How To Find the Time To Do What Matters

The Stewardship of Time

J. Hampton Keathley III, "The Stewardship of Time: Multiplying the Life Through Redeeming the Time" from the series ABCs for Christian Growth— Laying the Foundation.

http://bit.ly/2rWzTBi

Margin

Lou Whitworth, "The Problem With Progress" Probe Ministries. Learn more about Richard Swenson's Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives.

http://bit.ly/2EECDWw

Every decision is a spiritual decision.

1. Recognize…

1. Recognize that time is precious.

Psalms 90:1-4 NIV

Psalms 90:12 NIV

"The Sermon at Capernaum" (detail) by Vasily Alexandrovich Kotarbinsky (1849-1921). Oil on canvas.

Mark 1:32-39 NIV

Pro-tip from Jesus: You can't do everything.

For Reflection/Discussion: What are some of the factors that contribute to our being so busy? Which of these factors is within/not within our control? How does a recognition of our mortality and the precious nature of time affect our understanding and use of time? What do you think about Jesus' decision to move on return to Capernaum where everyone was looking for him? In what ways might his decision have been criticized or misunderstood?

2. Understand…

2. Understand your God-given purpose.

John 17:4 NLT

"Dreams" Polenov Mechty (1894). Oil on Canvas.

Matthew 6:33 NIV

Matthew 22:37-39 NIV

For Reflection/Discussion: What was the work God gave Jesus to do? How did Jesus' understanding of his life's purpose contribute to his mission-critical focus? What were some of the otherwise good things that Jesus had to neglect in order to stay focused on his God-given mission? What is your God-given purpose? What role, if any, do worship, Bible reading, and prayer have in our discovering our purpose? How does an awareness of our purpose help us find the time to do what matters?

3. Commit…

3. Commit to doing what's important.

Organize your life around your compass, not the clock.

Anything less than a conscious commitment to what’s important is an unconscious commitment to the unimportant.

Proverbs 17:24 NIV

For Reflection/Discussion: What is the difference between organizing your life around your compass rather than the clock? What is the meaning of the statement "Anything less than a conscious commitment to what’s important is an unconscious commitment to the unimportant"? Are there any unimportant activities, behaviors, or habits to which you are unconsciously committed? What is the difference between something that is urgent and something that is important? Why is it critical to be committed to doing what's important?

4. Practice…

4. Practice the principle of pruning.

John 15:1-2 NIV

Pruning

Article on "Pruning" from Wikipedia.

http://bit.ly/2BJgnrz

Once you know what matters, prune.

The Collyer Brothers

"Homer and Langley Collyer were two brothers who became infamous for their bizarre natures and compulsive hoarding. For decades, the two lived in seclusion in a Harlem brownstone where they obsessively collected books, furniture, musical instruments, and myriad other items, with booby traps set up in corridors and doorways to ensnare intruders." Wikipedia article.

http://bit.ly/2nDTBfK

Clear the clutter.

Set aside a day every week for worship and rest, and time every day for quiet time with God. The busier you are, the more important!

Exodus 34:21 NIV

We live in time for a time, but we were made for eternity.

Psalms 90:12 NIV

For Reflection/Discussion: Why is pruning important for plants? What happens to plants when they are not pruned? What are some of the things that can/should be pruned from your schedule? Why is pruning difficult for some people? Does mental, emotional, physical, or calendar clutter litter your life? What can you do to address and remove it? Why is it important to do so?

How to Manage Your Time in a 24/7 World

Sarah Hamaker, "How to Manage Your Time in a 24/7 World" CrossWalk.

http://bit.ly/2BRIk0t

The Value Of Time

5 Days