Acts 20 - To-Do App

I love To-Do Apps. I have tried just about every To-Do App on the market, and I love so many of them. I am sure much of this is in my nature and part of being a strong “J” when it comes to Myers Briggs. I get great fulfillment by checking off things on my list...and yes, I put things on my list just to check them off. I am that guy. 

In my opinion, the best To-Do Apps balance well the features they offer, and the simplicity of keeping you focused on the actual task at hand. If the app is a lot of work to navigate or has a lot of friction using, then I am more than likely not going to use it very long. The key we must remember is the task at hand, and not the app or the details around remembering the task. 

As I read Acts 20 today, I wonder what To-Do App Paul would use? This guy has so much to do, so many things to remember and log, and it seems he is so laser-focused on his mission, it’s inspiring. But the most significant task, the task that is the center of Paul’s life, is more like an Epic. What is an Epic, you ask? Well, in software development, the term Epic refers to a large body of work that can be broken down into specific tasks. Epics are a helpful way to organize your work and to create a hierarchy and focus. The idea is to break large ideas into bite-sized tasks so that things get done and are more manageable and accountable. 

You see, Paul had a lot of tasks, but Paul allowed his Epic to remain the center of his life, and that is what drove his To-Do list. Focus, discipline, and execution towards this Epic! We see this so clearly right in the middle of chapter 20.

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” - ‭‭Acts‬ ‭20:24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Paul’s Epic was testifying to the good news of God’s grace. This drove everything for Paul. All his tasks and to do’s revolved around this Epic because it was the driver of his life. This was so central to Paul’s life, and it didn’t matter what stood in his way.

“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.” - ‭‭Acts‬ ‭20:22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

His Epic was so clear; prison, hardships, persecution, and death threats didn’t slow him down; he was on a mission. Paul’s To-Do app was full of tasks that we directly tied to his Epic. How about you? I process this and know that I have work to do to live a life this focused and this on point. 

Choose your To-Do App today, find the one that you like, and the method to keep you on task and able to get things done. But remember, the most crucial part of the whole process is understanding your Epic, and centering your tasks around it. When it is all said and done, and at the end of the day, month, quarter, year, or even the end of your life, it would be honorable to be able to say this.

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” - ‭‭Acts‬ ‭20:35‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Amen, and amen.