What If Jesus Created Your To Do List

Ever wonder what would actually be on your to-do list if Jesus was the one writing it? Spoiler: it's probably not "organize the garage" or "respond to 47 emails."

In this episode, I share four things I believe Jesus would want on your daily list—and they're all surprisingly doable. Listen to the Holy Spirit's nudge the first time (not the third). Pray with people in the moment instead of promising to pray later. Ask Jesus for an "eye and ear upgrade" so you can see and hear others the way He does. And get yourself a new language wardrobe.

These aren't complicated spiritual disciplines. They're simple practices that show your faith in action and make a tangible difference in your relationships. 

Ready to swap your to-do list for His? 

Find me on Facebook - Terri Hutchinson or YouTube - Anchored Not Anxious

Transcript

If Jesus handed you a to-do list, here’s what you might read.

#1 Listen to My nudge to act

Listen to that nudge or prompt from your inner-most self (aka the Holy Spirit) and do it. Don’t make the Spirit have to remind you. For instance, a friend’s name can pop into my head and it’s the farthest thing from my mind. If that happens, my friend, it’s a Spirit-nudge. 

Now, I’m apt to respond, “Okay I’ll do that tonight”. Then it never happens. If I get a third nudge, I know I better follow through. The possibility of regret forces me into action. I think Jesus would prefer if we just listened to the first nudge.

 #2 Pray in the Moment

Too often we say, “I will pray for you” when we could do it at that moment. Yeah it can be uncomfortable for you and maybe them. Keep it simple like this, “Dear God, Be with my friend. Help them sense Your nearness. Amen.”

Nothing fancy. Holding hands is optional. Your prayer helps them see your faith in action. Once the prayer is over, don’t let it get awkward. They might be embarrassed at the attention. Start a new conversation on a completely different topic. 

I have developed this practice over the years. The first time it was the Holy Spirit nudging me to “do it now”. But I was like “Eh, I don’t know.” Since I’ve started doing this 95% of the time, it is greatly appreciated. 

#3 Ask Me for an Eye and Ear Upgrade

Jesus knows you see and hear your fellow humans through damaged lens and wavelengths. He wants you to see as He sees and listen as He listens. It is impossible to do this 24/7. What you can do is super simple. 

If you’re in a conversation, at the start ask Jesus to help you see and hear like him. Next, listen to their words and watch their body language. This is difficult to do if I’m formulating how I’m going to respond once they stop talking. 

I’m certain the words will come for your response if you invited Jesus into the conversation,. And if you don’t know what to say, say, “I’m not sure how to respond”. Women aren’t looking to be fixed. They are looking for empathy and genuine caring. 

Ask for an upgrade to how you hear and see others and He’ll do it. Are you willing to ask?

 #4 Get a New Language Wardrobe

Ephesians 4:29b from NLT, reads, “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” 

In other words, if the language or things you say do not meet the criteria of good, helpful, encouraging, then throw it out. Toss the gossip. Remove the harsh words. Dispose of the sarcastic and cynical quips. While you’re at it, get rid of self-condemnation and shame talk. 

There are so many positive, beneficial, educational, curiosity-invoking language and conversations we can engage in. This is what should be rolling off your tongue and permeating your speech.

It’s time for a revamp. A new language wardrobe. It won’t cost you anything. Words are free!

Thank you for listening. 

You can find me on Facebook at Terri Hutchinson. Visit my Anchored Not Anxious YouTube channel for videos as well as the podcast. Subscribe so you don't miss what's new.