One of my favorite authors and bloggers is Reagan Rose, author of Redeeming Productivity: Getting More Done for the Glory of God. As he explains it, the driving thesis of his ministry is that a Christian worldview should dramatically affect the way a person thinks about work and productivity.
While I totally agree with him, it was not until I read his book and his blogs that I really “got it” with regard to the fact that I am not living it out. Not by any deliberate choice, but by neglect. By lack of attention to what is required of me in order to get “productivity” as I desired it to look like in my daily life.
Rose talks about the fact we need to recognize our roles as image bearers of God – and that is a mindset, not just a passing statement or plaque on the wall. I had to really consider if I looked at all my work as an opportunity to worship the Lord. In other words, looking at it through a biblical lens. As Rose pictures it, “it changes how we think about getting things done.”
Ahhh! Getting things done. Isn’t that just the bane of my existence?? I spend way too much energy bemoaning and wishing it would get easier – or at least just disappear from my to-do list. Sighing is my external reaction and dreading is my internal reaction.
But Rose really kicked me into alert mode with this statement: “the gospel itself—the good news that we can be forgiven for our sin and declared righteous through faith in Jesus Christ – is at the center point of this Christian worldview.” Nope, I had never put that together next to my to-do list and life-sucking overwhelm by the things on that list.
In his recent blog, he talked about just three ways the gospel should reshape the way I think about my personal productivity.
- The Gospel Shifts Your Priorities
Well, after all, isn’t that at the heart of my problems – my priorities? I start to do one task, get a call about another topic, see an email about an overdue topic. Jumping from one to the other and captured by fear of the unknown (what’s coming next?), I fall into dread and overwhelm. And all that I HAVE TO do will not fit in the hours I have available!
What does Rose say? Duh, Candy. I know it is deciding which things should get done and in which order. But that only sounds simple – it just isn’t, for me anyway. I do agree with his statement that “Productivity is more a matter of effectiveness than efficiency. Because what’s the point of being more efficient at doing the wrong things?”
And then he drives it home – The gospel makes our #1 priority crystal clear. He supports this with Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you. I need more explanation, and he gave it.
“The gospel lays down this simple, singular priority that brings clarity to everything else – seek first His kingdom and righteousness. Put that at the top of your to-do list every day and you’ll be amazed at the clarity it brings to everything else.” OK, I start the day with a devotional and scripture. But I never really connected it to my daily work, my to-do list.
- The Gospel Equips You to Be Fruitful
Rose pushes me to see that my vocation is not just a way to make money, it is a vehicle for serving God (Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done, and there is no favoritism.)
This is a challenge but I know I need to truly see my work the way he is telling me. Rose promises that once I do that, I will recognize that Scripture supplies me with powerful promises of God’s provision for whatever task is on my to-do list as re-shaped by Him.
What I truly appreciated was Rose reminding me that I am not called to serve God in my own power, but in His power. (1 Peter 4:11 — whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies – in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.)
As he pointed out, I often acknowledge these boons when it comes to our walk with the Lord, but I don’t make the connection to my primary vocation or daily work.
His point is excellent – for the Christian, productivity isn’t just a bag of tips and tricks, time saving systems or fancy apps – it is the gospel which equips us to be fruitful in serving God in every area of life (including work and productivity). When we serve in God’s power, it is God who gets the glory, not us.
(side note: I loved the person who shared with me that glorifying God is defined as “making God look good” – Amen)
- The Gospel Gives You Grace When You Fail
As you may have guessed, this is my favorite of his 3 points! The gospel IS good news – our sins are covered and we know that forgiveness has been supplied by the blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:16)
Rose hit home with me in pointing out how we often live like we don’t believe we are under grace – so our first instinct upon failing is to beat ourselves up. Wow – have I perfected that response by constant use! And he shares that this is a hard habit to break.
But here’s the good news as Rose shares it: “The gospel is a sweet balm when we fall short, however. God isn’t waiting around to wallop you when you sin and He’s not looking to knock you down a peg when you fall short at a task either. We strive for excellence in our labors, but we have to remember that we will fall short in this too. But because of Jesus Christ, grace is always there to catch us.”
Here’s to “getting caught” by God’s grace. May this bless you as well as I have been blessed.
