Seven Habits of Truly Effective Living
"They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green." Psalm 92:14
The phrase, "begin with the end in mind" probably strikes a familiar chord with readers of the popular life management book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Even if you aren't familiar with the phrase (or the book for that matter), you most likely get the general idea. In sum, it is best to ask the question "How do I want this to turn out?" before you begin a task or project. I agree. This question helps sharpen focus and lead to more effective action. What is missing from the book, however, is
the God-sized perspective that we see in Psalm 92. Frustration is actually the result for the individual who may lead a life of effective action, but whose only source of vision and motivation is the self.
Apart from God, the ends we picture for ourselves come only from minds and hearts that are hopelessly tainted with sin -- fallen from perfection, peace and fulfillment. Only by seeking the mind of God can we pursue that which is truly desirable -- the end which God envisions.
We often envision our ideal life as one surrounded by beauty, valuable possessions and our favorite people. We want plenty of leisure time and the health to enjoy these things. But without God, such a life is depicted in Scripture as empty and deceptive. If we are to be highly effective at living, we must begin with God's end in mind.
In Psalm 92, the ideal end God depicts for one's life on this earth is that of the righteous person who is "full of sap and very green." In other words, he is filled with spiritual vitality, even at the end of life when the temptation to grumble and express radical selfishness is often the strongest. Instead of complaining, his lips are filled with praise -- declaring that there is no unrighteousness in God, his Rock (v. 15).
The roots for such vigor of soul are woven throughout the preceding verses where we see seven habits of truly effective living unfolded for us. They are:
#1
Seeing thankfulness and praise to God as desirable, not as duty (v. 1).
#2
Focusing on God's loving kindness in the morning and His faithfulness at night (v. 2). For the righteous man, each day begins and ends with God, implying that God is central in his thoughts throughout the entire day. Literally, loving kindness refers to God's covenant loyal love, which features His promise of salvation. The righteous person is not self-righteous, or externally moralistic. Rather, he looks to God's promises and unchanging character as the basis for his right standing before his Creator-Judge. The Lord Jesus Christ is, of course, the fulfillment of these promises. So, the one having faith in Christ is counted righteous and delivered from a petty life of vain pursuits.
#3
Enjoying resounding music and singing for joy at God's great works (vv. 1, 3-4).
#4
Pondering the deep thoughts of God (v. 5) -- not being characterized by a shallow, pragmatic view of God that sees Him merely as a means to get other things.
#5
Praising the transcendence of God -- declaring that God is the "Most High" who is above all His creatures. The righteous one realizes that man is in no way equal to God. Thus, he can never legitimately view God with suspicion or call Him into judgment (v. 8).
#6
Resting securely in the fact that, in the end, God will have the final say on all matters. He will deal justice to the enemies of righteousness (vv. 9-11).
#7
Depending continuously upon God for strength -- for "fresh oil" (v. 10), knowing that yesterday's supply never carries over to today.
Perhaps you know an older believer who embodies these seven habits. "Meme," my 89 year old grandmother, is one such saint. At the time of this writing, she lay in a hospital bed with very serious health complications. During a recent phone call, I listened as she expressed delight over truths that the Lord had shown her in her well-worn Bible and what hymns she had joyfully sung that morning. Her prayer at the close of our conversation was full of gratitude and praise to the Lord, evidencing a deep, personal knowledge of and trust in God. While I listened, I thought to myself: This is what Psalm 92 is all about. Here is a person who, by God's grace, has learned to practice the habits of truly effective living.
Alex Crain
"They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green." Psalm 92:14
The phrase, "begin with the end in mind" probably strikes a familiar chord with readers of the popular life management book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Even if you aren't familiar with the phrase (or the book for that matter), you most likely get the general idea. In sum, it is best to ask the question "How do I want this to turn out?" before you begin a task or project. I agree. This question helps sharpen focus and lead to more effective action. What is missing from the book, however, is
the God-sized perspective that we see in Psalm 92. Frustration is actually the result for the individual who may lead a life of effective action, but whose only source of vision and motivation is the self.Apart from God, the ends we picture for ourselves come only from minds and hearts that are hopelessly tainted with sin -- fallen from perfection, peace and fulfillment. Only by seeking the mind of God can we pursue that which is truly desirable -- the end which God envisions.
We often envision our ideal life as one surrounded by beauty, valuable possessions and our favorite people. We want plenty of leisure time and the health to enjoy these things. But without God, such a life is depicted in Scripture as empty and deceptive. If we are to be highly effective at living, we must begin with God's end in mind.
In Psalm 92, the ideal end God depicts for one's life on this earth is that of the righteous person who is "full of sap and very green." In other words, he is filled with spiritual vitality, even at the end of life when the temptation to grumble and express radical selfishness is often the strongest. Instead of complaining, his lips are filled with praise -- declaring that there is no unrighteousness in God, his Rock (v. 15).
The roots for such vigor of soul are woven throughout the preceding verses where we see seven habits of truly effective living unfolded for us. They are:
#1
Seeing thankfulness and praise to God as desirable, not as duty (v. 1).
#2
Focusing on God's loving kindness in the morning and His faithfulness at night (v. 2). For the righteous man, each day begins and ends with God, implying that God is central in his thoughts throughout the entire day. Literally, loving kindness refers to God's covenant loyal love, which features His promise of salvation. The righteous person is not self-righteous, or externally moralistic. Rather, he looks to God's promises and unchanging character as the basis for his right standing before his Creator-Judge. The Lord Jesus Christ is, of course, the fulfillment of these promises. So, the one having faith in Christ is counted righteous and delivered from a petty life of vain pursuits.
#3
Enjoying resounding music and singing for joy at God's great works (vv. 1, 3-4).
#4
Pondering the deep thoughts of God (v. 5) -- not being characterized by a shallow, pragmatic view of God that sees Him merely as a means to get other things.
#5
Praising the transcendence of God -- declaring that God is the "Most High" who is above all His creatures. The righteous one realizes that man is in no way equal to God. Thus, he can never legitimately view God with suspicion or call Him into judgment (v. 8).
#6
Resting securely in the fact that, in the end, God will have the final say on all matters. He will deal justice to the enemies of righteousness (vv. 9-11).
#7
Depending continuously upon God for strength -- for "fresh oil" (v. 10), knowing that yesterday's supply never carries over to today.
Perhaps you know an older believer who embodies these seven habits. "Meme," my 89 year old grandmother, is one such saint. At the time of this writing, she lay in a hospital bed with very serious health complications. During a recent phone call, I listened as she expressed delight over truths that the Lord had shown her in her well-worn Bible and what hymns she had joyfully sung that morning. Her prayer at the close of our conversation was full of gratitude and praise to the Lord, evidencing a deep, personal knowledge of and trust in God. While I listened, I thought to myself: This is what Psalm 92 is all about. Here is a person who, by God's grace, has learned to practice the habits of truly effective living.
Alex Crain
No comments:
Post a Comment