As we talk about spiritual giants and what it means to be a leader, I couldn’t help but think about all the roadblocks we come across in day to day life. If we are supposed to be leading others to Christ, how do we fit that into a schedule that is already filled with kids, soccer games, work, church, family, and friends? This question has an answer which is simple in theory yet more complicated in practicality. The answer is PRIORITIZING.
Look around at today’s young people. One thing missing is the discipline of prioritization. Caught up in incredible technology, advanced communication, and an ever changing culture, young people have become accustom to the art of multi-tasking. However, while this is an important skill, when it is not balanced with prioritization multi-tasking becomes a crutch. In fact, even adults deal with this dilemma. A church does not grow by adding 20 or 30 ministries to its portfolio. Rather, it grows by assessing and prioritizing needs. It grows by excelling in one or two areas. Sadly, because so many want to play the resume game, multi-tasking becomes the only disciplined practice of Christ’s body. If we are going to be intentional about growth, we must prioritize.
A poem by William H. Hinson reads:
He who seeks one thing, and but one,
May hope to achieve it before life is done.
But he who seeks all things wherever he goes
Must reap around him in whatever he sows
A harvest of barren regret.
Interestingly enough, this mirrors a teaching of Jesus found in Luke 14:28-33. It is here that Jesus discusses the discipline of planning and prioritizing. As Hinson and Jesus point out, those who fail by lack of prioritizing will be ridiculed for it.
As a church (and individual) we can take a very important lesson from this. If we take a shotgun approach to reaching our community, we will likely fail. Although that multi-tasking is at times beneficial, it cannot be separated from prioritization. However, if as a congregation we prioritize and excel in one or two areas to begin with, growth will come. The same is true for ones spiritual life. We all have lots to work on. Some of us need to work on our prayer life, cussing, drinking, Bible reading, etc. Rather than tackling all at once, try focusing on one or two at first. Once those are mastered it’s time to move to the next. This approach will bring more success and will leave you with a better sense of accomplishment.
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
