Some time ago I noticed a cell phone app which as I remember was called “Make a List.” I guess that could be convenient, but I already have a pencil and a note pad. In my futile attempts to organize my life and work, I have read a number of books on how to organize and improve personal and work efficiency. Many of them have provided hints (now termed “hacks”) that have proven helpful. As I reflect on those books, I realize that when all the details are combined, they basically say, “Make a list.” My problem is that I end up with “to-do lists” with 30 items on them. The advice is to choose a few critical items to focus attention on.
The Bible has many valuable lists of what we should do to participate in the richness of the faith. One of my favorites is “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Eight items is still a big list, but what a wonderful set of good things on which to focus. It is one of God’s great to-do lists and one doesn’t even need to pay or even have a cellphone to do it!)