Time Matters

Have you ever said these words, "there isn't enough time in a day for me to do all that I need." I'm sure most of us have if not all of us. It seems as though life is a never ending journey of trying to accomplish things. Everything and everyone is in competition for our time. If it is not managed efficiently, time will simply slip away with many things left undone. Here are three suggestions with some brief comments that will help you address time matters. There are of course other suggestions, but try these to get you started.

God First - It all begins here. When God is given priority and first place, everything else works. When we control our time, we control our lives. This initial suggestion requires you to be intentional. That is, you must start your day with some quality time with God. As He is acknowledged and sought, He will give us direction. From the beginning of the day and throughout many things go through the mind. Despite this fact, we cannot do all of what we think and realistically should not even want to do it all. The truth is, we need God's help to sort out the many thoughts and ideas that come to the mind. I believe that everyone has a purpose and there are certain activities that support the fulfillment of it. We cannot do all things, but are required to do the one's we were born to do. We can all relate to being involved in something of which we later discovered was a waste of time. Putting God first would and can save us from time wasted.

Your Governing Values - Every person lives by a set of core values that govern the behavior. Your activities each day are a reflection of those values. These can also be viewed as the most important things that you believe. They are the foundation of what you will accomplish during your life's experience. If you find that you tend to waste time or procrastinate, it doesn't just happen. Somewhere in your experience you developed a belief and habit that it is Ok. This may be tough to accept but realize that your values are interconnected and they effect your actions. They are like pieces to a puzzle. Each one lends itself to an overall picture. Collectively they influence your choices and decisions. If your decisions are producing a sour outcome, you might need to re-examine your governing values. It's like looking beneath the surface so that you are not treating symptoms. Realize that in order to change a negative behavior, you must change your beliefs or values. There is no substitute for governing values that are godly and righteous.

Plan Well - Good planning is the product of good thinking. What a wonderful organ we have called the brain. Good thinking stems from exercising the brain. As you know, it is estimated that we use approximately 10% of it. To exercise the brain, you must be intentional. For example, during each day you should read and meditate. This will give the brain a workout that will keep it active, productive and sharp. We've all seen the commercial with the caption, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." So don't waste it. Make good use of it. Also make certain that you're reading something that is worthy and perhaps thought provoking and meditating on good things. When writing to Philippi, Paul says, "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, what ever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things, Philippians 4:8." 


Making adjustments in these three areas will prove to be rewarding concerning your time. You'll be better able to discern when, where, and how to use it. Remember each of us has only so much time to accomplish our purpose. Manage your time well.