Have a daily schedule of activities, avoiding whim and caprice.
Maxim #49
Lately I have been working on being more intentional about keeping my daily calendar and task list prioritized and up to date. I find that when I take a few minutes at the end of each day to plan the next one, I am much more focused and disciplined in my ministry. Of course there are often things that cause my calendar to be adjusted, but having a plan for the day is extremely beneficial.
The same is true for the spiritual life. Going into a day without a plan almost ensures we will open ourselves more readily to temptation and will fall more often. It is good to remember that we Christians are fighting a continual battle. As the Apostle Paul reminds us,
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:10-12)
There is no doubt that Satan and his armies have an easier time when we don’t enter the day with a plan. A simple rule is sufficient, one that includes when and where we will pray, how we will show love to others and the attitude we intentionally want to show to those around us. There will always be a struggle for those who choose to follow Christ, but having a game plan is critical.
