I think I suffer from Adult Attention Deficit Disorder. OK, well not really. I can't help noticing, however, how easily I get distracted and float from one thing to another during the day! As I get older, I find that this is not getting any better! How do I combat my forgetfulness? Easy. LISTS. Having things written down to consult at any given time keeps me on track. I have lists for everything you can imagine: lists on the fridge for chores, grocery, and to-do, lists on my calendars, at my desks, for our household budget, in my schoolroom, goals for the year, multiple prayer request lists, pending Christmas lists... and the LIST goes on and on... Ah, but let me confess! One thing that I can't stand is when I make a list to take to a store and then arrive only to discover that I have forgotten the list! Maybe I should make a reminder list!
Lists aren't any good if you don't use them!
Making lists is also a great way to help you prioritize things. From items you want to buy to goals you want to accomplish (also from prayer requests and everything in between) - you begin to weed out what is not a pressing need and what truly is.
A list is an expression of vision. The Word tells us, "Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained." Proverbs 29:18 Other versions say, "the people perish". We must have vision for where we are going and what we are doing in life; from the biggest task we can think of to our smallest responsibility. Without some assemblage of order, restraint and chaos will ensue.
Here's my main point today: What if we took to listing out our spiritual goals or issues before we tackle them - and pray about them...what would happen then?
For example - what have you set out to do for Christ this past year? What kind of time and effort have you put into reaching out to others? Are there major decisions you are facing? What would God have you do in those situations or how do you feel Him leading? What would you like to see happen at your church or in the body of Christ as a whole?
Maybe a list is in order to help bring clarity, revelation, focus, and confirmation!
I have often used this "list" idea when teaching teens about dating. God had instructed me around age 11 (sounds remarkable, but it's true) to make a list of what I would like in a husband. It made me think long and hard - and prayerfully consider my future husband. In prayer (and with help of the Holy Spirit) I came up with a list that I followed. As I matured, I would occasionally add things to the list. They included physical attributes, characteristics, family upbringing, emotional, and spiritual traits. By the time it was said and done- there were probably 30 items or more on the list. I consulted this list often and used it to "weed out" guys who may have been good guys, but not "the one".
I remember many of them!
- Must be a Christian of like faith
-Spirit Filled
-Grown up in a strong Christian home
-Ministry minded, with same calling
-Confirmed visions of future calling
-Musical
-Dark Hair
-Kind, warm eyes (I'm an eyes person!)
-Tall
- Strong and Protective
-Had a sense of humor
-Wanted children
-Could make good decisions
-Would have a strong work ethic
-Not afraid to follow God' leading- even if it didn't make sense
-Fear God rather than men
-Was a leader
-Spiritually strong and could lead our family
-Good with finances
-Teachable spirit
-Could instruct others well
These were just a few. Your list would be different than mine, but God wanted me to know that there was a plan and will for this huge decision.
We've used God directed lists in purchasing homes, vehicles, making financial or vocational decisions, and selecting ministries.
You can even take this down to the level of very personal goals:
- Read the Bible through this year
-Witness to 10 new people
-Get involved in a ministry at church
-Use my "gift" on a regular basis
-Give 5% more in tithe and offerings
-Pray for at least 15 minutes a day
-Read the Word at least 10 minutes a day
-Give more of my time
Making lists to help you with your spiritual life. You may not get everything accomplished on your list, but at least you are prioritizing, gaining vision, and heading in the right direction! God will begin to open new doors and lead you into places you've never dreamed when you begin seeking Him and His will - showing your dependency and trust in Him!
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step... or in this case list.
What would be on your list today? May God write His plans upon our hearts!
