A few years ago we compiled a list of attitudes that should characterize our heart this Christmas. Since I need the reminder, I thought you might benefit too.
THE HEART LIST from December 6, 2005
In case you haven’t caught on: over the last few days we’ve been subtly slipping you another list of “must do’s” for the holidays. I know. How dare we add another list to the endless lists you’ve already got going this time of year?! There are to-do lists, Christmas gift lists, a wish list from each person on the gift list, Christmas card lists, grocery lists, lists of errands…. Whew!
However, the list we've been talking about trumps all these lists. It's the heart list. And if you missed it, here are the three biblical priorities that should fill out our "heart list":
1. Humility
2. Dependence (Part Two, Part Three)
3. Joy
As we give first attention to our heart list, it will help us to complete all the other lists in a manner that honors God. I daresay that makes this list the most important one of them all!
So before we rush into our day with lists in hand, let’s humble ourselves. Let’s accept our significant limitations as finite creatures and remember that only God completes His to-do list (humility). Let’s refuse to be self-sufficient today, but instead, in all that we do let’s acknowledge our need for God’s guidance and help (dependence). And of course, let’s serve Him with gladness throughout this day, so that others will see that we serve a "good Master"--"the Son of Man [who] came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28).
