![]() Solomon tells us, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce” (Prov. Reagan roots the concept of a morning routine in the firstfruits principle found throughout Scripture. “‘Keystone habit’ is the term Charles Duhigg uses to describe ‘small changes or habits that people introduce into their routines that unintentionally carry over into other aspects of their lives’” (26). The morning routine is the cornerstone of the productivity system. Practice number one gives the reader an excellent framework for crafting a morning routine. Speaking of what is important leads nicely into the first practice-morning routines. Reagan’s focus on what is important is a core strength of the book. Many productivity authors will tell their readers how to accomplish many things. Productivity is about efficiently accomplishing the right things” (17). This is how I plan to use the word in this book. He says that, when most people talk about productivity, they mean “how efficiently and consistently an individual can complete important tasks. ![]() Having established that productivity exists to serve God, Reagan also takes a section to define productivity. Christians are not the captain of their own destiny. Among Christians, there is no sovereign individual. Reagan says, “No matter how you slice it, we want to be productive either to serve ourselves or to serve God” (18). So, redeemed productivity flips the script on this kind of thinking. It is a selfish desire for self-improvement for self’s sake” (15–16). This is the origin of all unchristian productivity. However, the downside was that the primary motivation was selfishness. He first got into productivity to reinvent himself and improve his life. Reagan shares a bit of his own journey in this chapter. Reagan says, “‘It’s my life’ is a radical and often rebellious mode of thinking… And ‘it’s my life’ is the fundamental assumption behind the spirit of our age” (13–14). Pillar number one is, “You belong to God” (13). The first pillar and practice lay the foundation for the whole productivity system in Redeeming Productivity. Each pillar is paired with a practice that best corresponds to that pillar. So, Reagan organizes his book into five pillars and practices. ![]() Often, these are very effective, but they cannot accept the underlying ideologies behind them. Christians can use some of the practical tips on time management. He says, “Productivity has been hijacked, and it is time we take it back” (11). So, what can be done? Reagan argues that Christians need to realize that productivity ultimately belongs to God and is done for Him, and it needs to be redeemed. ![]() Productivity-minded Christians can often begin to adopt many worldly ideologies that drive modern productivity. “The promise of secular productivity is a life of financial prosperity” (127). Many people read self-help books and improve their lives, get promoted, or get a raise, but “often hiding behind practical tips on time management, decision-making, or goal setting is a whole spectrum of worldly philosophies” (11). 1 The problem with modern productivity is that it works. Reagan Rose is the founder of Redeeming Productivity, an online teaching ministry aimed at recapturing personal productivity for the sake of Christ. Use the link at the bottom of this page to register. Take advantage of the early bird discount by signing up before August 18. It is hosted at Inter-City Baptist Church in Allen Park, MI, on October 19 and 20. I hope it will whet your appetite to read the book and also sign up to learn more from Reagan and others at the conference. Below is a review of his recently released book Redeeming Productivity. He is working hard to help pastors and non-pastors be more focused and faithful in their lives and ministries. ![]() This year’s theme is “Focused and Faithful: Dealing with Distractions and Demands in Ministry.” One of our guest speakers is Reagan Rose. So, you can imagine my excitement when I heard about the 2023 E3 Pastor’s conference. ![]()
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