In today’s fast-paced world, mastering the art of time management is more critical than ever. The pressure to balance studies, work, family, social commitments, and personal wellbeing can feel overwhelming. There is a wide selection of 'self-help' guides and methods to improve your time management, but as Christians why don't we turn to the Bible to search for answers as well? The Bible offers timeless wisdom on this topic, providing insights that are both practical and spiritual and for today we will dive into what the Bible teaches us on managing our time effectively (and like a good Christian!) You can also check out our post on the Basics of Time Management and How to Defeat Procrastination.
Prioritising What Truly Matters
One of the Bible's core teachings on time management is the importance of prioritising what truly matters. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." As Christians, we often overlook the importance of putting Christ first in our lives. When working out our schedule, do we really things that we need to set out an a time during the day to spend time with God? Or do we schedule everything that feels important because they need to happen within a set time. This verse just reminds us again that we need to put our relationship with God first. All relationships require work, if we don't schedule a date night or make plans with friends who we don't see at work or in classes, then those relationships will start to drift and get difficult to maintain. We get out of touch with each other. The same is true with God, if we don't work Bible studies, prayer and time for reflection into our routines or schedules, then we can't grow in our relationship with God.
Consider the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42. While Martha was busy with all the preparations, Mary sat at Jesus' feet, listening to what He said. Jesus commended Mary for choosing the better part, which will not be taken away from her. How often can we insert our own name into Jesus' words: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed..."
The Value of Planning
In Proverbs 21:5 we find the words, "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." We can quickly assume that the verse just speaks about increasing our finances as our 'profits' will increase if we plan properly. Well, this is not a post about financial planning and in this case 'profit' refers to rewards that you will gain on planning properly. Although it is a good idea to draw up a good financial plan, planning your day-to-day is a profitable venture whereas simply going with the tide leads to poverty (I believe that you have the metaphor by now and I don't need to explain 'poverty' in this context).This verse highlights the importance of planning and diligence. Proper planning helps us use our time wisely and avoid the pitfalls of hastiness and disorganization. By setting goals and creating a plan, we can ensure that our time is spent on meaningful and productive activities.
I have a saying that my friends are quite tired of at the moment, but simply put, it encapsulates the 5 Ps of success: "Proper planning prevents poor performance." Most people who have written a test without studying can tell you the truth in that.
Consider Joseph's story in Genesis 41, where he interprets Pharaoh's dreams and plans for seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Joseph's diligent planning saved Egypt from disaster and demonstrates the importance of foresight and preparation. Although we never expect seven years of famine in our lives, how can we better ourselves for the pitfalls that my come tomorrow? In our lives it can be as simple as packing our lunch tonight because we know that mornings are tough and I will not wake up in time to pack lunch while making my morning appointment in time.
Making the Most of Every Opportunity
Ephesians 5:15-16 tells us to "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." This passage urges us to be mindful of how we use our time. Life is fleeting, and each moment is a gift from God. How then can we waste a gift given to us by God? Focusing on what we spend our time doing and focusing to make the most of our days are really important, we won't always be able to, but we should at least try.
In Colossians 4:5, Paul encourages us to "conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity." This instruction emphasises the importance of living intentionally and seizing every chance to glorify God and serve others. Let us plan as if we are going to live forever, but live as if we are going to die tomorrow. Our time is short, so use it well!
Rest and Renewal
Even as we work diligently, the Bible emphasises the importance of rest. Exodus 20:8-10 instructs, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God." God designed us to need rest and renewal. Taking time to rest is not only beneficial for our physical and mental health but also a commandment that allows us to reconnect with God and reflect on our lives.
In Mark 6:31, Jesus says to His disciples, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." This invitation to rest underscores the necessity of taking breaks and rejuvenating our spirits, minds and bodies. My docter always tells me, if you don't take a break your body is going to do that for you. So create little islands for yourself in the sea of business.
Proverbs 20:4 warns, "Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing." Procrastination leads to missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. The Bible encourages us to take action and avoid delaying important tasks. By staying proactive and disciplined, we can achieve our goals and make the most of our time. James 4:17 reminds us, "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them." This verse calls us to act quickly and responsibly, emphasising the duty we have to avoid procrastination.
Trusting in God’s Timing
Finally, the Bible teaches us to trust in God’s timing. Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things may not go as planned. In such times, it's important to trust that God’s timing is perfect. By surrendering our plans to God and trusting in His wisdom, we can find peace and assurance that everything will happen in its appointed time. We can plan all we want to (and we should) but we should also live a flexible life that leaves space for God and His intervention when things need to happen.
Proverbs 16:9 says, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." reminding us to align our plans with God's will and trust His divine timing.
The Bible provides invaluable lessons on time management. By prioritising what matters most, planning diligently, making the most of every opportunity, resting, avoiding procrastination, and trusting in God’s timing, we can manage our time effectively and live a balanced, fulfilling life. Let us strive to apply these biblical principles and make each moment count for the glory of God.
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