The one thing every human being has in common is that we all have the same amount of time in a day. What makes us different is how we spend our time. Sadly, many don’t treat time as the precious commodity it is. Time is an invaluable gift we have been given and must be stewarded well. Sadly, so many of us waste our time on meaningless activities and what I like to call “time killers.” This doesn’t mean you don’t enjoy life by taking vacations, doing fun things, engaging in social media, and going to the movies. Yet I think it is healthy and good to evaluate how we spend our time.
For me, the challenge is learning how to manage distractions. We all face many distractions in a single day. Some days I feel as if distraction is looming over me constantly, even to the point of major frustration on my part that I cannot seem to avoid them! I have come to realize that distractions are never going to stop chasing me, but I can stop chasing distractions. It really is that simple. I can set the right boundaries for myself that will enable me to be effective, productive, calm, purposeful, and balanced. I can turn the phone off. I can put the computer away. I can switch off the TV. I can prioritize silence and solitude. I can read the Bible and journal. I can spend intentional and undistracted time with my family and friends that does not involve electronics. I can do the things I am called to do and passionate about doing.
Rather than thinking of this as a goal, I encourage you to approach it as a formation. Contrary to goals, a life formation does not end. It just simply is who you have become due to the repeated act of doing something. In other words, the aim is not to develop a habit only, but to continue in it, making it a lifestyle.
Ephesians 5:15-17 tells us, "So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly but understand what the Lord wants you to do.”
Here are some practical ways to honor God with your time.
1. Make time with God your top priority.
Our time with the Lord in the secret place should not be sacrificed or pushed to the side. We cannot grow in Christ if we do not know His Word or His heart for us. We cannot move forward into freedom and purpose if we do not come to Him for instruction and wisdom. If this is a struggle area for you, confess it to the Lord and simply make the adjustment needed to spend time with God every day.
2. When distractions don’t move, remove yourself from distraction.
God wants us to be productive and about His business! Ask yourself, “how am I currently doing with self-leadership in this area of my life?” Especially if you’re feeling unproductive, frustrated, or discouraged in your season, it is a good idea to evaluate how much of your time you spend on meaningless “time-killers” or engaging in things that will not produce fruit in your life, or doesn’t align with your mission and calling.
3. Honor other’s time.
Be a person who keeps their word. Keep your commitments, be on time, do your best to communicate if you need to make a change. Just as you work to be a good steward of your own time, do this for others as well. Mark 12:30-31 says, “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
4. Give time to those who matter most.
Time is the gift we can give to those in our lives who need it the most. Our spouse, children, extended family and close friends should not get the “leftovers” of your time and energy.
5. Be a good worker as well as a person who rests.
God has commanded us to be fruitful and multiply. We this many times in Scripture (Genesis 1:22, 1:28, 9:7, 17:20, 35:11). He has given us authority on this earth to take dominion, to plant and to harvest. The Bible is very clear that as God’s people we are to be good managers and faithful workers (Colossians 3:23, 1 Corinthians 4:2). God also commands us to rest! Just as God rested, we too must follow His example. If we don’t learn to rest, we deplete our bodies, souls and minds of strength and the ability to accomplish our God-given assignments. We also miss opportunities to strengthen our family relationships, deepen our friendships, spend extended time with God, and enjoy recreational activities.
Be encourage today that through the power of the Holy Spirit, as well as a willing heart, you can be a person who honors God, yourself, and others with your time.
Blessings,
Lydia