“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” —Galatians 6:9 NLT

To-do lists are one of my favorite things. I admit it. And I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one. I appreciate having my thoughts on paper all organized in a list. It helps me stay focused on what’s important, and I enjoy crossing off tasks as I do them. From time to time, I may even add a task I’ve already done, just for the sheer pleasure of crossing it off my list!

Can you relate? Are you also a fan of to-do lists?

To me, Romans 12:9-13 (NLT) reads a lot like a to-do list for Christians:

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.

Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.

Rejoice in our confident hope.

Be patient in trouble.

Keep on praying.

When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them.

Always be eager to practice hospitality.

What a list! The apostle Paul is so clear and practical here in his letter to the Romans. He was an excellent communicator, well-versed in logic and debate, but I think he knew when a straightforward checklist was needed. (The list goes on, and, if you’re interested, I recommend reading the whole chapter of Romans 12.)*

Unlike my lists about laundry and house-cleaning tasks, this godly to-do list is completely focused on our relationship with God and our relationships with others. Paul raises the bar and challenges us to worship God by offering our bodies, minds, and lives as living sacrifices to Him. It’s as if God is telling us, “If you want to show Me love, here’s how.”

To be honest, it’s not an easy list. Our human flesh and the enemy are constantly trying to convince us that it’s too hard to do. But with the help of the Holy Spirit—and a desire to love God in response to all He’s done for us—we can do these hard things!

Let’s consider how we can tackle a few items on this godly to-do list:

• Is someone in your life hard to love? Show them genuine affection with a good hug. Be willing to listen and spend time with them. Learn their favorite snack and surprise them with it.
• Are you tempted to feel negative? Spend some extra time with Jesus, lay your burdens down, then sing, and rejoice! Know that God never stops working, in all things, for your good. Our hope is in Him!
• Do you know of someone in need? Reach out to a widow in your church who might simply enjoy your company over a cup of coffee. Volunteer to help a family that could use a couple of hours of childcare.

When we do these things, God is delighted. It blesses Him to see His children trusting in Him and acting as His hands and feet. Not only does He say that these actions are ways to worship Him and bring honor to His name, but He is gracious to remind us that they bring us heavenly rewards, too. (Re-read Galatians 6:9 above.)

So let’s never grow weary of doing good, sisters. Meditate on the list above and ask God which task He is calling you to do today. Let’s put His to-do list above our own!

Father, I want to live my life in a way that honors You. I surrender my daily agenda to Your holy purposes. Help me by Your Holy Spirit to meet each challenge as an opportunity to bring glory to Your name. Strengthen me to choose to do what is right, instead of what is easy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Welcome, Brittany Anderson, newest Sweet Selah team member. Brittany will be writing occasional Musings and handling other writing duties for the ministry.

*Here are some other favorite godly to-do lists:  Philippians 2:1-5, Philippians 4:4-8, 1 Peter 5:6-9.

 With love,                                                                          
Brittany Anderson                                                                   

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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