Ephesians 5:16, “Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
Every person on earth has the same 24-hour day. Most people sleep for eight hours, work for another eight, and then mismanage the other eight hours. The big question is, “What are you doing with your other eight hours?” I challenge you before making any excuses by claiming you don’t have time for God and church to first sit down and make a “Time Management Chart.”
I believe in doing so most people will not only find “extra” time for the things of God but will be convicted of how much time they have given to things that are not of eternal value (TV, sports, entertainment, the Internet, etc.) And even after making the chart if you find yourself with little time wasted- you will still be able to see how to make the most out of your time for God. Remember, Jesus made time for you by dying on the cross, you can and should make time to live for Him everyday, Matthew 6:33!
First, list and add together all your priorities. Start off by writing how many hours you sleep a night, then how many hours you work (include commute time), then how many hours you spend eating, how many hours you spend getting ready each day, the hours you give just to God (daily devotions/church activities), and how many hours you serve your family (activities, school work, etc). Do this for each day individually and then add all the hours up.
Second, after you have factored in all the priorities of life, minus the hours you have accounted for by 168 (total hours in a week) and consider what is left over as “free time.” Now you can begin to plan more positive activities with that free time. Plus, you can see where you have been wasting time and begin to restructure your life according to the priorities of the Bible and give yourself time to do the things that are really important.
Lastly, don’t let life pass you by; you only have one life, live your life to the fullest for God by making the most of every moment! Make the most of your time by prioritizing your time in a way that pleases God. No one will be excused on Judgment Day because they were “too busy to serve God!”
Reflection
How much time do you waste or misuse a day?
Action
- Repent if you have been “too busy” for the things of God (prayer, Bible reading, church, etc).
- Arrange your days in such a way that you please God by living a “God-centered” life.
- Be led of the Holy Spirit to guard your time because one day you will give an account for every minute of your life!
