The Importance of Using Time Wisely for Kingdom Work
As I approach my 35th birthday in a few months, using time wisely has become steadily more important. Being a husband, a dad, an elder, an engineer, and a writer. I would be an absolute train wreck if it wasn't for good time management. Unfortunately, most of us don't think about the importance of using time wisely until the time is in short supply. As Christians though, we should remain cognizant of time no matter our circumstances. When we don't use time wisely, we miss out on great opportunities to worship and give glory to God.
Related Post: Be faithful with your time.
If you still need a little bit of proof, here are 3 simple ways in which using time wisely can have a positive impact within God's kingdom.
Using Time Wisely to Cheerfully Work for the Kingdom
We all work. Whether we're working outside the home or as stay-at-home parents, we're all working. But is it possible that some of those work-hours could explicitly be for the Kingdom?If you're working 60 hour work weeks or wrangling 5 children in home school, you probably feel like there is no margin left to give a piece of your time to your local church. While that lack of margin may be true today, I believe it's wise to prepare yourself for a day in which that is not true.If you could get your work weeks down to 40 hours or get your kids to the point of teaching themselves, just imagine how much more time you could devote to discipleship. Imagine how much time you could devote to working in a prison ministry. Imagine how much time you could devote to mending racial strife. All of those things and many more are great, but they don't seem so great when we're tired from something else.
Matthew 28:18-20 - Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV)
Using Time Wisely to Grow Funds for the Kingdom
This may come as a shock, but most Christians do not tithe. In fact, most Christians don't commit to any set giving amount. With that known, I suppose it's not too surprising either that Christians don't save much for retirement. That's a big problem when it comes to Kingdom work.For starters, if you've saved nothing for retirement, you will have to significantly lower your income needs. In some cases, retirement income will be so low that retirees have to go back to work to make ends meet. So now, instead of being able to support others through extra giving and missions, you can't because you have to fight for survival.So if you care about your future self at all, please invest early and often.
Proverbs 13:22 - A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous. (NIV)
Using Time Wisely to Give Children to the Kingdom
It's no secret children these days have busier schedules than children of yesteryear. But are these schedules packed with activities that will help children become God-glorifying adults? In most cases, the answer is no. In most cases, travel baseball or ballet class trumps Jesus. This isn't intentional usually, but it does take away a lot of time that could be used to train children to understand that God may use them in amazing ways as they grow up. But if parents don't make Jesus a priority, there's a high likelihood that children won't make Jesus a priority either.Let's change that outlook. Let's put our children in a position to love Jesus all the days of their lives and to make the most of every opportunity. (Ephesians 5:16 - Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.)