Andy Stanley posted a bible verse the other day: “I am doing a great thing and I cannot come down” (Nehemiah 6:3 NASB). It’s one of his favorite verses. So much so that he stated it’s on a plaque hanging in his house.

So what does this verse mean exactly? Why has Andy Stanley and his wife Sandra given it such prominence in their home? It’s actually quite simple. What it boils down to is this: what one thing do you need, want, or must work on that would add significance to not only your life, but increase the quality of your relationship with others.

There are those who think bible verses are too complex and therefore use that as an excuse to not read the bible or not use the bible as a guideline for their lives; when in fact, the opposite is true.

What a great verse from the book of Nehemiah. “I am doing a great thing and I cannot come down.” That great thing can be any number of possibilities. Do you want to be a better parent, a better spouse, a better student, a better mentor; perhaps you want to become a more disciplined writer, or a more disciplined dancer. Do you want to pay off a debt?

Whatever your one great thing is, the only way to accomplish that goal is to leave distractions out of the equation. Such as, cutting the time you’re on the internet in order to give your undivided attention to your children; or turning the television and all phones off while the family has dinner; or how about volunteering once a week or once every two weeks at a homeless shelter? How about forgoing that one or two cups of expensive coffee and putting the money towards that one debt you’re trying to pay off?

My one great thing for 2014? To become the most disciplined writer I can be. I let distractions such as facebook, emails, television, text messages, etc., invade what little personal time I have. Precious time that I will never get back. So starting today, my internet time in 2014 will be severely limited. I am thankful to God for giving me this desire to write. Therefore, it would be most grievous if I do not embrace it…if I do not try to nurture it the best way I can.

To become a more disciplined writer in 2014…that is my one great thing. What’s yours?