The Stewardship of Time

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”  Ephesians 5:15-16

How do I know about time management? As I write this, I am balancing three fulltime jobs, homeschooling my son, as well as being an active Boy Scout leader. When I was in college and graduate school, I worked more than full time while taking a full course load. I know this; you can too.

Scripture tells us to make the most of every opportunity and time; it is honoring our redemption by seeking for others to have it too. This means to be prudent, using the time we have on earth wisely, our best for God’s glory. We are never to be idle or slack off in the time the Lord has given us. Know this, of all the gifts we are given, our time is short and most precious (Psalm 90:12; 31:15; Job 14:1, 5; Dan. 2:8; Gal. 3:13; 4:5; Col. 4:5; Eph. 5:16)!

Here are some tried and true ideas to improve your time management. The top ten to reduce your stress:

• Be organized. Arrange your desk or workplace in an efficient manner. Think what the most effective layout is, so you will save time by not searching for stuff.
• Get a good fast start. Start what you are to do early; so, you do not fall into the pit of the last-minute madness. They key? Set goals and overcome procrastination!
• Have a Schedule. Plan out your tasks and give them deadlines. Write important things down, keep a journal too, then Prioritize your list.
• Plan it out. Plan your week, carry a notebook to keep track of thoughts, deadlines and events. Good planning and prioritization will save you a lot of time and then you will be better at what you do.
• No Multitasking! Concentrate on one task at a time. Very few people can multitask efficiency. It is best to do one thing at a time.
• NO! But say it nice. Learn to say no; do not overcommit. It is okay to set limits for what you will commit to.
• Think about it. Take the time to consider possibilities and ways to go about something before you act on it. Have a plan. A good map is essential to your destination!
• Beware of the time wasters! Think about what you can give up that interferes with your work and priorities.
• Calendar it. Use a good time management system such as an ap or calendar.
• Give yourself breaks! Psychologists tell us when we take breaks and even naps, it makes us more efficient, because we are rested and refreshed.

More helps on to manage your time; to be better at what you do:

• Do not do other people’s work; train, teach, and empower others, but do not do there share.
• Do not be a perfectionist, do things to the best of your ability and move on.
• Be aware of filler tasks; ask does this have to be done? Is it necessary and does it have to do with your work, if not, save it for later.
• Avoid efficiency traps; that is working so fast you are slopy, then have to redo and end up wasting your time.
• Continually improve yourself. What do you need to work on and learn to be better, stronger, and faster?
• What bad traits get in the way? Identify your bad habits and moods, such as, do you put things off?
• Bad day? Then, leave it in the closet, never bring it to your work or into your relationships!
• When speaking or writing, sell the dream of your crusade, explain it simply.
• Uplift people never down talk down to others! If you want to make it in the world of people, then seek to touch their hearts. Paint the possibilities and avoid the negativity.
• Stuck? Then challenge yourself; disturb your complacency, and never give up. Focus on how to persevere and overcome challenges.

“But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.” Psalm 31:15

How to prime your time pump? Pray how to use your time wisely! What can you do with one of the most precious gifts we have received from God, our time? Consider that we belong to God, and our time also belongs to Him. We are asked to use this gift in productive ways.

Dr. Richard Krejcir is a licensed and experienced Financial Consultant with over thirty years of experience. He has worked for major banks, insurance companies, nonprofits, and families too. He is also an author, pastor, Special Ed Teacher, and financial blogger and holds a doctorate in Stewardship.