Effective/Efficient

<<successful, capable>>

To be effective and efficient is to be well organized, having planned in advance, being highly productive with a minimum of waste, expense and effort. Clear objectives, motivated effort, proven systems and strategy, together with good leadership and organisation, are required to ensure wise stewardship of time, people and resources to operate efficiently, thus adequately accomplishing the desired purpose. The rallying qualities of a leader bringing together several strategic people with different strengths and abilities to increase the impact and effectiveness of a project or organisation. Accountability and networking with like-minded people is beneficial. As they flow together in a common cause, pooling ideas, resources and encouraging one another this teamwork will accomplish more than the individual efforts (Lev 26:8; Deut 32:30). Know the goals and don’t allow yourself to be sidetracked, be single minded, focusing on accomplishing His will. Satan would like to divert and distact our attention and energy away from this.

Regular analysis, prioritising and evaluation is vital to clarify what is working, what isn’t, and where improvements can be made to remain competitive, successful and on target. If you only do what is adequate or just enough you will not stand out and will soon be overtaken by those who are applying themselves in a more dedicated manner. We should always be growing, setting and maintaining higher standards besides keeping abreast of technology and advancements. Incentives and rewards boost morale when realistic targets or goals are set, worked towards, then achieved.

We are encouraged to grow in our relationship with Christ (2 Pet 3:18).  An outflow of that vital connection is that He will first touch and transform our inner being. Although this will normally be more dramatic and profound early in our Christian life, there will always be an ongoing refinement of our character coming into harmony with Him, so we can minister with increased power and effectiveness for His Kingdom.

that will endure throughout eternity. Jesus said, “I chose you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last” (Jn 15:16).  The offer of salvation remains ineffective, regardless of a person’s mental acknowledgement and agreement unless it is applied with wisdom (Mt 7:21-27; Jas 1:22-25). The Word of God will have as much effect in my life I allow it to have.

A right attitude to God and others is essential to live effectively in this world, being salt and light – living uprightly as we show people the love of God (Mt 5:13-16). God requires faithful, obedient living from His people, proclaiming the gospel even if there is little response. The way the gospel is presented must be socially and culturally relevant yet fully honest and faithful to the Word of God, and not altered to make it more acceptable or warped by human reasoning.

“They spoke so effectively that many believed” (Act 14:1). This was not so much their eloquence and personal charisma; rather they were fully surrendered to the Lord who spoke powerfully though them.

Paul said, “A great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me” (1 Cor 16:9). See the potential, with God and with creative methods, to be involved in the advancement of His kingdom, keeping your eyes on Christ, not the obstacles of spiritual opposition.

and make the necessary adjustments (Prov 27:17). While we can't be proficient in all aspects we should have an increasing knowledge and appreciation of other people's calling too. If you don't have the skill and ability you should have, don't ignore the deficiency, instead through the concerted effort of training and practice apply yourself to this area so you can be more effective for God's work. It our responsibility to sharpen our skills in preparation and throughout our life's journey and we should always be dependent on His divine enablement. "If the axe is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success" (Eccl 10:10).

Being involved in too many things causes inefficiency and possibly burnout. Moses was given sound advice by his father-in-law, “Don’t do it all yourself but delegate” (Ex 18:18). As our physical body has many parts, each fulfilling their role effectively enabling us to function in a remarkable way, so in the spiritual body of Christ as each member does its intended function for which it is uniquely divinely designed (1 Cor 12:12; Eph 4:16). Being effective and successful in His Kingdom is knowing and doing His will, quickly and fully obeying “Whatever He says unto you” (Jn 2:5). Our life should not be aimless activity and busyness but strategic, purposeful steps making ‘all things work together’ for the call of God on our life by constantly monitoring what we do and gauging if this, ‘is  beneficial to God’s Kingdom and helping fulfill my life’s ministry?’

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (Jas 5:16). This statement in the Bible should inspire us to live more in tune with God’s standards and pray more to see His Kingdom advance within us and the world around.

See also: busy, burnout, call/calling, delegate, dependence, distractions, effort, evaluate, focus, goals, motive/motivation, past, plans and purposes, produce/productivity, results, strategy, success, wisdom/wise.