Happy New Year 2011! It’s hard to believe that we are in the second decade of the 21st Century – amazing how time flies by. Time is really our most precious asset. You can get more of almost everything else (and some people might be able to get more of something than you), but there is one thing you can’t get more of and neither can anyone else – time!
The Bible has much to say about time. “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15, 16). All of us have been given resources, and how we organize and spend them determines how well we achieve the plans, goals, and tasks God has given each of us to accomplish.
Remember, time management flows out of goal-setting and plans. The sharper your goals, the easier it is to organize your time. Make a list of everything you need to do to carry out your goals. After you make your list, prioritize the tasks based on your most important goals. Do first things first, and shove less important tasks down the priority list. Do one item at a time.
We have a tendency to say, “I need to prioritize things.” Truth is, we can’t have priorities. There is only one priority, and everything else is just not as important. Life is all about our choices, and one of our main choices is how we use our time. Someone said we have three choices with our time: Waste it, spend it, or invest it. I believe the best way is to invest it. How?
Matthew 6:33 says “. . . seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Here’s another way of saying it: Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, and God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
Invest your time in the most important relationships in your life:
- God – There are going to be opportunities throughout the year to grow and develop your relationship with God; be sure to take advantage of them.
- Parent/Spouse/Sibling – There are no human relationships more important than your immediate family. If you are married, this is your spouse. If you are single, it’s your parents and siblings.
- Children – You only have them for a little while and then they are gone. Be sure you take full advantage of this season.
- Friends – Proverbs tells us a man who has friends must himself be friendly.
Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” We all have the same amount of days in a year – 365. We all have the same choice – waste it, spend it, or invest it. Let’s invest it!
