Time is a Gift to be Invested and used wisely
It's amazing how quickly time slips away from us if we're not deliberate about how we spend it. I've frequently found myself caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, rushing from one task to the next without truly appreciating the precious moments that make up each day.
However, I've recently realized the value of being a good steward of this precious resource known as time. It is not about trying to do more or filling our schedules with nonstop activities. Instead, it is about being mindful and intentional about how we spend our time, making sure it is consistent with our values and goals.
What is Time Stewardship?
Ephesians 5:16 emphasizes, "redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Our time is a precious gift from God, and we are called to use it wisely. This means prioritizing tasks, avoiding distractions, and using our time to serve God and others.
One of the key principles we can adopt to become good stewards of time is prioritization. By identifying what truly matters to us and focusing our time and energy on those areas, we can make the most of every moment. It's about saying no to things that don't bring us joy or contribute to our personal growth, and saying yes to activities and relationships that align with our values.
Setting Priorities Aligned with Faith
As believers, we are called to manage our time with intentionality. This involves setting priorities that align with our faith. Micah 6:8 reminds us, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Our priorities should reflect these core values.
Self-Care: A Crucial Aspect of Time Stewardship
Another aspect of being a good steward of time is practicing self-care. It's easy to become caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, ignoring our own well-being in the process. However, I've discovered that taking time for myself, whether through meditation, exercise, or simply enjoying a good book, is essential for my overall happiness and productivity. Such activities improve my focus, energy levels, and overall sense of peace, allowing me to be more present in my work, relationships, and ultimately in service to God.
Being mindful of how I spend my time has also allowed me to be more present in the moment. Instead of constantly worrying about the past or the future, I try to fully immerse myself in what I'm doing right now. Being fully present allows me to savor the beauty and richness of life, whether I'm conversing with a loved one, pursuing a passion, or simply taking a walk in nature.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of rest. In Exodus 20:11, God establishes the Sabbath as a day of rest for both humans and livestock. Taking time to care for ourselves is not laziness; it demonstrates trust in God's provision and allows us to return to our responsibilities refreshed and renewed.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 emphasizes that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit: "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." Just as we would care for a physical temple, we should also prioritize activities that nourish our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Finding Balance and Embracing Rest
While finding the right balance between our various commitments and self-care can be a challenge, Philippians 4:13 offers encouragement: "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Through prayer and reliance on God's strength, we can develop the discipline to manage our time wisely and prioritize activities that contribute to our well-being.
By recognizing the importance of self-care as part of wise time management, we can ensure we are operating at our full potential and honoring God with the bodies He has entrusted to us.
Goal Setting: Aligning Our Will with God's
Setting goals is another powerful tool for becoming a good steward of time. Proverbs 16:9 beautifully captures the essence of goal setting: "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps." While we have the freedom to set goals, ultimately, God guides our path. By setting goals that reflect our God-given calling, we are essentially aligning our will with His
Goals provide direction and clarity. They help us identify what's truly important and how to allocate our time effectively. Habakkuk 2:2 instructs, "Write the vision down, make it plain on tablets so that everyone may read it easily." Just as etching a vision on tablets ensures clarity, setting goals helps us define our desired outcomes and the steps needed to achieve them.
The process of setting and achieving goals is not just about reaching a destination; it's also about growth. As we strive towards our goals, we develop new skills, overcome challenges, and build resilience. Philippians 3:14 emphasizes this ongoing journey: "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Goal setting becomes a tool for continuous improvement, allowing us to become better stewards of our time and ultimately, better servants of God.
By incorporating goal setting into our time management practices, we can ensure our efforts are aligned with God's will, provide direction for our journey, and foster personal growth in our walk with Him.
Discipline: A Reflection of Faithfulness
Finally, managing time effectively requires discipline. Colossians 3:23-24 instructs, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Our commitment to managing time wisely, following through on our goals, and overcoming distractions becomes a reflection of our faithfulness to God. Just as an athlete disciplines their body to achieve peak performance, so too must we cultivate the discipline required to effectively manage our time and fulfill the purposes He has for us.
Adapting in Unpredictable Times
Of course, there are times when time appears to slip through our fingers, despite our best efforts. Life can be unpredictable, and we will always face unexpected events and challenges that disrupt our plans. Even in those moments, being a good time steward entails adapting and devising new ways to make the most of the situation.
Final thoughts
By viewing time as a precious gift from God, we can become intentional stewards of this valuable resource. This means prioritizing with a purpose that reflects our faith, and ensuring our choices align with our core values. Setting goals that harmonize with our God-given calling further empowers us to utilize time effectively. Finally, exercising discipline demonstrates our faithfulness. Through this combination of intentionality, goal setting, and discipline, we can ensure we're making the most of each day, fulfilling the unique purpose God has designed for us.
So let us appreciate the gift of time and commit to being good stewards of this valuable resource. Let us prioritize what is truly important, practice self-care, and be present in the moment. By doing so, we can make the most of every second and live a life that is rich, fulfilling, and consistent with our beliefs and values in Christ Jesus.
May the Spirit of our Father in Heaven empower you as you become a great steward of time
Until next time, may you be abundant in grace,
Rumishael.
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