WIM - Subcriber Articles

Keeping in Sync

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 - 11:18 AM CST

By Beth Backes

If you are anything like me, you work off of an ever changing to-do list. I am attempting to harness the latest technology to keep my life and ministry flowing smoothly. I was thrilled to find a note app that fuels my list habit. The most helpful feature of this life-enhancing app is that it syncs. I can update my list from my computer, my phone, or my laptop, and they all sync with each other. It's every list-lover's dream!

One morning I was updating my to-do list and found I had a list longer than the hours in the day. I felt the pressure to check off the list every responsibility it outlined. On my list were tasks like preparing a sermon and writing an article. Other items included scrubbing toilets and grocery shopping. I could feel the frustration mounting as it seemed virtually impossible that I could complete all that I had planned. Suddenly, I felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit asking me if I had synced my list with God's. It was one of those, "Ouch, I needed that" kind of moments.

I opened my Bible to Galatians 5:25 and read, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit" (NIV). Seems like God thought of this sync idea long before my smart phone came along. I reviewed my list in my quiet time with the Lord and asked Him to guide me. I felt released to check off several items that could wait, and I enlisted help with a few tasks. Interestingly, the Lord also asked me to add a few things as well, such as visiting with a neighbor and calling a friend who was going through a difficult time.

I discovered that when left to my own devices, my to-do lists are often filled with monotonous and mundane work. However, when I sync my list with God's plans for my day, He adds those items that are investments for eternity.

We are living in a culture that is moving at a break-neck pace. It is easy to succumb to the pressure to keep up with a never-ending list of chores. This mentality can kill the sense of adventure of serving God in ministry. As ministry leaders, we need wisdom to slow down and evaluate our priorities. Here are a few simple questions that help when syncing daily tasks:

1. What are the essential things that God wants me to accomplish today?
2. What tasks can wait?
3. What tasks can be delegated?

Adding the sync feature in my daily time with the Lord keeps me focused on the mission of God and released from the undue pressure to do it all.

Let's intentionally sync our daily task list with God before diving into our day. Working off His list always proves to be an adventure filled with purpose and a few surprises along the way.

Bethlehem Backes is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and has been in ministry for 15 years. She works on staff with the Northwest Ministry Network and recently completed her BA in Ministry Leadership at Northwest University. Beth lives in Snoqualmie, Wash., with her husband and two children.