Be Productive Like Jesusনমুনা

We can learn a lot of things about productivity from Jesus, but we can also be productive people because of Jesus. Regardless of how much Jesus wanted to do in a day, the gospel writers shared that he took time to pray and to rest, suggesting he did both regularly. In Luke 5:16 it states, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” 

Sometimes, the tasks we have in a day can seem overwhelming and our to-do list never-ending. Regardless, there always has to be room in our life for a relationship with Jesus. If we want to follow Christ’s actions in order to become more productive, we also have to learn how to be less productive. It doesn’t seem to be enough for Jesus that he spoke with God as he was doing things; he regularly removes himself to pray. He stops. He rests. He speaks with his father.

It is possible to become so busy and focused on our tasks, that time of intentional, restful prayer is nonexistent. Jesus communicates with his actions that the time he takes to speak with his father is the reason he is so productive. Allowing ourselves even seven minutes every morning to speak to God can change the way we spend the rest of our day. 

We would walk into each day with more patience, more endurance, and more clarity––all of which would lead to more productivity. Perhaps the best way to become more productive people is to take the time each day, even seven minutes, to pause and pray. Our relationship with Jesus can transform everything about us, even how well we tackle our tasks.

In John 17, we read how Jesus prays for his disciples, but also for us. It is a beautiful, encouraging prayer and can teach us a lot about how we pray with God. The verse before he begins praying is also beautiful and can encourage us today: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Take time to pray today and lift your cares to him, he promises to give us peace.