Living With Things Undone

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test ... what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)       

Years ago, in a Bible study, I learned this principle:  Women must learn to live with things undone. This has been a life-long struggle for me. How much is related to my Attention Deficit Disorder, I’m not sure. But having major trouble with concentration, decision-making and co-ordination certainly makes life more challenging. My working pace is very slow. And any added pressure simply increases the difficulty.

In our present world we have many voices telling us what to do. Parents, teachers, friends, bosses, the media and more, all influence us. We’re told we must make money for a comfortable retirement, make a positive contribution to society, take care of ourselves and our families, maintain neat, attractive homes and yards, go green, fill out tax returns, and– well, you get the idea. But where is God’s voice in all of this? What is most important to Him?

Jesus answered the question this way, “Love the Lord your God....This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37) This is the broad answer. One liberating concept is that we are primarily responsible to Him. Another is that our value as human beings is based on His standards. He made each of us unique, and loves us equally.

God does not expect us to do what He doesn’t provide the resources to do. And these will likely change as we go through our lives. There are many things I think I have to do, but does this come from His Spirit’s guidance? Or from my own ideas, which are often greatly influenced by “the pattern of this world”? Maybe we each need to spend more quiet time with Him to get His ideas for our day. That may mean saying “No” more often, and not feeling guilty!
______________________________________

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Beth Cottrill lives in a small town in rural Saskatchewan, Canada, with her recently retired pastor/teacher husband, Bob. She finds living with Attention Deficit Disorder, depression, osteo-arthritis and a stroke of several years ago a challenge, but also training for a ministry to others. This couple have one child, a dear son, a special daughter-in-law, who with their two wonderful young children are living in Mexico, preparing for a church planting ministry.

--