwithconsideringmyGodgivenroles.IfImnot fulfillingmyroles,mygoalswillbemisdirected,andIwillbe vulnerabletoallmannerofrequestsandfailtodevotemyselftowhat ismostimportant. ThesearetherolesassignedtomebythegraceofGod.Iama 1. Christian 2. Husband 3. Father 4. Grandfather 5. Ministryleader SohowhasGodcalledyou?TakeamomenttolistGodscallingson yourlife.Createyourownpersonallistofroles.Writingthislistout willincreaseyourawarenessofyourGodgivenroles,whichwillhelp youprioritizeandplan.
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AsIhopeyouwilldiscoverforyourselfinthisseries,ourbiblical productivitydependsaschedule,whichdependsuponcleargoals, whichdependsuponclearlydefinedroles.Workingtowardclarityon understandingmypresentrolesismyfirst(andmostimportant)step indevelopingbiblicalproductivity. Definingourroleshelpstoensurethatwearedoingstuffthat matterseachday,knowingwehaveinsomesmallwayadvancedthe gospelandservedothers. Itissweetfallingasleepknowingwehaveredeemedthetime.

11.Goals(Part1)

Forseveralweeksonthisblogwehavebeenconsideringthetopicof biblicalproductivity.WestartedbyunderstandinghowScripture definesprocrastination.Thenwetransitionedtoadiscussionabout roles,goals,andscheduling.Intheprevioustwopostswetalked aboutroles.Todaywebeginlookingatthetopicofgoals. WitheachofourGodassignedroles,Godassignsusspecificgoals. OpenyourBibleandbeginreadingandwithinafewpagesyouwill discoverthegenesisofthisrolegoalconnection. Genesis12 Inthosefirstfewpages,wereadthatGodreacheddownandformed Adamoutofthedustofthegroundandbreathedintohisnostrils, andthatlifelessformcametolife.Adamthefirstmanwasborn. Inthecreationaccount,GodwastedlittletimeinassigningAdam specificrolesandgoals:Befruitfulandmultiplyandfilltheearthand subdueitandhavedominionoverthefishoftheseaandoverthe birdsoftheheavensandovereverylivingthingthatmovesonthe earth(Genesis1:28). Ifwefastforwardintothenextchapter,wezoomintoaspecific situation:TheLordGodtookthemanandputhiminthegardenof Edentoworkitandkeepit(Genesis2:15).Forsimplicity,Illgive AdamthetitleofChiefGardener. Adamwastoworkandkeepthegarden.Wecanimaginethe ChiefGardenerwalkingpeacefullythroughthelushparadise,making
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certaineverythingwasproperlycultivatedandprotected.Notabad gigintheprethornera. IfwelookinonAdamsroleinthegarden,hisprofilemaylook somethinglikethis: Role:ChiefGardener Goal:Tosubduetheearth(specificallyinthegarden). Schedule:WedontknowwhatAdamsdailyroutinelookedlikehe didnthaveadayplannerbutwecanassumeitwasfilledwith specificdutiesofworking,orserving,andkeeping,orprotecting, thegarden. WecanonlyspeculateaboutthespecificdutiesAdamwasassignedin thegarden.Whatsimportantisthatweseethatfromthevery beginning,beforesinenteredthegarden,thereseemstobea connectionbetweenAdamsrolesandhisgoals.Thosegoals,inturn, wouldhavedirectedhisdailyactivitieswhichwerecallinghis schedule. TwentiethcenturyDutchtheologianHermanBavinck,ashereflected onAdamspositioninthegarden,capturesthepriorityofgoals(in relationtoroles)whenhewrites: Workcannothaveitsendandfinalpurposeinitselfbutalways hasasitsfurtherobjectivetobringsomethingintobeing.It ceaseswhenthatobjectivehasbeenreached.Towork,simply towork,withoutdeliberation,plan,orpurpose,istowork hopelesslyandisunworthyofrationalman.3 Godassignsspecificrolesforthepurposeofachievingspecificgoals. Itmayseemobvious,butifwearenotclearonthisrolegoal connection,wearelikelytofillourschedulesorfindourschedules filledbyeverythingbutthetrulyimportant. GodhascalledmetomyspecificrolebecauseheintendsthatI achieveaspecificgoal.Idothisthroughspecifictasks,reflectedinmy schedule. Asecondexamplewillhelpusmorefullydevelopabiblicalpictureof goals. Acts6
3

OurReasonableFaith(GrandRapids,MI;1956,Eerdmans)p.216.

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Actsdescribesthespreadofthegospelandthegrowthofthefirst centurychurch.Churcheswereplanted,leadershipstructureswere formed,andcommunitiesofbelieverswereestablished.Withthe increasingnumbersaddedtothechurchcameincreasingpersonal andpracticalneeds. InActs6wereadaboutonespecificchallengefacedbytheApostles, requiringthemtorevisittheirrolesandgoals: Nowinthesedayswhenthediscipleswereincreasingin number,acomplaintbytheHellenistsaroseagainstthe Hebrewsbecausetheirwidowswerebeingneglectedinthe dailydistribution.Andthetwelvesummonedthefullnumber ofthedisciplesandsaid,Itisnotrightthatweshouldgiveup preachingthewordofGodtoservetables.Therefore, brothers,pickoutfromamongyousevenmenofgoodrepute, fulloftheSpiritandofwisdom,whomwewillappointtothis duty.Butwewilldevoteourselvestoprayerandtothe ministryoftheword.(vv.14) Noticetheloomingmercyministrychallengefacedbythegrowing church:Howdowefeedallthehungrywidows?Obviously,the hungrywidowsposedacriticalandverylegitimateneedthat requiredatimelyresponsefromthechurchleaders. ButthefoodwouldnotcomefromthehandsoftheApostles. Noticetheprofilesthatemergeinthispassageofthetwoseparate groups: Role:Apostle Goal:Proclaimthegospel,plantandbuildchurches Schedule:Pray,preparesermons,preach,andbuild Role:Servantleader Goal:PreservethegoalsoftheApostlesbyfeedingthewidows Schedule:Dailycoordinationoffooddistribution Therolesgoalsprinciplewasaliveandatworkinfirstcentury Jerusalem.TheApostleswerecalledbyGodforthespecificgoalof preachingtheWordandprayer.Theywerenotcalledtoservefoodto thewidows.Todosowouldhavemovedthemoutsidetheirspecific rolesandgoals.

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Simultaneously,sevenservantleadersinthechurchwereidentified andpositionedtoservetheneedsofthehungrywidows. Wecanimaginethecompassionateimpulseintheheartofthe Apostlestotakeuptheneedsofthewidowsastheirownpersonal goal.Butthatwouldbeinconsistentwiththeirroles. Conclusion BothoftheseScripturalaccounts,onedescribingAdamspresin vocationandtheotherdescribingfirstcenturychurchleadership, remindusthatroleshavepurpose.Ourspecificrolesarereminders divinePostItnotesthatGodhascalledustofulfillspecificgoals.So throughouteachdayIshouldaskmyself,IswhatImdoing consistentwithmyGodordainedgoals? AwarenessoftherolesGodhasassignedpositionsustopursueour goalsandtofilladayplannerthatreflectsgenuinediligence, faithfulness,andfruitfulness.AlltoGodsglory. SohowcanIidentifythespecificgoalsthatflowoutofmyspecific roles?Thatsfornexttime.

12.Goals(Part2)

Haveyoueverlookedatanemptycalendarandaskedyourself, WhatamIsupposedtobedoingrightnow?Haveyoulookedata calendarfilledtothebrimwith25hoursofthingstodoeachdayand askedyourself,WhatamIsupposedtobedoingrightnow? Bythemselves,neitheremptyschedulesnorsuffocatingschedules helpclarifyourdailypriorities.ButidentifyingourGodordainedroles will.Andifyouarefollowingalonginthisblogseries,youhave hopefullybynowdevelopedyourownlistofGodordainedroles. Moreonthisinaminute. Judgingfromtheemailsyouhavesentin,thereareatleastafewof youwhowanttomakethejumpfromrolestoscheduling.Please dontjumpuntilyouhearmeout.Becauseuntilwefillinthemiddle, thatoftenfuzzyareathatconnectsourrolestoourschedules,our calendarswilllackpurposeandspecificity. Sopleasehangonforonemorepostbeforewejumpintoscheduling.
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 MyRoles EarlierinthisseriesIlistedthefiveprimaryrolesIcurrentlyfill: 1. Christian 2. Husband 3. Father 4. Grandfather 5. Ministryleader Thislookslikeasimpleandobviouslistanditisbutitdoesrequire alittlefocusedtimethinkingthroughandprioritizingtheseroles.The orderisimportant.SoIhopeyouhaveinvestedafewmomentsto defineGodsrolesforyourlifeandhavethelistinfrontofyou. Pleasewritethislistout.Weareconstantlytemptedtoreadabout thingswemaywholeheartedlyagreewith(likebiblicalproductivity), yetfailtorespondwithanythingmorethanaheadnoddingin agreement.Sopleasetaketimetolisttheserolesonpaper. The15minutesyoudevotetoclarifyingyourroleswillquicklyrepay itselfinhoursoftimesavingclarityandpurposeasyoudetermine yourgoalsandfinalizeyourschedule. MyGoals Okay,nowontomygoals.Forme,Iworkfromtwogeneralcategories thatworkwellwithmostofmyroles(especiallymyrelationshipswith otherpeople).Broadlyspeaking,mygoalsaretwofold: Serve(HowcanIserveothers?) Surprise(HowcanIsurpriseothers?) Obviously,Idontthinkthesearetheonlycategoriesyoumaywork from,butthinkingintermsofservingandsurprisinghashelped clarifymygoalsandschedulingweekafterweekovertheyears. ServeandWhat? IthinkmostofusunderstandthepriorityScriptureplacesonserving theneedsofothers.IdontthinkIneedtoconvinceyouofits importance. Butwhataboutsurprisingothers?Whatsupwiththat?
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 Granted,surprisingothersisnotalwaysdistinctfromservingthem. Butwhileweoftenthinkofservingaslimitedtomeetingobvious needs,thereismoretoitthanthat.Paulwrites,Outdooneanother inshowinghonor(Romans12:10,ESV).Theintentionalityandthe intensityofthisstatementarehardtomiss.Godcommandsaholy competitioninshowinghonortoothers. Sodoourschedulesreflectobediencetothiscommand? Convicting,isntit? Asyoucansee,Ifindithelpfultothinkofthesegoalsservingand surprisingasseparatecategories.Roughlyspeaking,toserveisto effectivelyprovideforlegitimateneeds.Tosurpriseistohappilyand generouslyhonorandblessothers! Bothcategoriesshouldbetheeffectofthegospelinourheartsand theappropriateexpressionofloveforothers.Andbothcategories honorGod,andbothcategoriesshouldfindtheirwayintoour schedules. LimitingGoals Nowpleasedontberunningoffandsettinghundredsofgoalsin relationtoeachrole!Ihavetoooftensettoomanygoalsthatwent unfulfilledandleftmediscouraged.Irecommendjustafewgoalsfor anysinglerole.Icreatenomorethanthreegoalsperroleinagiven week. Whilewecouldnodoubtdevelopalonglistofgoalsundereachrole, ourtime,energy,andgiftsarerestricted.Fourormoregoalsarelikely morethanmanyofuscanhandle,andespeciallyifyoucanidentify morethanthreepersonalroles. Pleasedontmisunderstand.Myapproachismerelya recommendationforyourconsideration.Thereisnoneedtofollow myapproach.Butyoudoneedtocustomdesignsomeapproachthat incorporatesrolesandgoalsintoyourschedule. Thatsfornexttime.

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 13.Goals(Part3)
Thisseriesisbecomingincreasinglypracticeoriented.Asitdoes,I thinkitisimportanttonotethatmyapproachismerelya recommendation,onerecommendationamongsomanyavailable today. Itsnotimportantthatyouemulatemyapproach,butyoudoneed sometheologicallyinformedapproachtotimemanagement,a customdesignedapproachthatincorporatesyourparticularroles andgoalsintoyourweeklyormonthlyschedule. Soletmeexplainhowthespecificgoalsworkinrelationtoeachof myfivespecificroles. 1.MyGoalsasaChristian IfyouareaChristian,youhavepersonallyexperiencedGodssaving actoflove.Andnootherroleismorecrucialorcentralthanthatof Christian. YetIsuspecttheroleofChristianisalsotheoneweremostlikely toassumewhenwewriteourschedules.Buttherelationshipwith Godwevebeengivenasaresultofthesubstitutionaryatonementof JesusChristforoursinshouldbeourhighestpriority. Ifinditusefultoidentifytwospecificgoals.AsaChristian,mygoals are: CommunionwithGod. Participationinthelocalchurch. CommunionwithGod.Itspossibletoviewourpracticeofthe spiritualdisciplines(studyofScripture,prayer,etc.)asoptional additionstoourroutinewhentimeallows,ratherthangoalsderived fromourprimaryrole(Christians).OurcommunionwithGodcan oftenremainavagueshoulddoinourmindsthatifwerehonest withourselvesoftentakeslessofapriorityinourschedulesthan thatimportantWednesdaylunchmeetingwithacolleague. Theconsequenceofneglectingapersonalgoalisnowheremore seriousthanwhenweneglectGodandneglectourownsouls. Scripturesternlycautionsustoenforcealldiligenceoverourhearts:
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Keepyourheartwithallvigilance,forfromitflowthespringsoflife (Proverbs4:23,ESV).Wemuststudyourhearts.Wemustmonitorthe conditionofourhearts.WemustworkbythegraceofGodtoemploy thespiritualdisciplinestokeepourheartswithallvigilance. Andultimatelywemustlookoutwardandupward,surveyingthe wondrouscrossandtheSaviorwhodiedthereforus.TheFathers wrathagainstalloursinshasbeensatisfied.Wemustneverlosesight ofCalvary.Andthespiritualdisciplineshelpusdailyfocusourgazeon theSavior. Soweshouldbecarefulthatthisprimaryroleisreflectedinour schedules. Incarvingout4560minutesoftimeinthemorning,Iamseekingto: AcknowledgemydependenceuponGod,affirmmyintention totrustinhim,andvoiceskepticismofmyownunderstanding (Proverbs3:56). Slowlyentertheday,carefultobeginwithadivine perspective. Preachthegospeltomyself. GetmysoulhappybeforeGodbymeditatingonScripture(a practiceIlearnedfromthewritingsofGeorgeMueller). Participationinthelocalchurch.Asthosewhohavebeenforever changedbythegospel,wehavetheprivilegeandjoyofservinginthe localchurch. Whenweconsiderhowtoapplythisgoaltoourschedules,wecan askourselvesthreesimplequestions. Askyourself: WhenandhowamIintentionallyservingthosearoundme? thisyear?thisweek? WhenandhowdoIcarespecificallyforthoseclosesttomein thechurch?thisyear?thisweek?(Forsomeofyou,thiswill consistofservingthoseinyoursmallgroup.) WhenandhowdoIprayforandsupportmypastor?thisyear? thisweek? Thesearequestionsthatflowdirectlyfrommygoal.

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InthecomingpostsIllfocusonmypersonalgoalsderivedfrommy rolesashusband,father,grandfather,andministryleader.

14.Goals(Part4)

Afterashortbreak,todaywereturntothebiblicalproductivityseries. Inthepreviouspostinthisseries,Iexplainedthepersonalgoalsthat flowfrommymostimportantrelationship:myrelationshipwithGod. Becausethatrelationshipisapriority,mygoalistopracticethe spiritualdisciplinesasawayofcommuningwithGodand acknowledgingmydependenceuponhim.Thisgoalshowsupinmy scheduleasIprotectmymorningdevotionaltime. Todaywebegintoexplorebiblicalproductivityinmyrelationships withothers,particularlyinmyrolesashusband,father,and grandfather. ServeandSurprise AsIexplainedearlier,inmyrelationshipswithothersIworkfromtwo biblicalcategories.Broadlyspeaking,mygoalsaretwofold: Serve(HowcanIserve?) Surprise(HowcanIsurprise?) Obviously,Idontthinkthesearetheonlycategoriesyoumaywork from,butthinkingintermsofservingandsurprisinghashelped clarifymygoalsandschedulingweekafterweekovertheyears. Connectmyrolestomygoalsandyoubegintoseethebasic frameworkthatinformsmyschedule.IfIweretodrawthisout,it mightlooksomethinglikethis:

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 Studying Icanhearyouasking,ButC.J.,howdoIserveandsurprisemywife? HowdoIserveandsurprisemyson?WhatexactlyamItodo?Give mespecifics. Actually,atthispointthemosteffectivewayIcanserveyouistonot giveyouspecificsonhowIserveandsurprisemywife,son,and grandchildren.Hereswhy:Thoseyouarecalledtoserveandsurprise areunique.Thismeansthespecificwaysyouserveandsurpriseyour wifemaylookverydifferentfromthewaysIserveandsurprisemy wife. StudyYourWife Forexample,letslookatmyroleashusbandtoCarolyn.AsIplan howtoserveandsurprisemywife,Ithinkaboutanumberof categories.Herearemytwolists.Youcanprobablyaddtothem. Doyouknowhowtosurpriseanddelightyourwifeinspecificwaysin eachoftheseareas? clothingsizes,styles,andstores jewelry health exercise booksandmagazines movies thearts sports food
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 music entertainment placestovisit intellectualinterests hobbies vacations/getaways and,ofcourse,sex Doyouknowhowyourwifeisfaringineachoftheseareas? theologicalknowledge practiceofthespiritualdisciplines growthingodliness spiritualgiftsthatcanbeusedtoserveothers involvementinthelocalchurch relationshipswithchildren relationshipswithparents relationshipswithinlaws relationshipswithfriends personalretreats fears hopes dreams disappointments temptation OnceIhaveconsideredthesecategories,Icanputspecificwaysto serveandsurprisemywifeonmyweeklyandmonthlyschedule. Conclusion Itsrelativelyeasytoconsiderourrolesandcreategoals.Thegreater challengeistodeliveronourgoodintentionsbytransferringthose goalstoourschedules. Servingandsurprisingothersrequiresthatwestudythemcarefully, learntheirparticularneedsandinterests,andtakeactionbasedon whatwelearn.Andwhenwedo,ourwivesandchildren,andallthose weserve,willfreshlyexperienceouraffection,care,andservice.

15.SchedulingtheUnexpected

Atthebeginningofthebiblicalproductivityseries,Istatedthat busynessisnosignofdiligence,faithfulness,orfruitfulness.Andthat
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isbecausebusynessdoesnotindicatethatwearedevotingourselves tothemostimportantthings.Wecanbecomebusywitheverything underthesunexceptfulfillingtherolesGodhasassignedforus.And nomatterhowbusyIappear,ifIamneglectingoneofmyprimary roles,Iamaprocrastinator,spinninginunproductivecircles. Tothispointintheserieswehavefocusedonhowtoidentifyroles, creategoals,andblockoutourscheduletomakesureourtimeis focusedonwhatismostimportant. MypreferenceistoretreattoStarbucksonMondaymorning(aday offforme).Thatswhentwoveryimportantthingstakeplace:(1)I carefullystudytheWashingtonPostsportspage.(2)Iconsidermy roles,creategoals,andtransferthemintomyscheduleforthe comingweek. Butnomatterhowhardwetry,itisimpossibletoplaneverydetailof ourweek.Interruptionsarise,anunanticipatedphonecallrequiresan immediatedecisionandpossibletimeinvestment,anewemailfroma friendrequestsourhelp,andanewcounselingsituationarisesthat willrequirethepastorsimmediateattention.Thelistofpossible surprisesinourcarefullyplannedweeksisseeminglyendless. Sowhatdowedowiththerequestswedidntseecoming? First,itisimportanttounderstandourroles,goals,andschedules beforewediscussrespondingtounanticipatedrequests.Oftenthe procrastinatorfailstoworkfrombiblicalrolestoestablishhis schedule,andisthereforevulnerabletotheurgent.Sohedefaultsto themostrecentoreasiestrequest.Heneglectstheimportant tasksandisgovernedbytheurgentandtheeasy.Heisbusy,busy, busy,butheisnotdiligent,faithful,orfruitful. Ontheotherhand,theonewhohasbeendiligent,understandshis roles,andhascreatedgoalscanrespondtounanticipatedrequests withdiscernment,awareofthetimehehasavailable.Hecanmake appropriateschedulingdecisions.Hehasplannedfortheupcoming week,informedbybiblicalroles,andcannowevaluaterequestsand everydaysurpriseswisely. Eachday,bothrequestsandopportunitiestoserveexceedour capacityandourtime.Sayingnoisreallyahumbleresponse acknowledgingourlimitations.Butifwehavenotdeterminedin advancewhowearetoserve,andhowwearetoserve,wewillnot beabletosaynowhenappropriate.
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 Ifyoucannotsayno,youwillbegovernedbytheurgentrequestsof othersanddistractedfromwhatismostimportant.Eventuallyyou willbecomeoverextendedandfrustrated. EvaluatingRequests Sohowdoweevaluatethemanyrequestsandopportunitieswe encountereachday?Thisisnotscience,butIpersonallyworkfroma roughframeworkwhenevaluatingrequestsastheyarrive.Iapproach therequeststhroughaworkflowthatcanbedividedintothree primaryquestions. (1)Doestherequestfitmyroles? First,doesthisparticularrequestreflectmyGodordainedroles? DoesitreflectmyroleasaChristian,ormyrolesasahusband,father, grandfather,ministryleader,ormycommitmenttothelocalchurch? Ifso,itautomaticallymovesontothesecondquestionthatwewill gettoinoneminute. Butiftherequestisnotconsistentwithmyroles,Iaskafurther question:CanIcompletethisinlessthantwominutes?Sometimes smallopportunitiestoblessothersarisebutdonotfitintoour specificroles.Ifthatsthecase,goforit.Ifnotifthisisalarge requestthatwouldrequireablockoftimeinmyscheduleanddoes notfitintomyrolesImustdecidetodelegate,decline,ordeletethe request(basicDavidAllenstuff). (2)Doestherequestfitmygoals? Sotherequestisconsistentwithyourroles.Good.Andinprevious postswehavebegunconsideringourgoals,whicharereallysub prioritieswithineachrole. Sodoesthespecificrequestmeetmypersonalgoals?Perhapsnot.Or atleastnotatthistime.Theserequestsmustgointoafolderwhere theycanbeprayedabout,submittedtothecounselofothers,and possiblypostponedforlaterconsideration. Iftherequestisconsistentwithmyrolesandgoals,thenitneedsto bedone.Timetoproceedtothethirdquestion. (3)CanIaccomplishtherequestinundertwominutes?
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Thisisasimplequestionthatcanhelpasyouputrequestsonyour schedule. Cantherequestbeaccomplishedintwominutesorless?Ifyoucan completetherequestthatquicklythenitsreallyanobrainer completeitimmediately.Thereisnoreasontowait,noneedto scheduleablockoftime. Butiftherequestrequiresmorethantwominutesofyourtime,itwill requireaplaceintheschedule. Sothatismyprocessforevaluatingrequests.Ifweputthisentire processtogether,itmaylooksomethinglikethisflowchart:

Conclusion Itsnotpossibletoscheduleallofourlives(norshouldwetry).Andso thereisnomisunderstanding:Imnotdependentuponmyschedule. MydependencerestsuponGodhimself. Theunexpectedwillariseeachday,needswillemergethatwedidnot anticipate,andsituationsthatwecouldnotforeseewillrequireour attention. Weshouldnotbesurprisedbyapparentinterruptionstoour schedule.ThesearepartofGodspurposeandplanforourlives.As C.S.Lewissowiselynoted: Thegreatthing,ifonecan,istostopregardingallthe unpleasantthingsasinterruptionsofonesown,orreal
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 Sotrue.

life.Thetruthisofcoursethatwhatonecallstheinterruptions arepreciselyonesreallifethelifeGodissendingonedayby day;whatonecallsonesreallifeisaphantomofonesown imagination.ThisatleastiswhatIseeatmomentsofinsight: butitshardtorememberitallthetime.4

16.SelfSufficient
Asthetypicaldayunfolds,theunexpectedexpectedlyhappens.With oneeyeontheclockandanotheronourschedule,wecanoften watchourplanningderailthroughouttheday.AndasIrealizemy plansforthedaywillnotbeflawlesslyexecuted,mysoulhasa tendencytobeweigheddownbyaccumulatingcares.Butratherthan humblingmyselfasIshould,Ifindmyselfvulnerabletoself sufficiency,atriskofrelyinguponmylimitedstrengthandwisdom. Thisispride. Ifwearenotwatchful,ourburdenswillsubtlyaccumulateovertime, andwillgraduallyweighdownoursoul.Butitdoesntneedtobethis way.Thereisabiblicalalternative. CastingPrideandCastingCares ScripturecallsustocastallouranxietiesonGod,becausehecaresfor us. 6Humbleyourselves,therefore,underthemightyhandof Godsothatatthepropertimehemayexaltyou,7castingall youranxietiesonhim,becausehecaresforyou.(1Peter5:6 7,ESV) CastingallmycaresupontheLordisameansofhumblingmyself beforetheLord.Inreadingthesepassageswediscoverthatcasting ourcaresupontheLordfallsunderthecommandtohumble ourselves.Castingourcaresisanexpressionofhumility.WhenIfail tocastmycaresuponhim,Idisplaypridefulselfsufficiency. AFewWordsofPrayer

TheQuotableLewis(Wheaton,IL.:TyndaleHousePublishers,1989),335.

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AsImakemywayfrommeetingtomeeting,decisiontodecision,and phonecalltophonecall,IfindthecounselofCharlesSpurgeonvery helpful.Ialwaysfeelitwell,hewrote,toputafewwordsofprayer betweeneverythingIdo.Throughouthisbusydays,Spurgeon scatteredwordsofprayerbetweeneachactivity,amodelIhave soughttoemulateovertheyears. Thecontentofmyfewwordsofprayerisnotuniqueandifyou overheardthem,youwouldntbeimpressed.Iamasimplemanand whenIthinkofcastingallmycaresitisasimpleacknowledgementof mydependenceuponGodandmyneedofgracethroughouttheday. Buttheveryactofpausinginabusydaytoprayisanactof weakeningprideinmylife,acknowledgingthatIamadependent creature.Iamnotselfsufficient. Andtakingabriefmomenttohumblemyselfinprayermakesallthe differenceinmysoulthroughouttheday. Atitsroot,wearinessisoftentheresultofprideandselfsufficiencyin mylife.WhenIneglectcastingmycaresupontheLord,theheavy fatigueofwearinesswillsettleintomysoul. CastingourcaresupontheLordandhumblingourselvesbeforehim arecriticalactivities,regardlessofhowbusyweare.Andthispractice cannotbereplacedbyhoursofcarefulplanningandscheduling. Howaboutyou?DoyoufollowthepracticeofSpurgeonandputa fewwordsofprayerbetweeneverythingyoudothroughouteach day?Areyoucastingcaresoraccumulatingburdens?Areyou humblingyourselfbeforetheLordordisplayingselfsufficiency?

17.TheToDoListsAreNeverDone

OnlyGodgetshistodolistdoneeachday. ThissimplesentenceinformshowIbeginmyday,whatIexpectto accomplishduringtheday,andhowIcloseeachday. WhenIstepoutofmyofficeandturnthelightoffattheendofmy day,andthelistoftodosisincomplete,Isaytomysecretary,Nora, wewilltryagaintomorrow.Thisbriefstatementisan acknowledgmentofmylimitations,andismywayofsayingthat

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onceagainIdidntgeteverythingdone.Itsamomentformeto cultivatehumility. Nomatterhowmuchplanning,scheduling,anddisciplineispresentin mylife,Iwillnevercompletelyredeemthetime.Iamafinite creature,limitedinwhatIcanaccomplish,andfurtherlimitedbymy sin.SoitshouldsurprisenobodythatIleavetodosundoneeachand everyday. Myjoyisnotderivedfromtheflawlessexecutionofmygoals.Myjoy eachdayisderivedfromthepersonandworkofJesusChristonthe cross. OnlyGodgetshistodolistdoneeachday.IneedthecrossofChrist eachday.
Copyright2009SovereignGraceMinistries Unlessotherwiseindicated,allScripturequotationsarefromtheEnglishStandardVersion (ESV). Permissions:Youarepermittedandencouragedtoreproduceanddistributethismaterialin anyformatprovidedthatyoudonotalterthewordinginanywayanddonotchargeafee beyondthecostofreproduction.Forwebposting,pleaselinkdirectlytothisdocumenton ourwebsite.AnyexceptionstotheabovemustbeapprovedbySovereignGraceMinistries. Pleasedonothostaudio,video,andtextfilesonalternatewebsites. Pleaseincludethefollowingstatementonanydistributedcopy: ByC.J.Mahaney.Copyright2009SovereignGraceMinistries. www.SovereignGraceMinistries.org page36of36