Ugh, that checklist of boxes we all have. To check them off is heaven! Now we’ve really accomplished something and life is grand. Oh, but wait, you want me to add ‘that’ to my list? The never-ending list.
A Checklist for Everything
I mostly keep up with my checklists. I have one that I keep for my work as a business coach. And I also have one for my personal life though most of that is in my head and not on paper. And I also have one for the projects that Carmen and I always have going on. Then there is that checklist I have in my head for our children to accomplish for success, though they are all young adults. They are 24, 28, 30 & 33 years old at the moment.
If I did have all of that on paper, it would be like a scroll. When unrolled it would be a mile long. Of things I’ve accomplished, and yet of things to accomplish. A list that will never end.
It Is A Good Thing, Those Lists
Those lists are good. Those lists are actually what help us accomplish our goals. Did you know that only 3% are estimated to actually write down their goals and lists to accomplish them? And it is estimated that those who do this are 10 times more successful than all the others combined. Awe, the power of lists.
The Danger of Lists
Whether you make mental lists or lists that you actually write down with little checkboxes right before each one, do not be fooled by the process. The things of this world will never give us security no matter how many checks we make. Well okay, maybe a false sense of security. But not in a way where we will ever gain control of our lives.
“But Scott, look what I’ve accomplished!”
Gaining Control of our life where it matters eternally, and even here on this earth, will never happen with any amount of accomplishments or by ‘things’ we have.
Fulfillment and Security in Christ
Focus your attention not on the never-ending list of things to check off, but on Jesus. Focus your attention on Him. Keep your eyes on Him. Jesus will bring you clarity and focus. He will help you sort out what needs to be accomplished now and what doesn’t.
Hebrews 12:2a AMP
[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity],
II Corinthians 4:18 AMP
So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable.
Challenge of the Week
Start each morning this week with your focus, your eyes, on Jesus. Ask Him what the day brings and what needs to be checked off now, and what doesn’t. Allow Him to bring you security and peace in being focused on Him. He is the author and perfector of our faith. Turn your eyes upon Him. So be it!
