Did you hear that the government is going to streamline the way they operate? They have decided to combine the health care system with the educational system. The slogan for these combined programs is going to be—“We will inoculate no child’s left behind!”

Seriously, I suppose a lot of us should make an effort to simplify our lives. Some of the things we do are not very productive, and we can find countless ways to waste our precious time.

Many churches could also find ways to streamline their efforts to impact God’s kingdom. Many congregations have overcome lengthy periods of stagnation or decline because they took a serious look at their programs and traditions and decided to make some changes. Rather than continue to “ride a dead horse”, turnaround churches have “killed the sacred cow” and stopped doing some of the things that at best were non-productive and at worst were having a negative effect on the congregation.

Paul seemed to emphasize focusing on the basics. He writes in Phil.3:13-14, “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Many of us would benefit greatly if we too would focus on the “one thing I do.” In order to do that, we may have to re-examine our priorities.

What are some specific things you can do to simplify your life?

What programs or traditions at your church should the leaders discuss as possible targets for elimination or streamlining?