How To Get “It” Done
There is much to do during the course of a life. There is so much to do, one must prioritize. Then, once we choose what is of most importance to us, we must get started so we can accomplish our desired goal. Scripture is provided to instruct the what, when and how to do “it”. In Eccl. 9:10, the Spirit had Solomon pen this sage advice. All would do well to heed this instruction. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
First, the what. One must choose what to do. Read that passage again. Notice that the Spirit did not tell us what to do. This is entirely up to the individual, as Psalm 119:109a clearly shows. My soul is continually in my hand: We are also required to determine what is of most importance to us as we live our lives. This too, is a Bible concept. In Matt. 16:26, Jesus directed His disciple’s attention toward the soul by asking questions. He asked: For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? So, the “whatsoever thy hand findeth to do” based on importance, should be the well-being of your soul and making Biblical provision for its eternity.
Secondly, the when. This is an easy one, as we see that in this life only can we accomplish anything. Of course, the time we might have is limited, as we cannot know how long our lives will be. The Spirit had the psalmist show a probable span of life in Psalm 90:10. But in the latter part of the verse, we are told: “yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” In the N.T. the church was also warned of how brief life is. In Jas. 4:14, the church was reminded that life “is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” Time is a commodity that one cannot afford to waste. If our time here is not properly focused on the soul, our time on earth is wasted.
Since we’ve covered the what (the provision for the soul), and the when (while in this life), we now need to address the ‘how’. We were told in the scripture above the ‘how’ is “with thy might ”. The Spirit had Solomon tell us that whatever we choose to do, in this life, we are to put all we have into accomplishing it. Many have accomplished much through hard work and dedication to a particular thing. For example, it is agreed that Larry Bird, the all star forward for the Boston Celtics from 1979 through 1992 was not a naturally gifted athlete. Yet, he accomplished much during his career. Even as a premier player in his prime, he always arrived early for practice, remained there after the other players had finished, constantly worked to refine his skills, and encouraged his teammates to do the same. For this reason, he was respected by teammates and opponents alike. He was also feared by rival teams for his developed abilities and his tenacity. All agreed Larry put “all his might” into becoming the best he could be.
What single word encapsulates “with thy might”? The word “diligence” fits this. One who puts forth all his might to accomplish something is diligent. In order to be diligent, one must have a deep “commitment” to that which they want to accomplish. Sure, one has to exert their strength, force, and power to elevate themselves to the pinnacle of supremacy in any earthly endeavor, but where does this start? It begins in the mind. The same is true if we desire to be pleasing to God and spend eternity with Him. Jesus affirmed this in Matt. 22:37 when He was asked what was the greatest Commandment in the Law. Christ’s answer: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. None doubts the commitment of Jesus, nor His diligence in the doing of His Father’s Will. Diligence is defined as: careful and persistent work or effort. Christ gave His all, including His life on the cross to carry out God’s Will so that our soul could have opportunity to be saved.
In the first part of John 14:31, we see Jesus’ declaration to His apostles of His love and commitment to His Father. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. The evidence of His love and commitment was the diligence with which He “did” the Commandments. It is in John 14:15 where Jesus tells us how to show our love to Him and how to show our diligence toward Him. He said: If ye love me, keep my commandments. 1John 5:3 confirms this and that “it” is not too hard. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
Some, having heard the Word and have begun to follow and serve the Lord, realize the difficulty of continuing therein because of the persecution of others, or the “call of the world”. They, like the disciples of John chapter six, begin to question the Word. Sadly, like those of John 6:66, many go back, and walk no more with Him. What does this show? It shows a lack of commitment, dedication, and diligence. This equates to a lost soul.
The only “it” that matters in this life is loving God and keeping His Commandments in preparation for eternity. Why not start today? Obey the gospel. Then strive to live the rest of your life in faithful service to God in full accordance with His Word. This includes inviting all others to do the same. This is the only way to “get it done”.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
