We all have different ways of managing our daily tasks. Some of us write to-do lists on sticky notes, others jot them down on the back of a napkin or type them into our phones. There are even those who prefer to take life as it comes, hoping to remember everything important as the day progresses. Whatever our approach may be, we are all familiar with the satisfaction of marking off completed tasks.

But as Christians, have we ever considered that we might need a spiritual to-do list each day? Not a honey-do list, but a list of things God has asked us to accomplish in our walk with Him. What if, in addition to our work and family responsibilities, we started our day by asking, “Lord, what do You want me to accomplish today for Your kingdom?”

Why a Spiritual To-Do List? Before diving into specific tasks, let’s start with why having a spiritual to-do list is important. The Bible reminds us that God has given us specific works to do, even before we were born. Ephesians 2:10 says:

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)

God has a purpose for each of our days. Whether big or small, there are tasks He has prepared for us, and it’s our responsibility to walk in those good works. If we’re not intentional about seeking out His will for our day, we can easily get caught up in the busyness of life and miss out on the opportunities He places before us.

So, what might a spiritual to-do list look like?

1. Spend Time with God in Prayer and Scripture

The first item on our spiritual to-do list should always be spending time with God. This is the foundation of our day and our relationship with Him. Just like any other relationship, it grows when we spend time together. Jesus modeled this for us in His own life. Mark 1:35 tells us:

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35, NIV)

If Jesus needed time alone with the Father, how much more do we? Start your day by seeking Him in prayer and His Word. Ask Him for wisdom, guidance, and strength for whatever the day brings. Psalm 119:105 reminds us:

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NIV)

2. Love God and Others

Jesus made it clear that the greatest commandments are to love God and love others. Matthew 22:37-39 says:

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39, NIV)

Love should be at the top of our spiritual to-do list every single day. But how do we actively live this out?

– Love God by prioritizing Him in your day. Start with prayer, as mentioned above, and then make decisions throughout your day that honor Him.

– Love others by showing kindness, patience, and generosity. Look for ways to serve the people around you—whether it’s helping a co-worker, offering encouragement to a friend, or even showing grace to someone who frustrates you.

1 John 4:19 says, “We love because he first loved us.” Our ability to love comes from God, and it’s His love flowing through us that impacts the world around us.

3. Serve Others

One of the central teachings of Jesus is service. He lived a life of humility, serving others even to the point of washing His disciples’ feet. In John 13:14-15, Jesus says:

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:14-15, NIV)

Whether it’s volunteering at church, helping a neighbor, or simply offering a listening ear, service is something we can incorporate into our daily lives. Look for ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus today. Is there someone you can help? Is there a task you can do that might ease someone’s burden? Philippians 2:3-4 reminds us:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3-4, NIV)

4. Be a Witness for Christ

Another item for our spiritual to-do list is sharing the gospel. We are called to be witnesses of Christ’s love and salvation to the world around us. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives us the Great Commission:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, NIV)

You may not feel like you have the opportunity to preach a sermon every day, but witnessing can be done through your actions, words, and attitudes. Sometimes it’s a simple word of encouragement or sharing how God has worked in your life. Be open to the Holy Spirit’s leading in how you can share Jesus with others.

5. Give Thanks in All Circumstances

Gratitude is another important spiritual task. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul writes:

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV)

No matter what your day holds—good or bad—choose to give thanks. Gratitude shifts our focus from our problems to God’s goodness. It also strengthens our faith as we remember all the ways He has been faithful in the past.

Does This List Take Priority?

Now, the big question: Should this spiritual to-do list take priority over our other tasks, like work or family obligations? The answer lies in balance and perspective. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33:

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33, NIV)

When we put God first—when we seek His kingdom and His will—everything else will fall into place. This doesn’t mean we neglect our responsibilities at work or home. Instead, it means that our spiritual tasks should shape and influence everything we do.

If you start your day by spending time with God, loving others, serving, witnessing, and giving thanks, you’ll find that you’re better equipped to handle the rest of your tasks. You may even find that God opens doors for you to accomplish both your spiritual and practical tasks in ways you hadn’t anticipated.

It can feel overwhelming to balance our spiritual responsibilities with everything else we have to do. But the beauty of it is that we don’t have to do it in our own strength. Philippians 4:13 reminds us:

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13, NIV)

God is with us every step of the way. When we rely on Him, He will provide the strength, wisdom, and guidance we need to complete both our spiritual and worldly tasks.

As we go about our days, let’s not forget to include God’s priorities in our to-do lists. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with the basics: spend time with Him, love others, serve, witness, and give thanks. When we focus on these things, everything else will fall into place. After all, a life lived according to God’s priorities is one marked by peace, purpose, and fulfillment.

Today, let’s invite God to write our to-do list, and let’s commit to marking off those spiritual tasks for His glory!