New 'opportunities' and responsibilities come to us all the time. The things you have to accomplish today (and tomorrow), may need to be done in unison with others. What to do?! Many times you may find yourself stretched and pulled without any sense of purpose or accomplishment. Sure, you're doing 'stuff,' but what does this 'stuff' mean in the BIG scheme of life (before the Lord).
There are many things we do out of obligation, coercion, obedience, and desire. In the midst of a myriad of things-to-do, we must take a moment to reflect on the things we are doing and ensure they are in line with the life we are called to live as children of God. The many things we want to do may seem good, but we must ask ourselves if they will fulfill the ultimate purposes placed upon our lives. These purposes may be God-inspired or self-willed, yet 'stuff' can often get in the way. To be honest, if we're not careful we can categorize our God-given responsibilities as 'stuff' and file it away in our stack of life. I believe within each of us, we know what is 'right' and wrong; what is important and most important; and good and the most excellent, yet we allow coercion, pride, worldly desire to drown out the things that should be the most important in our lives. You can have the life you want to live before God, but it must come with some hard decisions.
Mark 8:34-35 (KJV) - And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
Through prayer and reflection, you may find that many of the things you're doing need to be trimmed from the top of your to-do list. There are things at the bottom that must receive first place and others that need to be placed back on the list.
Spend a few (long) moments reflecting on your responsibilities and set yourself up for a lifetime of faithfulness. Remember, "for with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37 KJV).
