Top Five: When we know our identity in Christ, it’s natural to include Jesus in our day-to-day life.
I have a top five. 1. Faith: Jesus/community with others who have shared values/church involvement. 2. Relationships: family, friends, man in my life (soon, Jesus, soon please). 3. Career. 4. Exercise (Orangetheory and stretching) and nutrition. 5. Created Woman. What does having a top five mean? It is the top five things in my life I focus on. Why? It is easy to get distracted and pulled in different directions. I have been distracted (a time or two or 200). When I am distracted, I get drained, frustrated, and burned out. I get edgy: easily irritated and short in conversations. I have even caught myself picking fights with people in my head. That’s when I notice I’m not looking for opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. I don’t ask curious questions or take the time to listen. I’m not encouraging and fun. I’m not surrendered to God and asking for help. I’m filling my calendar and saying yes without consulting the Holy Spirit. My calendar is full and my relationship with God gets put on the back burner.
In the scripture 1 Corinthian 9:22-23, the apostle Paul tells us to find common ground and do everything to spread the Good News. I notice that Paul doesn’t say, “go to every gathering you are invited to, serve everywhere and every time you get asked, and don’t take care of yourself or your home.” In order to have enough energy for my life; what God has called me to do, I stick to my top five. I also do my laundry, sleep, pack my lunch, and have someone clean my home once a month.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I still have fun. After all, my motto is, “if it’s not fun, I’m not doing it.” My top five is part of my identity, the way God created me. In Ephesians 2:10 it says that I’m created to do great things that God already has planned for me. He created me to be structured, organized, decisive, and efficient. When I am flowing in my top five, it’s an absolute blast. I’m focused and see the opportunities in front of me to encourage people, pray for people, and be present. But the best part is that I am making a difference in the lives of others. When I do that, I’m energized, fulfilled, and I’m glorifying God. That makes an impact for the cause of Christ.
1. What or who energizes you?
2. What makes you drained or frustrated?
3. List 3–5 character traits that you know are part of your identity in Christ. Now that’s a reason to be proud of the way God made you.
“When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessing.”
(1 Corinthians 9:22-23 NLT)
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
(Ephesians 2:10 NKJV)
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