Daily Devotional

We talk a lot about financial management at church, but we don’t often talk about time management. In fact, it’s interesting that we use the word ‘spend’ when it comes to our money, but we also use the word ‘spend’ when it comes to our time. Why? Because time is one of our controllable resources. So often when I ask people how they’re doing they’ll say, “I’m so tired.” When I ask why, they say, “I am so busy.”

So I want to give you five steps to managing your time well.

1. Be a good steward your time
We often attribute the word ‘stewardship’ to money. But what about time? It applies there, too. Time is a precious resource that God gives us to manage. So we are called to manage it well. And we are not to waste it. We are called to be diligent. Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” Our time on earth is limited. So let’s quit wasting time and steward it well.

2. Prioritize eternal things
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Whenever possible, spend your time doing things that have eternal value. Put these things ahead of urgent things and temporary distractions. In Luke 10:41-42, Jesus challenged Martha; “You are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” And what did Mary choose? Sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to Him teach.

3. Make a plan
Whenever Jenn and I go on vacation, I like to have a plan. We will arrive at the hotel at this time. We will unpack, head to this attraction, have lunch, head to this attraction, have dinner, go here or there, then bed. Next day, we’ll get up at this time so we can make it to this thing. I drive her nuts. She likes to figure it out as we go. But I want to know the plan ahead of time so we can make the most of our time. In time management, planning ahead leads to success. When we don’t have a plan, it ends up in chaos. And this includes setting goals that reflect God’s will which are found in His Word.

4. Say “Yes” to the best
There are so many ‘asks’ coming at us. And most of these ‘asks’ are good things. But just because it’s a good thing doesn’t mean you should say yes. You have to set limits. You can’t do everything. In fact, think in terms of good, better, best. When someone asks you to do something, evaluate it in terms of what’s best. What is the best way to use your time? And…certainly if you’ve committed to something, you hang in there till that commitment is finished. That’s also a reason to say “No”.

5. Take time to rest
Why do so many people respond to the question “How are you doing?” with “I’m really tired?” Because they never take time to rest. They play video games till three in the morning. Then they have to get up for work at 8:00. Then they don’t perform well in their job, they drag through their day, and when they get home they are no good to their family. Instead, start getting to bed early. Get up early. And take a day each week that is ‘rest day’. Scripture calls it a Sabbath. Unplug. Get in the Word. Take a walk. Pray. Recharge. Nap. And by resting, it’ll set you up for the next week. There’s less illness. And there’s more energy available for the most important things.

I don’t think God wants us walking around constantly tired and lacking energy. When we have time to help someone with a project, when we have time to listen to someone, when we have time to visit someone who’s sick, we communicate the love of Christ. So, get some rest, make time for what’s best, and manage your time well.

New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.