Time management isn’t just a productivity hack—it’s stewardship of life. God cares deeply about how we use our hours because our time is our life (Psalm 90:12). When we put Him first, every other area comes into alignment. You can’t effectively live your life in God’s will without seeking him first. This is why Jesus said,
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
1) First Things First: Fellowship Before Activities.
Your relationship with God is your greatest time investment. Jesus affirmed this when Mary sat at His feet while Martha busied herself with tasks. Martha was busy doing “good things” but not God things. Unfortunately, like Martha, we can spend our whole lives busy with our own concept of what we believe God priorities instead of finding out his heart and waiting at his feet like Mary. Without fellowship with the Father our service is worthless.
Luke 10:41–42 (ESV)
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Jesus’ pattern for the disciples was the same: be with Him first, then be sent. So, never go if you haven’t spent time with Him.
Mark 3:14 (ESV)
“And he appointed twelve so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach.”
2) Grace & Discipline: Partners, Not Opposites
God’s grace empowers real change; it doesn’t excuse passivity. Grace is your Teacher that helps you say no and live intentionally. By letting the grace of God teach you, you will be able to say no to none essentials and focus on God’s vision for your life. Do you realize that anything done outside of God’s priorities is counter productive and evil because it stands in the way of doing God’s will with your life.
Titus 2:11–12 (ESV)
“For the grace of God has appeared… training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.”
Self-control is fruit the Spirit grows in you—but you still choose it. This fruit of the Spirit is crucial when you need to exercise restrain over doing things that God has asked you to let go of. For example, we need to exercise self control with our exposure to the media. You should be able to reduce how much time you spend in front of the screen. Social media has become a time thief. Consider the fact that if you reduce your screen time by one hour daily, you will save 30 hours in a month and that is equivalent to one day and a quarter. Imagine what spiritual value you can bring to your life with that extra time.
Galatians 5:22–23 (ESV)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is… self-control…”
Psalm 27:8 (ESV)
“You have said, ‘Seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek.’”
3) Learn to Say “No”: The Not-To-Do List
Many “good” activities are not God’s assignments for you. Create a Not-To-Do List to guard your minutes for what matters most. When you say “no” to none essentials, you give yourself an opportunity to be able to say yes to what God has planned for you. The excuse of not having enough time to do God’s will is removed. You can now invest your time in what is most expedient for your life.
Ephesians 5:15–16 (ESV)
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”
1 Corinthians 10:23 (ESV)
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful; “all things are lawful,” but not all things build up.
4) Intentional Choices Shape Destinies
Life doesn’t change by accident; it changes by daily decisions, better put, by second by minute by hour decisions. Scripture calls us to choose the path of life—on purpose. If you feel your too busy or your life isn’t going how you want it, have the backbone to change it because no one can do it for you. You made your schedule and you are the only one that can change it. Learn not to be quick to accept new responsibilities, rather allow God to plan with you and you will be fruitful.
Deuteronomy 30:19 (ESV)
“I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live.”
Proverbs 21:5 (ESV)
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
5) Diligence vs. Laziness: God’s Wisdom on Work
The Bible contrasts steady diligence with drifting passivity. Diligence implies staying at what you have put your hands on and doing it even when you don’t feel like it. You continue to show up come rain or shine because you are fully persuaded that it is what God has given you to do at a point in time. You steward the responsibility (land) faithfully. God promises you promotion and prosperity if you will be diligent and not lazy.
Proverbs 24:30–34 (ESV)
“I passed by the field of a sluggard… it was all overgrown with thorns… A little sleep, a little slumber… and poverty will come…”
Proverbs 12:11 (ESV)
“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.”
Proverbs 22:29 (ESV)
“Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.”
6) God Restores Lost Years
If you’ve drifted, take hope—God can restore what was lost when you return to His path. By rededicating your time back to God, he can redeem your time and cause you to achieve more which is fulfilling your God given destiny. If Jesus could fulfil his purpose in the space of 3 years, God can help you to do so with what you have left of your life. Remember that it isn’t about how long you run but how well. You can read the parable in Matthew 20:1-16
Joel 2:25 (ESV)
“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten…”
Start today. Successful lives are built one obedient minute at a time.
7) Accountability & Eternity in View
Our choices matter now and forever. We will give an account—so live today with that joyful sobriety. This shouldn’t be something we should fear because when we submit to the priorities of God and live accordingly, we can look forward to receiving our eternal rewards because like Paul’, we can confidently say that we ran a good race and fought a good fight.
2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV)
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
Closing Prayer
“Father, teach me to number my days and gain a heart of wisdom. By Your grace, help me seek You first, say no to distractions, and walk in diligent obedience. Restore lost years and establish the work of my hands. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Psalm 90:12; Psalm 90:17