Keeping Upright

LEARNING THE ART OF TIME MANAGEMENT FROM JESUS

At this very moment, you might be in the middle of group projects and assignments, but the procrastination zone is swallowing your time, and the deadline is looming before you. Here’s the way out: time management. This article isn’t just another list of productivity hacks, however. You might be surprised to learn that Jesus had plenty to say about the subject. 

1. Keep God first. 

Jesus said, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33, NIV). When you worship, trust, pray, and depend on God rather than on yourself, you are putting God first. Your dependence on Him rewires your minds to accomplish things not for the world but for Him, to Him, and through Him.

2. Let your yes be yes, and your no be no.

We find this in Matthew 5:37. Be firm with what you commit to doing and execute your plans accordingly. When your yes really means yes, you will undoubtedly commit to that, so there’ll be less chance of being swayed by distractions. Your “yes” and “no” determine your conviction and direction. Single-mindedness is important.

3. Stay focused on what you can do today, but always know your end goal.

Each day has enough trouble on its own, as it says in Matthew 6:34, so don’t put yourself in a position where you have to be in a hurry to finish your work all at once. It will only exhaust and deprive you of joy while doing it. Working on that first step while remembering why you’re doing it all in the first place will help carry you through to the last step.  

Work hard. Rest hard. Repeat.

4. Work hard when you’re working and rest well when you’re resting.

When you work, do your best. The consequence of unfinished work will only leave you with an incomplete day and fuel your restlessness. If you stop once you get tired instead of when the work is done, you won’t experience the real rest that comes from real work. Work hard. Rest hard. Repeat. When resting, thank Jesus, who implored us to enjoy and not neglect it. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

5. Be accountable.

Let your friends help you. Sometimes, you want to be alone and disconnected from everything else, but remember that you are a part of the whole—the church, the body of Christ. The next time you’re tempted to procrastinate or stay up all night again, remember you have a role to play as part of the body. Get connected to your local church, be part of a small group, submit to your leader, and go along, not alone.

"Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is" Ephesians 5:15-17, NIV