Today’s Jobs
You probably have similar lists of your own.
Reference: I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it. (Psalm 101:3 NIV)
Explore: Each day I have a list of things I must accomplish. I will always have this list going around in my head and often I will write it down on a scrap of paper.
My list at home may involve washing clothes, tidying up toys, getting meat out of the freezer, washing dishes, raking leaves, paying bills… You get it. You probably have similar lists of your own.
At work my list is a little different. While it’s lovely not to have cleaning duties, the list involves answering emails, attending meetings, writing documents, chairing discussions, organising travel details…
Depending on the week, these lists vary. However, the list remains and it is essential for me to make sure everything is complete.
Application: When I read through Psalm 101 it almost sounded like a list as well. While it started with the familiar psalm message to praise God, it also lists a number of great actions of character that the psalmist was committed to apply.
I will sing, I will lead a blameless life, I will not approve of vile things, I will stay away from evil, I will put a stop to gossip… The list goes on.
This psalm made me realise that while I’m always focused on my daily duties, rarely do I consider what my character should be each day.
Mixed in with the cleaning and the cooking I should also include “I will be patient with my children, I will declare my love for my husband, I will bring peace to my home…”
Mixed in with answering emails and attending meetings, I should also include “I will take time to listen to others, I will not speak poorly of other colleagues…”
We could all have our own lists. There’s always lots to do, but let’s not forget about our character goals as we complete our to-do lists.
Prayer: Lord, may I strive to bring value to my day, not just to tick off my list of chores. Amen.
What character goals can you add to your daily list?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.