Ed. note: We are all familiar with the story of Mary and Martha, but it is so easy to forget when we are working so hard for Jesus, to spend time with Him—Gayle's article is a wonderful reminder of how important that time is.
Even in churches it is easy to neglect to leave “God room” in our plans—room for God to reveal His will regarding our goals. While all time is essentially God time, setting aside a quiet period with God each day is surely our most important time.
The Scriptures provide a fine textbook on time management. Jesus gives the ultimate example of the value of planning. He spent thirty years planning for his three years of ministry. Spending time in God’s Word keeps us on track and helps us put our priorities in order. It inspires us to aim for excellence.
In aspiring to excellence, avoid becoming perfectionistic. Jesus was perfect, not a perfectionist. He worked with imperfect people in an imperfect system. He entrusted his work to us! Would a perfectionist do that? Do your best; then turn it loose. God will bless your honest efforts.
Everyone who has ever read a book on time management or who has attended a seminar on the subject has been reminded we all have the same amount of time. We all, regardless of status in life, have only 24 hours a day.
Time is a resource—our most precious because, unlike money or energy, it cannot be saved up to be used later. The minutes go by; we cannot truly manage them. What we can manage is the way we use our time.
Be aware of time as you go through your day. Scrutinize the jobs you do and look for creative ways to cut minutes off each task.
Even so, don’t fall into the stressful game of “Beat the Clock.” Find a comfortable pace and whatever transpires, don’t neglect your quiet time.
Be sure to schedule and to take a couple of breaks during the day. Leave the office for a lunch hour. Studies indicate that people who take short breaks mid-morning and mid-afternoon and who take a full lunch hour are more productive than those who work straight through. Tired minds and tired bodies simply do not produce good results.
A good rule is to ask yourself several times during the day, “Is what I’m doing the best use of my time now?” Your schedule must be rigid enough to be effective yet flexible enough to allow for priority shifts beyond your control.
Amid all your busy-ness, your quiet time is essential. This is when you gain a clear picture of the results you want to accomplish—not simply the tasks at hand. God time allows you to know your true goals and to focus on them. No priority is higher.
