“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:18).
Do you have a “To Do List” in the back of your mind as your head hits the pillow? Do you feel faint before the day begins as you reflect at all the things that you have to do? Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the numbers of things that one has to do and that doesn’t include the interruptions or interjections of request from text or email messages?
Yesterday began with going on my app to read the Bible verse for the day and or reading a Bible passage. It’s onto my laptop checking my email and text messages, writing on Quora while chomping down my cereal, making a dash to drive my grandkids to school, mowing the front yard just before it rained, having an one-on-one meeting with a friend, starting the laundry load, and then preparing lunch/dinner by making spaghetti sauce and boiling noodles. All of that before noon time! Oh, yes, I did brush my teeth, fix my blanket, and swallow my meds.
Driven by my “To Do List”, I need a nap by noon but at times my wife indicates that she wants to go shopping. Jumping into car and rushing her through the stores or aisles, if that is possible, while trying to return home before 2:00 pm. It’s time to pick up my grandkids to drive them home or to their activity. There are days that I am gone from 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm. If time allows, I make a quick dinner like Ramen Noodle with my vegetables before signing into another 7 pm online meeting. It’s a long day!
Are your days similar to mine? The “To Do List” is controlling you and me. If I may say that we are under the “law” of our “To Do List.” There are daily activities that requires our attention for we have responsibilities. A thought came to me, “Am I being led by the Spirit” or “Have I asked God to give me the strength to do the things before me?” Hmm, to be honest, not really for I have to check off my “To Do List” for the day!
Let us before we assigned and prioritized our “To Do List” for the day is to truly stop and ask the Spirit of God to guide us, give us His wisdom, and strength to do the Father’s will. I’m trying not to grieve the Holy Spirit and to listen to His small voice throughout the day.
There is more than just completing our “To Do List” for the day. It may be sharing with my grandchildren as I am driving them to and from school. It’s taking a moment to ask my wife what she wants to eat for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It’s sitting down with her at the dining table instead of sitting in my office. It’s walking slowly with her through the aisles. It’s taking some time to prepare for meetings.
Let’s ask ourselves, “Who is controlling my life: the Spirit of God or my “To Do List” for the day?” Let’s try to walk and be led moment by moment by the Spirit of God, engaging in the things that He wants us to do through you and me. We may find my peace in our lives.
Kingston Tong
September 31, 2025