WHAT YOU PLAN DETERMINES YOUR SUCCESS OR FAILURE
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“See then that you walk
circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days
are evil. Therefore do not be unwise,
but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”—Ephesians 5:15-17
Time management and success are
closely related. Successful people
understand the principal that their time equals money. Some one once said, “If
you fail to plan, you plan for failure.”
In order to succeed in whatever you do, time management skills are a
must. Jesus was an expert in time management
skills. He said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but
what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son does in like manner”
(John 5:19). One time despite other people’s urging, He waited a few days before
He responded to an urgent situation; but, when He did it was at just the right
time (John 11:1-15).
Time cannot be taken back—it is
irreversible. You cannot “rewind” and
undo anything. It is foolish to waste
such a precious resource. But so often,
we do. Be alert to avoid these
hindrances to living each moment fully and purposefully.
- Misplaced priorities result in wasted opportunities. Our values will determine the emphasis we place on each activity and the amount of time we allot to it.
- Procrastination and perfectionism soak up valuable time that could have been used to benefit the kingdom.
- Lack of concentration drains time of its potential. For example, we have to train ourselves to focus on reading God’s Word and not to get diverted. The same is true about praying.
Some simple
strategies can be use to make time management a routine and a habit in your
life. Make a list. Every night before
falling asleep, I write down what I want to accomplish for the following the
day. Waiting until the next day to
create the list, opens the door to procrastination and diversions. Time management is about spending less time
thinking about what you need to do and more time doing what needs to be accomplished. Always eat the “frog” first. The “frog” is
the thing that you least like to do and/or takes the most time. Not long ago a friend called and asked me
what I was doing; I responded, “I am eating frogs.”
What values
drive the way you utilize your time? Is
there something that keeps you from living each moment in a way that please the
Lord? You will never have a chance to
live today again. Therefore, ask God for
guidance and direction so that you can live each day with intention.
Prayer—Father I thank You that this is the day
that You have given me, and I will rejoice in it. Today I will live up to my full potential and
I ask for Your Wisdom, guidance and direction as I plan my way I thank You that
You direct my steps, in Jesus Name. Amen
