ByProductivity, they say, is essential in every worker’s life. However, to me, it’s crucial in the life of every Christian because God created each of His children in Christ to do good works (Ephesians 2:10), and doing good works requires one to be productive.
Sometimes, people confuse busy with productive. Just because a person is busy doesn’t mean he’s productive. As a matter of fact, not all productive people are extremely busy.
I want to share a life experience I had some time ago concerning what I’m saying. One time, I travelled to visit one of my uncles. When I got to the house and rested for a while, I wanted to send one of his sons to get me a product from a nearby store. He was about thirteen years old. But the boy told me he was busy. I knew he was lying, so I asked him what he was doing. He replied that he was watching a movie; therefore, he couldn’t go. However, after checking up on him in his room, I saw that the movie he was watching wasn’t related to anything of value to his life. Later that same day, I rebuked and corrected him. Here’s my point. He claimed to be busy but was far from being productive. That is how some people are today.
Not all productive people are extremely busy.
Some of us are so used to doing so many unnecessary things that we can’t even see what we are doing is wrong. A tree branch with many leaves doesn’t realise it needs pruning to become more fruitful until the owner does it. In the same way, God prunes His children, including you and me, in Christ so we can become more productive in our lives. He usually does it, by taking away some things and people from our lives.
In today’s article, I would like to share three practical keys you can use to optimise your productivity as a Christian.
1. Give diligence to your calling
I once heard Bishop David Oyedopo of Winners Chapel International say, “Nothing works without someone at work.” Anything glamorous you see is a result of someone’s work. No matter how great your vision is, it would take extreme diligence to ensure it gets fulfilled. 2 Peter 1:10 says,
“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;”
So hard work is paramount to see every vision come to manifestation. Hence, the first thing to check if you want to optimise your productivity is laziness. Until you hate it, you’ll not get rid of it in your life.
Nothing works without someone at work.
Bishop David Oyedopo
Do not join the people who complain of stressing out when they are working. God didn’t put you anywhere to be lazy. Treasure the gift of purposeful work because it’s in it you can derive fulfilment.
Until you hate laziness, you’ll not get rid of it in your life
Tweet
2. Watch your life closely
Neither you nor I are perfect humans. That implies we don’t always do what is best. However, we gradually grow to become better at the things we are doing.
In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he urged him to watch his life and doctrine closely (1 Timothy 4:16). But why? So that Timothy doesn’t drift from his calling unknowingly. That also means if you don’t supervise and revise your work, you might end up allowing other unnecessary things to take over your primary assignment. It happens to pastors, workers and several individuals. Today, oh, this is trending, so let’s do it, and they follow along. Tomorrow, it’s another thing.
If you don’t supervise and revise your work, you might end up allowing other unnecessary things to take over your primary assignment.
Tweet
Too many people live confused because they don’t know why God brought them into this world. And again, some people are constantly changing their work because they are refusing to analyse their own callings in the Lord.
Life isn’t a dice to toss to and fro to see which works best. No. Life is about purpose, and once you know that, it’ll give you a strong focus.
>> Read: Five ways God uses to reveal your purpose to you
Could there be a better way of doing what you are doing now? You may not know how, but researching from like-minded people or the internet can help you.
Watch what is working, as well as what’s not working in your home, ministry, job or any other area of your life. If the working systems are useful, then intensify them. Nevertheless, for what isn’t working, analyse it and look for an alternative way to make the good ones work while you permanently eliminate the bad ones.
For example, using many A4 sheets at the workplace makes your working desk too clouded with papers. Researching and using digitized systems to take notes of your tasks can help you replace or reduce that paper usage system in your office.
It’s all about being analytically watchful of your life. So take a step.
3. Train people to help you
The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:9 NKJV that,
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.”
While this verse has been used to teach about marriage, I see it differently. It goes far beyond marriage.
In many cases, getting someone else to help you with your work is far better than doing it alone. When two people come together to do the same tasks, it’s like compressing a two-day workload to one day. It makes you more productive.
So to optimise your productivity, consider getting others to help you. But be mindful of their welfare. Avoid using people to do what you like without providing what they need to do the work, especially when it comes to equipment and financial compensation.
I hope this article ministered grace to you. You’re a blessing.
