The greatest time waster is the time we have to spend undoing that which we ought not to have done in the first place. There are very few things in life that can’t wait two weeks.
First, don’t give yourself to those who don’t absolutely need you at the expense of those who do.
Let’s prioritize everything on the basis of who will cry at our funeral.
Second, never do anything someone else can do. Many years ago I decided I would only do things I do well. That served a good purpose, because it kept me in my areas of competence.
However, I have also realized that simply because I do something well doesn’t mean it’s the best use of my time. Since then I’ve added a "part two." I also don’t do anything if someone else can also do it. This principle frees up an unusually large amount of time.
Third, distinguish opportunity from distraction. Many times distractions come disguised as opportunities. Unless we have thought through who we are, what our lives are all about, and what’s important to us, we will not have the focus to choose the best.
Author Al Ries says that focus is the art of exclusion.
Fourth, recognize the difference between a good idea and a God idea. We are naturally inclined to act on the impulse of a good idea. But sometimes good ideas get in the way of God ideas.
Prayer (and often praying with another) removes the impulse of the good idea born of human ingenuity but not of God.
Pray (and often pray with others), then plan; that is what will help each of us distinguish between good and God.
When did you last pray with others to confirm and clarify God’s will in your life’s choices?
Excerpted From Desiring God Resources
Minneapolis, MN
© Desiring God Ministries
www.DesiringGod.org
These Think It Overs are a ministry of Changi Chapel Community. You can read and review the ones you missed earlier there. Your comments, thoughts or suggestions are welcome. The body text is by the author, the header and the words in italics are mine – John B. Samuel
Changi Chapel 
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