First Things First
Haggai 1:5, 6 Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.”
Haggai 1:5–6 NIV
What needs to change if the system does not produce what is intended? How long does it take to change the system once we know it is not working? What adjustments do you need to make today?
Some systems require refinement. Others require an overhaul. Some need discarding. If we are not honest about which of these options is necessary, we will never get where we want to go; we will never achieve our stated purpose.
Wrong Highway, Wrong Destination
Many years ago now, in the time before everyone had a phone with GPS, an aunt and uncle of mine were driving across the country. My uncle required rest and my aunt took her turn as driver. She saw a car with purple taillights. She had never seen anything like it. She followed the car for a long time. She followed the car with purple taillights until she realized she was way off course. You probably guessed they were late arriving at their destination.
Distraction is easy. However, if you want to get where you want to go, focus is necessary. Following directions is essential. Two recent books are helpful to us in eliminating distractions. Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life by Nir Eyal is full of good instruction. Bob Goff recently released Undistracted: Capture Your Purpose. Rediscover Your Joy. Goff’s book is full of whimsy, as you would expect, and wisdom.
- What do you need to eliminate distraction and accomplish life’s most important goals?
- What is standing between you and your purpose?
- How will you get where you want to go from where you are now?
What is the Right Order of Operations?
The people of Haggai’s day had a problem solved by changing the order of operations. They needed to do first things first. Their purpose in returning from exile was to rebuild the temple. Instead, they built their own homes with all the latest fashions. While there is nothing wrong with having a roof over your head, they apparently delved so deeply in personal extravagance they unnecessarily delayed the project they returned to complete.
Take a look at the day and week ahead of you.
- What comes first?
- What comes next?
- What adjustments do you need to make?
- What distractions do you need to eliminate or manage more wisely?
- How will you know you had a successful day when you lie down to rest tonight?
- How will you know you are moving in the right direction at the right speed toward the right goal?
Application
I will focus this day and this week toward what matters most by giving attention to what is most important and what is timely.
Prayer
Our Father, thank you for a new day and a new week. Lead me step by step that I may accomplish all you have laid before me. Empower me to take the right next steps toward the best fulfillment of your purpose for my life. Amen.
