Redeeming Productivity

In this episode, we talk about why the foundation for a Christian’s approach to getting more done is distinctly different from the world’s. And why that means we must take greater care in how we approach the secular productivity advice we read and listen to. 1:50 – Introducing why we need a distinctly Christian approach to productivity Why this is different than “Christianizing” secular productivityThere is a unique theology to a Christian’s understanding of productivityIt is dangerous for believers to simply take whatever the world teaches on productivity.These books have helpful advice and guidance, but must be approached with discernment. 5:30 – Every philosophy of productivity has a theology Most productivity books and podcasts eventually leave the practical and begin to tread on religious themes—why we are here, the nature of man, the goal of life, etc. 11:08 – Examples of secular productivity books presenting religious themes Quotes from The War of Art, The Compound Effect, The Power of Habit, and more. 20:30 – What makes these things dangerous, and how it relates to the sufficiency of Scripture If we don’t listen carefully, we inadvertently imbibe unbiblical theologies and build our life on them.Explanation of the sufficiency of Scripture and how that assures us of a better foundation for our productivity as Christians. 25:20 – Examples of Scripture speaking directly to the issue of productivity The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-28), The mandate to work heartily unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23)To not waste time (Ephesians 5:15–17) To live with self-control (Titus 2:12)The entire book of Proverbs and its emphasis on wisdom.All of these point to not just the possibility, but to the necessity, of a truly Christian productivity. 26:55 – Christian productivity is only for Christians and an explanation of what it means to be a Christian Christian productivity doesn’t work for everyone, only for those who have put their faith in Jesus ChristChange in the Christian life is the work of God, but that change is accomplished through the means of diligent effortR.C. Sproul quote, “… we think that because we’re…Christian…we do not have to be concerned about productivity. On the contrary, our calling as Christians is the highest calling there is, and the idea of being productive is not the invention of capitalism, it is the mandate of Christ.” (R.C. Sproul, John, St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary, 286) Links This episode was based in part upon my article Why We Need a Distinctly Christian Productivity, which was itself based on material I used for my course on Stewardship & ProductivityOn the Mormon roots of 7 Habits for Highly Effective People – A Closer Look at Stephen Covey and His 7 HabitsBooks mentioned on today’s episode: The War of Art, The Compound Effect, The Power of Habit, Atomic Habits, Deep Work.

In this episode, we talk about how what it looks like to email like a Christian and how personal efficiency is not necessarily at odds with having a good witness in the workplace. 2:41 – Discuss article on “Emailing Like a Boss” How the author says her life was changed by responding to emails with shorter answers because it made her more responsive, and let fewer emails slip through the cracks.The author was inspired by seeing emails from top CEOs and politicians when they became public after high-profile email hacks.Mark Cuban is known for this practice.Like to article from BuzzFeed (warning: Language). 7:30 – Discussing the merits of this terse approach to email Allows you to get more emails answered.But there is a trade-off in personal warmth.Is this practice a good idea for Christians in the workplace? 8:30 – Emailing like a Christian—not a CEO The Bible has a lot to say about how believers communicate:Quoted Matt. 15:11; 12:34.Regardless of the medium through which Christians communicate, our communication should be markedly Christian.Explained Colossians 4:5–6.The way in which you email is part of your Christian witness in the workplace. 16:41 – Personal efficiency in email is not at odds with loving people in our communication Often, the most caring thing you can do with email is get back to someone right away, even if that means a shorter, more terse response.Long-winded emails do not equal better emails. 20:12 – The principles behind emailing like a Christian Be ResponsiveBe ClearBe BriefBe Kind 24:05 – Some examples of emailing like a Christian 29:26 – Conclusion Personal efficiency is not at odds with painting a good Christian witness. Often it can assist in that. So when it comes to emailing like a Christian the goal is simple: I want to have a good witness for Christ, by being a person who communicates well through email.That means I need to respond in a reasonable time frame. And it means I need to make sure my emails, like all my speech, are always gracious, seasoned with salt. Links BuzzFeedNew article referenced: I Tried Emailing Like A CEO And Quite Frankly, It Made My Life BetterOn the blog this week: More information about this podcastAnother blog post on email – How to Handle Ministry Email OverloadReagan’s Stewardship & Productivity Course at The Institute for Church Leadership

In this first episode of the Redeeming Productivity Show, Reagan introduces what the show and blog are all about, tells a little bit about him, then the bulk of the program is about tips for seminary students to be successful in their studies while staying close to the Lord. Links 10 Tips for Success in Seminary – Blog Article – Redeeming Productivity Note-taking software – Evernote, Microsoft OneNote, Ulysses App How to Stay Christian in Seminary by David Matthis Stewardship & Productivity Course – by Reagan Rose – from The Institute for Church Leadership (Use promo code RedeemingProd for $20 off). The Master’s Seminary Grace to You