Productivity in Light of the Gospel

Introduction

• The gospel provides a new perspective on productivity.
• Productivity defined as getting the right things done.

The Right Things

• Centrality of God: The right things are what God wants done.
• Good Works: Based on Matthew 5:16, purpose of life is to do good for others and glorify God.
• Ephesians 2:8-10: We are created for good works, which God prepared beforehand.
• Titus 2:14: Jesus redeems us to purify a people zealous for good works.
• John 15:16: We are appointed to bear fruit that abides.

Understanding Good Works

• Doubling Creation for Good Works:
  • Originally created for good works (Creation Mandate).
  • Recreated in Christ for good works (New Creation Mandate).
• Scope of Good Works:
  • Involves both heart and actions.
  • Misunderstanding of Good Works:
    • Often seen as rare or extraordinary.
    • Reality: Good works can happen daily in ordinary tasks.

Daily Life and Good Works

• Good works include everyday activities done in faith.
• Biblical Definition: Good works are not rare but can be part of everyday life.
• Ephesians 6: Daily work is considered a good work.
  • Paul encourages viewing daily tasks as good works to glorify God.

Importance of Productivity Systems

• Four Benefits of Better Productivity:
  1. Reduces Friction:
     • Efficient setups reduce clutter, enabling focus on doing good.
  2. Amplifies Ability to Do Good:
     • Better planning allows for more good to be done.
  3. Frees Up Time to Serve:
     • Time saved can be used for meaningful service to others rather than self-fulfillment.
  4. Enables Larger Challenging Good Works:
     • Complex tasks require good productivity practices to meet larger needs.

Conclusion

• Good works encompass all faithful actions, including daily work.
• Productivity involves doing the right things in the right way for the right reasons.

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• Next session will explore the right way and right reason for productivity.