If I were a superhero I would be Captain Productivity, and my power would be that I can accomplish more than most in a single hour. But like any great superhero, I need a weakness and my weakness would be a lack of compassion and flexibility.

I really don’t mean to brag but I can get a lot done in a short amount of time. I am pretty good at putting my head down and barreling through a task list. I can plow through a to-do list faster than you can make it but there is a cost associated with that.

I can do all sorts of stuff but hold me up from my tasks and I will get, let’s call it ornery. I have some spent some time thinking about this and it comes down to selfishness. “I need to get these things done” “I need to finish” “I am so busy” “I don’t have time for this” “I” “I” “I”…

James talks about this in James chapter 4. He says “What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don’t they come from the cravings that are at war within you?” and he goes on to talk about murdering, waring, and evil desires. The principle is that when you become self-focused you lose sight of what is important and why you are doing or praying for something. You can be so busy serving and learning about God that you forget to admire Him and love Him. You can spend so much time serving your family and forget to love them and show them compassion. It is really easy to do.

It is a hard and fine line to be productive but not neglect the reasons behind your doing. It is one I constantly step over. I find the hard part is not just walking the line but admitting when you stepped over it and doing what is needed to correct it. I cannot let the goal of being a good servant, a good husband, a good father, a good friend become more important than the act of being those things. It is a good thing to work hard and do good, but it is a better thing to remember why you are doing it.

Just a thought,

Mike