"To Do" List
“Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” - Matthew 22:34-40 NIV
I’m not usually one that will take the time to actually write down a “To Do” List. Not one who will write down everything that I want to accomplish in any certain day or week.
For me, it always became about the check mark. Marking off the all the “quick and easy” items so that I could show myself that I actually accomplished some things that day. Though, it was usually the bigger, more important items that remained on the list.
That being said, however, I do print out my daily calendar with my “must attend” and “tentative” meetings and events. And, I do have a running “To Do” List in my mind. Things that I want and need to accomplish today. The list just doesn’t include “brush my teeth” or ‘take my vitamins”. Things that are normal items to do and accomplish on a day to day basis.
Yet, for some folks, to be able to write it down and see it it marked off the list keeps them moving forward. Keeps them motivated. No matter how large or small or routine an item.
Now to the point of this discussion (or rant, if you would).
On our “To Do” Lists, whether mental or written... on our calendars whether printed or on our computers/phones... where does Jesus fit in? Where does prayer happen?
Does Jesus have a place on our “To Do”List?
Is He at the top of that list?
Is He at the bottom of the list?
Is time with Him disbursed throughout the list?
In today’s passage, Jesus reminded the Pharisees (and us) of the two greatest commandments - Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And second, love your neighbor as yourself.
Now, let’s re-examine our “To Do” Lists. What is first on our daily priority list?
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else (first and foremost), and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Keep the Faith... Carpe Diem
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” - Matthew 6:31-33 NLT
