A “TO-DON’T List

All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I WILL NOT be brought under the power of any. —1 Corinthians 6:12

We are all familiar with “To Do Lists.” These lists help us keep track of tasks we need to get done.   But there is another list you should consider having:  A “To Don’t” List — A list of things that are counterproductive to what God wants you to accomplish.  For everything you say “yes” to, you must say “no” to something else. When you say “yes” to attending church, you are also saying “no” to watching TV… going to a sporting event… sleeping in, etc.

There are many good things that I could be doing that are not inherently sinful. But a good thing can the enemy of the best thing. It is a matter of priority — What is most important. I must learn to say “no” to the good things so I can say “yes” to the best things. Hebrews 12:1 tells us to “lay aside every weight,” that would hinder us from winning our race for God.

Therefore, I have made a “To Don’t List” for myself. On that list are such things as:

1. I am not going to worry or fret (Ps. 37:1).
2. I am not going to sit in the seat of the scornful (Ps. 1:1)
3. I am not going to keep close company with those who are not a positive influence to my relationship with God.
4. I am not going to do Facebook.
5. I am not going to micro-manage other people’s lives.
6. I will not assume other people’s problems.
7. I am not going to do everything people ask me to do—and I’m not going to feel guilty about it.
8. I will not try to do too much and give myself time and space to recharge, reflect, relax.

There are other things on my list, but you get the idea.

What is on your “To-Don’t” List?