Every day is a new opportunity to take action and to finish well. Whether you are a business owner, an employee, or managing your household, we all need to live in a way that completes the day with worthy effort and purpose that glorifies God.
Before we can plan our day, we need to focus on a bigger picture. Author Stephen Covey described this in his best-selling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People as the need to “start with the end in mind”. Purpose can keep us on the right track day after day.
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.”
(1 Corinthians 9:24)
As each day begins, most of us start with good intentions. Yet it is important to create more than a long to-do list for the day. Instead, choose the one most important thing to accomplish. What one task will bring you closer to your goals? Define your finish line for the day. Plan how you will get there. Then you can assign priorities to the rest of your to-do list.
“So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.”
(1 Corinthians 9:26)
Not only do we need to complete our most critical task for the day, we must never forget to perform it in a manner that keeps our ultimate boss in mind. God is watching. Would He approve of how you completed your work for the day?
“Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.”
(Proverbs 16:3)
Working for the Lord includes performing every task in a way that glorifies Him. Following His example and displaying the characteristics that honor Him. He expects us to love one another in all things we do. Loving one another is not just displaying a nice feeling, it includes working with integrity, considering the needs of the people around us, and looking for ways to fulfill those needs. You may not think you are important enough to make a difference, but God notices everything. Jeremiah reminds us that even one person doing the right thing can affect the outcome for many.
“Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem, look around and consider, search through her squares. If you can find but one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive this city.” (Jeremiah 5:1)
We are each an ambassador of Christ, and we are showing the world what it means to be a Christian with our actions every minute of every day. It is so easy to shortcut our efforts or think no one will notice if we don’t deliver our best work or deliver it late as we run out of energy for the day. But the truth is that we may be the only example of Christ that they may see today.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)
God will provide you with the energy you need to finish the day well. He is always beside us, cheering us on.
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:21)
Each day gives us the opportunity to reach our ultimate goal in the end when we hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
What will you do today to finish your race well?
Gretl Siler, CPA, MBA, CTC, MAcc has retired from the CPA world and moved to Gainesville. She is focused on her next adventure. Teaching life wisdom from God on You Tube. Look for her on Lift Your Life with Awe.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Hebrews 12:1