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BIBLICAL TIME MANAGEMENT
by Coach Debbie
I feel so pressed for time almost every day. And I am convinced that is not what God wants. I wish life was all play and no work. My dishwasher is always full and my kids’ bellies are always empty. I have too much to do and not enough time. And it sure doesn’t help when I think about my other mom friends who are even busier and get even more done!
God is the Creator of the concept of time. As time’s Designer, wouldn’t He also be the One to consult on how to use it wisely? He has plans for us and wants to be glorified. Our society conveys you can “do it all” and that YOU are the boss. God, on the other hand, has a different say on things. Let’s dive into God’s Word together!
I’m going to share some RANDOM “day in the life” video clips for your viewing pleasure. And they’re all in fast-forward, which is just so fun and funny! If only you and I could actually be that quick to accomplish our daily tasks!!!
GOD’S TOP 6 TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS
(IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER BECAUSE AUTHOR DEBBIE DIDN’T HAVE THE T-I-M-E TO TAKE IT TO THAT LEVEL—HA):
1. HORSE BEFORE THE CART
1 Corinthians 14:40 everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
He is not a God of chaos, but a God of peace. There is an order to how things should be done. All things. He is not schizophrenic or manic or overwhelmed. And if we are to be like Him and have the “mind of Christ” (1 Cor 2:16) as believers, let’s CONSULT Him on the who/what/when/where/why/how of every task. Ever have a ridiculous To Do list and don’t know where to start? Ask Him, “Lord, I have so much to do. What should I do first?” He is all-knowing and is able to sift and sort best.
I have often looked at my list and as my head starts to spin, I grab my Bible. I do know God wants me to start with Him. “Seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God”(Matt 6:33). As I pray, praise and study His Word, I conclude with, “Hey Jesus, can you help me with my day? Will you direct me where to start? Will you fuel me along the way?” He is so faithful to say, “I am glad you asked. It is my pleasure.”
2. FOCUS ON TODAY
James 4:13-15 you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 39:4-5 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.
We are not the deciders of our destiny. God has the master plan. We get so caught up in our plans and schedules. Do we ask God if He even wants us to do every single one of those things or do we plan first and expect His permission and blessing to follow? These verses are not telling us to never plan anything because that would be unwise. But we must have the perspective that today, right now, we want to be in the middle of His perfect and pleasing will for our lives. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, so make today count. Easier said than done, sure, but it is always our goal to live in the now and do what is important for the kingdom. If your life ends this month, could you reflect on it and know you valued each day?
This lesson was driven home when my husband passed away. I’m thinking, “But he was JUST here! We have plans! Plans to retire on a sailboat! We booked a cabin for a special family Christmas! He was always evangelizing, why would he be called Home?”
3. NO, I WILL NOT BE PTA TREASURER
Ecclesiastes 3:8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
I really want to joke about how my kids are really taking “a time for war” literally! But I believe that the Lord, the inventor of clocks and seasons, understands motherhood. There is a time for everything. Maybe you’re in a season of feedings/diapers/naps; do not allow the enemy to guilt you about not taking international mission trips. Maybe you are home with toddlers who throw fits; this may not be your time to run the middle school bake sale. Or you have a marriage that is rocky; it is okay to not bring dinner to your sick neighbor. We get so caught up in doing what is “good” that it may not be “God’s best.” Mission trips, bake sales, helping neighbors…all good things, yes. But you cannot and should not be pressured int0 being SuperWoman. This may be your time to just NOT. Saying “no” shows wisdom.
I remember being asked to serve in the church nursery since I had children who enjoyed attending. My late husband and I had, before reproducing, served in the nursery 11 months a year and loved it. Then we made our own litter of ankle-biters and I was on the edge of losing my freaking mind. When I was asked to serve, I felt cornered and, to be honest, angry. I told her I had happily served for a long time and I needed a break. See, it was not my time to be there. Fast-forward to today, I am able to happily serve in the nursery again because I don’t have tiny tots at home.
4. MILK EACH MOMENT
Colossians 4:5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
Ephesians 5:16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil
Make the most of every single opportunity. God has so many neat experiences in store for us.
You are in the grocery check-out. Make the most of it. “Hi Judy, how is your day going? I love your earrings. Thank you for doing this for me so that I can make dinner tonight. Could I pray for you about anything?”
Your husband comes home stressed from work. Make the most of that moment. “Honey, go take off your shoes. I want to give you a massage because I can tell you have worked hard and need a break. It is my honor to serve you.”
Your kids spill milk all over the floor. Make the most of that opportunity. “Sweetie, let’s clean this together. I’m helping you because I love you. Just today I spilled my shake onto my white shirt.”
God wants us to pause and live in the now. At bedtime, I often sit with each of my children and tell them I love them and that they are good boys. I then ask if they want to talk about their daddy who is in heaven and we’ll share a fun memory of him.
5. MAKE A PLAN AND THEN CROSS OFF HALF OF IT
Proverbs 16:9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
1 Corinthians 10:23 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.
God wants us to be wise and not just float around aimlessly. We do not need to obsess about the future (see above). We come up with great ideas (today I’m going to the post office, then cleaning the bathrooms, then making dinner) and ask Him how we can do that in a way that honors Him and fulfills His will.
I had a plan for my life as a 20 year old. My life at 37 looks nothing like that plan. Because God is the boss. And while His plan is so different, I’m learning to appreciate the journey He designed for me. And God is not out to spoil our fun and make us miserable. He says, “You can do whatever you want because you have free will. BUT, is it fruitful?” We are “allowed” to do anything, but we must be so plugged in to Christ that we realize that “can” does not equal “should.”
For me, that often includes voicing my opinions. I have the right to speak what is on my mind, but I must consider if it is edifying and uplifting or if it is rooted in pride.
Let’s stop being controlling and submit to His ways.
6. SCRUB TOILETS AND WIPE BUTTS
1 Corinthians 10:31 whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Your days are monotonous and routine, right? He knows the baby woke you up 3 times last night to eat. He watches you make meal after meal after meal after meal for your family. He sees you hold the door open, smile at a stranger, scrub the toilet, and pay the bills. He is not suggesting this, He is telling us, “Do it for Me. Clean and cook and feed and work for Me. I am your Everything. I am your great reward. I enable you to live and move and have your being. You are mine. While you work on earth, I am creating a most beautiful space for you in Heaven. Delight yourself in Me so that you may serve Me. I want you to make Me known by your actions. Represent Me.” What a shift in our attitude! We can smile as we change diaper 16 of the day!
When I lead group workouts, I am thinking to God, “Will you use me to bless these people?” When I volunteer at the local pregnancy center, I pray, “God, thank you for giving me the time and ability to do this? Will you help me to clean for you and not for others’ praise? Will you bless the staff today?”
We will always have responsibilities and only 24 hours in a day. But what can change is our perspective and motivation and even the amount we do. God has written the BEST Book on TIME MANAGEMENT.