|
|
|
TIME
MANAGEMENT
How often have you heard the expression
"I cannot do this or that because I don't have the time"? Nowadays,
people, both young and old, appear to live life at such a hectic pace that
there is never enough time to complete all the tasks that they would like to
do. They feel pressurised. This can result in them attempting to do several
jobs at the same time with the inevitable consequence that some are not done
properly. Alternatively they fail to get jobs completed, or maybe even
started, by the date which they had agreed to previously. As a consequence
they are guilty of not only breaking their word but also setting a bad
example to those around them.
The Bible states in Ephesians 5:15,16 that
we must make the proper use of our time "Be careful then how you live,
not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the
days are evil". Our time is finite and we cannot afford to squander it.
Remember, also, that it is a gift from God and we will all have to give an
account of how we use this great gift.
Two things are important in ensuring that
we make best use of our time. These are:
 |
Prioritise.
Not everything you want to do has
the same level of importance. Some things have a high priority and must be
done immediately while other have a very low priority and, to put it
bluntly, it would not be a great catastrophe if they were not done at all.
A person who gives the same priority to every activity will end up with
important jobs not done at all with all the inevitable consequences. The
Bible emphasises the need to prioritise. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus
taught His disciples to put the most important things first and not to be
concerned about those things which were less important "But seek first
his kingdom and his righteousness and these things will be given you as
well" Matthew 6:33. I wonder if God's Kingdom and His
righteousness is our first priority? It is very easy to put other things
such as our work, our pleasure, and even our friends before our duty to
God. Each one of us should consider the proposition that if everyone in
our congregation behaved like me what would it be like? Would there be a
mid-week meeting or a Covenanter Youth meeting, or a Woman's' Missionary
Association? Who would provide leadership for these activities or even
attend them if everyone gave the same priority to these as I do? Would
there even be a congregation at all? These are important question that
each one of us should address. |
|
Don't procrastinate.
Some people have a tendency to
put off doing particular jobs or taking certain decisions. Not only does
this waste time but it means that some important jobs are not done or
decisions taken when they should be. There is a whole host of reasons why
people procrastinate. For some it is purely for personal convenience. That
was the case with Felix. Acts 24:25 tells us that he procrastinated over
the Christian gospel and Scripture does not record that he ever had a
further opportunity to repent. "As Paul discoursed on righteousness,
self-control and the judgement to come, Felix was afraid and said "That's
enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for
you"". For others it is entanglement with the world. Genesis 19:16
describes how Lot procrastinated in obeying God's command to get out of
Sodom and he was only saved by the two men grasping his hands and leading
him out. Or it could be family cares. Luke records in chapter 9 and verse
61 of his Gospel that one disciple put off following Christ until he could
go back home and say good-bye to his family. There is no doubt that
procrastination is one of the main reasons why we don't achieve as much as
we should. The writer of Proverbs warns against procrastination when he
states in chapter 3:28 "Do not say to your neighbour "Come back later;
I'll give it tomorrow"- when you now have it with you".
|
As we stand on the threshold of a new year
let each of us examine how we have been using our time and endeavour in the
days ahead to make better use of this God -given gift for His honour and His
glory.
|
|
