Masthead header

God-Inspired “To Do’s”

Thanks to the latest in Apple technology, life has gotten a little simpler. I used to carry around a bulky planner filled with my calendar and a lengthy “to-do” list, yet all that has become virtually obsolete with the iPhone apps available at my fingertips. In fact, just the other day I simply hit a button and asked Siri to leave me a reminder. I felt like a character from Star Trek-without the “beam me up” capability!

Despite how complicated some people feel Christianity may be, God is all about simplicity, too. Throughout Scripture He provides clear directions for successful living, often in a list-like fashion so we can’t miss the concepts He knows will be most helpful to us. A perfect example of this is found in Ephesians 4 where the Lord offers a few basic instructions for Christ-like living. Let’s look at His “to-do’s” for a few minutes:

21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.

23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God-truly righteous and holy.

25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.

26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.

29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.

32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

If you look over this list again, you’ll see these are fairly simple ideas to improve your life. Why not add one to your own “to do” list today-then a new one tomorrow, and another the day after that? While all of us will have many things to accomplish during the month of March, may we be inspired to try some of these ways to grow in our faith and please our Heavenly Father at the same time!

Thought of the Month

Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

Ephesians 4:14-15