The Disciplined Use Of Time Series

The Disciplined Use Of Time

Time Management – God’s Way

Here is a FACT: Godliness is the result of a disciplined spiritual life. But at the heart of a disciplined spiritual life is the discipline use of time.

If we are going to be like Jesus – we must use our time in a way that is pleasing to God. In Ephesians chapter five verses fifteen and sixteen we find:

“Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16 (ASV)

The Message Bible says it like this:

“So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!” Ephesians 5:15-16 (MSG)

Paul is telling us in this verse to:

1. Use Your Time WISELY

We find in Ephesians chapter five and verse fifteen an admonition – telling us to use our time wisely. What is interesting to me is – the reason given. Why should I use my time wisely? Ephesians chapter five and verse sixteen gives us the answer – “because the days are evil.” No I don’t think most of us go around saying, “Man – today was an evil day.” Or “Last week – Tuesday – was just plain wicked.” It would probably seem a little humorous if we spoke that way. But we do say, “Man am I having a rough day.” Or “”I’ll be glad when this day is over.” You see life is full of tests and trials. There is a spiritual battle going on – and so the days are evil. Christians down through the centuries has faced persecution and opposition – and in a real sense “the days are evil” still.

There are things in this world that would draw you and me away from the practice of godliness. Things that would rob us of good use of our time. They may range from high-tech to low-tech distractions. But they all cause us to be preoccupied with things that have no spiritual value what-so-ever. Paul tells us in Colossians chapter three and verse two:

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2 (NKJV)

Paul also says in Philippians:

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)

The things what we think about may not in themselves seem wicked or evil – but if their preoccupation of our minds draws us away from Christ – is that not in itself an evil? We need to redeem the time – take control of our thoughts and preoccupations – in order that we may better serve Christ. Use your time wisely.

Also you need to purposely:

2. Use Your Time In Preparation for ETERNITY

Do you realize that the decisions you make today can have an impact on eternity? You can experience unending joy or unending sorrow on decisions that you make today. Most of us realize that your life can be changed in an instant. If you have ever had a friend or relative die unexpectedly in an accident – you know what I am talking about. Everything in the day is going along as normal – then the news comes – there has been a terrible accident – and our lives a changed forever. What then is more precious than this moment? A small rudder determines the direction of a great ship. Move the wheel one inch to the left or one inch to the right and that action will determine into which port you land. Paul knew this fact when he wrote:

“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV)

Right now is the right time to prepare for where you will spend eternity. If this issue is unsettled in your mind – fix it now. You have no guarantee of any more time to prepare for eternity. You should not put it off – now is the day of salvation.

I have already hit on the next point but let me say:

3. Your Time Is LIMITED

How many of you have heard of the law of supply and demand. When something is in short supply and the demand is high – the price goes up. The more scarce something is – the more valuable it is. It is that simple. Gold and diamonds would be worthless if they were as common as rocks on ground. Time would not be so precious if we never died – but we do. My grandparents are no long alive – neither is my father. I have never met anyone older than 103 – but I have met one lady who lived to be that age. James tells us: