Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might… Ecclesiastes 9:10a
As 2014 begins, you may have already made some New Year’s resolutions. You may even have already broken some New Year’s resolutions. In the scripture above, I find three challenges for the coming year.
Be proactive. The verse suggests that our “hands” can find something to do. Too many times we sit back and wait for things to get better, or wait for opportunities to present themselves. Choose a course of action and will to follow it. Do not be distracted or derailed by unfavorable circumstances. In Matthew 7:7, Jesus said we are to ask, but then we are to seek and knock. Quit waiting for God or for others to do what is yours to do.
Be purposeful. The verse encourages us that when our hand finds something to do, simply to DO IT. Life is best lived intentionally. Thomas Edison famously said, “Success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration.” We can often “overcook” opportunities by not seizing them when they arise. In 2014 – less talking…more doing. Like the Nike slogan says, “just DO it.”
Finally, be passionate. The verse above says that we should do these things with “all of our might.” Life too easily slips into a comfortable routine. “Routine” is “rut” with four extra letters. We go through the motions most days of our lives lacking passion and zeal. Andrew Carnegie said, “The average person puts only 25% of his energy and ability into his work.” Romans 12:11 challenges us: “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” May God give us a strong aversion to the mundane, mediocre, and milquetoast.
Three questions for reflection, answer them with specifics:
- What needs to change in my life?
- How do they need to change?
- What am I going to do foster those changes?