Bible Lessons on Using Our Time Wisely- An Introduction is one article in a series on Biblical Stewardship. What follows is a few thoughts on time management from a biblical perspective that is by no means exhaustive but which can set us on the right path to a fuller understanding and appreciation of our responsibilites.
The stewardship of our time and the opportunities it allows is one of the most important stewardships we are given and one for which we will be held accountable when we stand before our King.
Paul in his letter to the Ephesians, says it this way:
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Eph. 5:15-16)
While it is true that the Bible makes no distinction between the secular and the spiritual when it comes to the activities in our lives (it’s all spiritual), there is a distinction made between the spirit and the flesh and which of these we are accomodating, feeding, and indulging, when we engage in any particular activity.
For the rest of this article, we’re going to look at Galatians 6:7-10, unpack it a little and hopefully draw some conclusions and implications that’ll keep us walking wisely and faithfully before God.
Galatians 6:7-10
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Here, Paul is giving some practical advice to the Galatian church who were confused and struggling with how to live by the Spirit and grace and not get sucked back in to trying to keep the Law. In verse 7 he lays down for them and us one of what Oswald Chambers calls an eternal law of God:
“Whatever one sows, that will he also reap” (v7)
This rule applies from the the throne of God downwards to every person, believer and unbeliever unlike in any and every circumstance. We can’t get around it so we best work with it, which is what God intends and expects.
Paul goes on to explain and apply this rule further in the next verse:
“For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (v8)
What we choose to do, the activities we spend our time doing, and how we go about doing them, all has a lasting effect on us and our future and also those around us. The effect may not be immediate as verse 9 indicates but there will be a consequence whether for good and life, or bad and corruption. We can partake in spiritually encouraging activites or spiritually destructive. There’s things that are useful and things that are a complete waste of time. And sometimes it’s hard to say either way and in that case we should pray and ask the Holy Spirit to give us discernment and insight into what’s best.
None of this is easy, especially with deeply ingrained habits but it is important. It’s the difference between bearing fruit and being an empty fig tree; between bearing good fruit and bad fruit. It all comes down to abiding in Jesus and His word and walking in the Spirit, and in His strength making the best use of our time.
Ephesians 5:15 referenced earlier, commands us to look carefully how we walk, so here’s a few questions we can ask ourselves on a regular basis, to keep our focus.
“How do I spend my time each day?”
“What activities am I doing most often?”
“Is this activity sowing to the Spirit or the flesh?”
“How much TV am I watching (watching TV’s not a sin – only watching TV is a sin)
“What shows am I watching? Why do I watch them?”
“How are the activities I’m engaged in been determining the results I get in my life? Are they hindering my prayers?”
“Is this spiritually encouraging or am I just indulging the flesh?”
“Am I being lazy or diligent?”
“Am I avoiding my responsibilities?”
“What do I read and how often?”
“Where’s my Bible?”
“How often am I on the internet?”
“What sites do I visit?”
“What example am I setting to others? Family? Unbelievers?”
“What could I be doing instead?”
“Does this glorify God?”
“If Jesus was in the room right now would He do this with me?” (coz He is.)
(If you’re interested, and want to take this further, I have a time management planning form that is available at no cost. It’s a gift for you. To download go here.)
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Last 5 posts by Steve
- What Is Grace? - January 31st, 2010
- What Is Atonement? - January 21st, 2010
- What Does Regeneration Mean? - November 10th, 2009
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- What Does Trinity Mean? - October 19th, 2009
