Time management from a biblical perspective is not about the challenge to manage time. The Bible teaches that we need to surrender everything to God including our time. When we submit our priorities and goals to God we are able to evaluate and focus our attention on areas that matter most. According to Stephen Covey, the author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, “the essence of effective time and life management is to organize and execute around priorities.” So what are you priorities in life? Make a list of your priorities and then schedule them accordingly. Keep in mind that whatever we value most in life becomes our priority.
The issue with time management is not the lack of discipline. The problem is that our priorities have not been deeply planted in our hearts and minds. It is essential to search the Scriptures and evaluate your priorities. Pray about it. It’s a process. Don’t get disappointed and give up when you don’t see any immediate results. Be patient with yourself. It takes integrity and sincerity. You may have to get a daily planner, a PDA or use your cell phone calendar. Also, learn to delegate certain responsibilities, work smarter not harder. Learn to say “no” when it’s appropriate. Don’t get overwhelmed when making changes in your schedule. You can only do so much. Evaluate your progress, make improvements and be consistent. Each day is a gift from God that offers the opportunity to make a difference. Be intentional with your time and use it effectively for God.
Here is a list of verses about time management.
Ephesians 5:15-16
Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Colossians 4:5-6
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Proverbs 16:3
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
1 Corinthians 9:26-27
Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Psalm 39:4-5
Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man’s life is but a breath.
Proverbs 13:4
The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
James 4:13-17
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.
Psalm 90:10
The length of our days is seventy years-or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
Ecclesiastes 3:
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
Psalm 33:11
But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
1 Timothy 4:14-16
Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Hebrews 6:11-12
We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.
Deuteronomy 4:29
But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Proverbs 21:5
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Feel free to use these verses for a Bible study or short devotional. For more related articles click on the links below.
Bible Verses about Discipline
Bible Verses about Wisdom
Bible Verses about Planning
Bible Verses about Integrity
Bible Verses for Building Stronger Relationships
Source:
Holy Bible, New International Version
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
