by Steve Hale
One of the biggest frustrations anyone faces in ministry is prioritizing. Sometimes, you really do need to be several places at once.
All of us face this, to some extent. With several worthwhile meetings, events, studies, visits, family time, etc., how do you keep your sanity? How do you decide what to do, and what not to do?
Let me offer these practical suggestions:
1. Prioritize ( Matthew 23:23, 24). 'Weightier matters' should take priority. Categorize your schedule, and determine which matters are the most important, then take care of them first.
2. People ( Galatians 6:2). Sometimes, we just can't handle everything by ourselves. At this point, we need to get reliable people to help us. Among brethren, this should not be difficult ( 1 Corinthians 12:12-26).
3. Pressure ( Philippians 4:6). Do the best you can, and turn the rest over to the Lord. We live in an age of great anxiety, depression, and suicide. Some things are just beyond our control ( James 1:5, 8, 12, 13). We need to pray, turn these over to the Lord, and move on.
4. Peace ( Philippians 4:6-1 1). Peace is simply right relationships in all spheres of life. It must begin with a right relationship with God. This is only possible through the Lord Jesus Christ ( Romans 5: 1). This should be top priority for all of us!
5. Pardon ( Philippians 4.5; Matthew 6:12-15). Be willing to give brethren the benefit of the doubt. Forgive them if you want God to forgive you! Jettison past baggage! Time and life are too precious to squander on grudges of the past.
Prioritizing time to the glory of God is possible only if we are willing to implement these five P's: prioritize, people, pressure, peace, and pardon. Are you a happy, upbeat, and positive Christian? If not, then make a real effort to implement these biblical principles. This life is too short, and eternity is too long, to do otherwise!