To-Do or Not-To-Do

I think I have mentioned it before, but I like ‘lists’. You know, those lists of chores and responsibilities that you can put a little check next to or draw a line through when finished or accomplished. I love lists!

I have to-do lists at home and at work. They help me stay on track and they help me from forgetting, usually. When my husband was alive I also made lists for him, however I titled those “The Honey-Do List”

Typically, at home my lists are created in order of importance. For instance, I have a to-do for today; I have a to-do for each week; and then of course there are to-do’s each month. I create them in order of importance.

Have you ever given thought to the fact that Jesus had a To-Do List when He was born a babe here on earth over 2,000 years ago?

What was number one on His to-do list? The most important thing to Jesus during his time on Earth was the fulfillment of His divine mission. Jesus came to Earth to fulfill several key purposes.

#1 Salvation

Jesus' primary purpose was to provide a path to salvation for humanity. He is the Savior Messiah who came to reconcile humanity with God through his sacrificial death and resurrection.

#2 Teaching and Preaching

Jesus spent a significant part of his ministry teaching about the Kingdom of God, teaching and showing love, compassion, and forgiveness.

#3 Healing and Compassion

Jesus was known for his compassion and healing miracles. He reached out to the sick, the marginalized, and those in need, and by so doing, showed us the importance of caring for each other.

#4 Forgiveness of Sins

Jesus' message included the forgiveness of sins and the importance of repentance. He often forgave sins and emphasized the need for a personal relationship with the Father.

#5 Challenging Religious Hypocrisy

Jesus frequently challenged the religious authorities of his time when he perceived hypocrisy and emphasized the spirit of the law over the letter of the law.

#6 The New Covenant

Jesus introduced the concept of a New Covenant, symbolized through the Last Supper, in which his followers are to remember him through the sharing of bread and wine.

#7 Sacrificial Death and Resurrection

The highpoint of Jesus' mission was His death on the cross for the forgiveness of sins and His subsequent resurrection, gaining victory over death!

Friend, that is a to-do list we can embrace. Praise Him for His love for us!

If you are like me and enjoy lists, why not take it a step further? You can borrow the idea of prioritizing and organizing from your to-do lists and apply it to your spiritual life. Here’s one way to think about it:

Just like you put the most important tasks at the top of your list, consider putting your spiritual well-being first. For Jesus, the things that mattered most were often about love, compassion, and helping others, as well as living in alignment with God. So maybe start your “spiritual to-do list” by thinking about what matters most in your faith.

Set aside a little time each day for reflection or prayer, just like you would block out time for important tasks. It keeps you connected and reminds you why your spiritual life is worth focusing on.

Think of your weekly to-do list, too. Each week, plan for things that nurture your faith, attending church, volunteering, helping someone in need, or simply showing kindness and compassion. These small, consistent acts help you live out your values.

You can even have monthly goals, like reading Scripture, studying your faith, or joining a spiritual group or retreat. Over time, these little steps add up and help you grow.

And just like you check your regular to-do lists, check in on your spiritual progress too. Ask yourself if your actions match your priorities and adjust if needed.

If all of this feels like too much, or if lists are not your thing, that is okay. Remember what Jesus said:

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33 ESV

That verse is simple and powerful. Make seeking God your number one priority, and everything else will fall into place.

Friend, I encourage you to align your actions with your faith. Make Jesus number one in your life. He earned it, He deserves our praise, and best of all, He loves you with all His heart.

By Jeanette Stark – Wednesday, October 25, 2023