Ephesians 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
For a few weeks now, the phrase “Discipline brings Freedom” (I heard it towards the end of a book on leadership) has stuck in my head.
The writer defines the phrase this way; Someone who has an organized system for life, or develops the habit of self-discipline will have greater energy, more time, and a greater effectiveness.
There are a few reasons why that phrase has stuck in my head…but mostly because the Lords using to reveal my lack of planning in ministry
God in His grace has given me many ministry opportunities in Barrouallie. But has been reminding me recently (the phrase brought this truth home) that I’ve been overlooking the habit of ministry planning.
This isn’t something I planned on doing of course, but its easy to fall into a “tyranny of the urgent” style of ministry where the whole day is spent on things that are good but unimportant.
With the Lords help I’ve begun developing habits that embrace the planning side of ministry
- Getting up (and going to bed) earlier
- Having note cards that I write down ideas or things I must do RIGHT AWAY
- A notebook that has a basic schedule for the day written out
- A list of tasks that should be accomplished each day
- Starting to do my work earlier
- Reading books again (I’m struggling with that one)
- And cutting out as much of social media or netflix as possible
Planning isn’t something always fun or enjoyable, but it’s result is a ministry of excellence for God’s Glory
Johnhwilburn.org 