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While time is arguably the most valuable commodity God has given us, it is by far the one we waste the most. This abysmal lack of stewardship is very serious due to time being completely unrecoverable and easily squandered on distractions, worries, and sinful behaviors. Because Ephesians 5:15-16 call us to wisely use the time God has given us, it is critical that we learn godly time management.
To do this, we must first understand how to control our thoughts. This is a crucial step because our greatest source of time waste is often from our minds succumbing to trivial distractions, dwelling on empty fantasies, falling to anxious thoughts, and focusing on sinful desires. When these consume our minds, focusing on and fellowshipping with God becomes near impossible. Thankfully, we can be freed from this spiritually destructive state by submitting to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to renew our minds as Ephesians 4:23 and Romans 12:2 note. Also, 1 Peter 5:8 and James 4:7 reveal that by submitting to Him, He strengthens our minds to fend off Satan's mental assaults. Finally, Colossians 3:1 and Philippians 4:8 instruct us to focus our minds on Christ and godly thoughts. Thus, through the Holy Spirit's mental renewal, empowerment, and protection, we receive the capacity to replace our vain thoughts with ones that honor Christ.
To generate these thoughts, we must build our relationship with the Lord. This requires us to seek Him first and use our time wisely, as Matthew 6:33 and Colossians 4:5 respectively note. Thankfully, there are multiple activities that help us do so. For example, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 instructs us to devote time for fellowship with God via continual prayer. Also, because we learn about and hear from God through His Word, we must study it daily, as Joshua 1:8 commands. In addition, to truly know God and His will, dedicating time to meditate on His Word and listen for His voice is mandatory, as Psalm 1:2 and 37:7 respectfully note. Thus, wise stewardship of time requires dedicating it to activities that further our intimacy with Him.
Furthermore, godly time management requires us to use it according to His will. James 4:13-16 note how sinful arrogance and foolish folly result from planning our time without consulting God. When we do so, we risk wasting hours, days, and even years on futile pursuits that can distance us from Him, result in great loss, and destroy opportunities to serve and be blessed by Him. Because He is omniscient and knows what is best for us, Ephesians 5:17 calls us to seek His will over our foolish desires. Once we know it, Proverbs 3:5-6 instruct us to trust His plan over our limited understanding, for the former allows God to guide us towards His best. Finally, Colossians 3:23 notes that this trust should result in obedience that seeks to glorify Him. By ensuring our time is used according to God's will, we bring Him glory, receive His best, and avoid vain, wasteful pursuits.
Because our time on this Earth is finite, unrecoverable, and easily wasted, godly management of it is crucial to learn. Thankfully, the Lord promises to help us do so when we submit our thoughts to Him, further our relationship with Him, and use our time according to His will. By surrendering this precious commodity to the One who blessed us with it, we make ourselves available to faithfully serve Him and receive His best for us.
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