Many years ago a man by the name of Charles Hummel wrote a pamphlet entitled “The Tyranny of the Urgent.”  The main idea of the writing was that all too often we “sacrifice the important on the altar of the urgent.”  Hummel reminds us that we are easily derailed by good things often at the expense of the best things.  

The last several months I have made a commitment to what I call “intentional living.”  I am prayerfully asking God to shape my purpose and priorities and I am beginning to base my decisions on those things that He shows me matter most.  I am sure it is not a minister’s-only malady to get so distracted with so many things that we have little time or energy left for those things most important.  

How many of us live our lives with a clear sense of the specific purpose to which he has called each of us?  Sadly, most people occupy their days dealing with what lies in front of them, spinning plates, putting out fires, and just trying to stay one step ahead of life.  

How would your life be different if you knew God’s purpose for each phase of your life?  Would decisions be different if you considered God’s purpose for your family role?  Would your job take on new meaning if you began to see it as the place God strategically placed you to affect people for Him?

God has divinely ordained your stations in life not by accident but INTENTIONALLY.  How can you then INTENTIONALLY invest yourself by choosing the important over the urgent and the best over the good.  I invite you to come with me as we live our lives ON PURPOSE.

Paul’s prayer for the Philippians, and my prayer for me and for you:

…so that you can approve the things that are superior and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ… – Philippians 1:10

Tomorrow’s blog:  Help for setting priorities.