TIME MANAGEMENT

TIME MANAGEMENT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ecclesiastes 3:1

Key Verse: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

Supporting Texts: Ephesians 5:15-16, Colossians 4:5, Proverbs 6:6-11

Description: Time management is the godly art of wisely utilising the limited hours of life in alignment with God’s purpose, so that destiny is fulfilled without waste, regret, or delay.

INTRODUCTION
Time is one of the most precious resources God has entrusted to mankind. Unlike material possessions, time cannot be bought, stored, or retrieved once it has passed. Every second wasted is an opportunity lost forever. The Bible teaches us that there is a season for everything under heaven, and those who fail to discern and use their time well end up living in regret and unfulfilled potential.

In our fast-paced world, many people are busy but not productive, active but not fruitful, and occupied but not impactful. The call of Scripture is not just to count our days, but to number them with wisdom and intentionality. It is possible to live long yet wasteful years, and it is also possible to live impactful, short years that glorify God.

This study will guide us on how to value time, avoid its misuse, embrace biblical principles for redeeming it, and take practical steps to live wisely. As believers, managing our time well is not just about personal success, but about ensuring that God’s kingdom is advanced and our divine assignment is accomplished.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE VALUE OF TIME
Before we can manage time properly, we must first understand its true value from God’s perspective. Time is not an accident; it is a divine trust. Every moment is an opportunity to glorify God and accomplish His purpose for our lives.

a) Time is a gift from God (Psalm 90:12): God grants us time as a sacred trust, and He expects us to use it wisely for His glory.

b) Time is limited (Job 14:5): Our days are numbered; hence, we must live with urgency and purpose.

c) Time is irreversible (Ecclesiastes 9:10): Once a moment passes, it can never be recovered, no matter how much we regret it.

d) Time is an opportunity (Galatians 6:10): Every day presents us with a chance to do good, grow, and impact others.

Biblical Example: King Hezekiah (Isaiah 38:1-5) understood the value of time when God extended his life by fifteen years, proving that time is a divine gift not to be wasted.

2. SIGNS OF POOR TIME MANAGEMENT
When time is not managed well, it shows in our choices, attitudes, and results. Recognising the signs of poor time management helps us to correct ourselves before it is too late.

a) Procrastination (Proverbs 27:1): Putting off tasks that should be done today robs us of progress and opportunities.

b) Laziness (Proverbs 6:9-11): Slothfulness wastes time and leads to poverty and lack.

c) Lack of priorities (Luke 10:41-42): Being busy with many things but neglecting what is most important shows mismanagement of time.

d) Misuse of opportunities (Ephesians 5:16): Ignoring or neglecting divine opportunities is a sign of wasted time.

Biblical Example: The five foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) missed their moment because they did not prepare on time, reminding us that delay can cost destiny.

3. BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES OF TIME MANAGEMENT
God has given us wisdom in His Word to guide how we should utilise our time. These principles ensure that our lives remain fruitful and aligned with His will.

a) Set priorities (Matthew 6:33): Putting God first guarantees that every other area falls in place.

b) Plan ahead (Proverbs 21:5): Careful planning prevents waste and prepares us for success.

c) Discipline and diligence (Proverbs 12:24): Productivity flows from consistent effort and self-control.

d) Focus on purpose (Philippians 3:13-14): Staying focused helps us avoid distractions and press toward destiny fulfilment.

Biblical Example: Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:1-3) stayed focused on rebuilding the wall despite distractions, showing the power of disciplined time management.

4. HOW TO REDEEM THE TIME
To redeem the time means to recover, maximise, and make the best use of every opportunity God gives us. It is a call to intentional and purposeful living.

a) Avoid distractions (Hebrews 12:1-2): We must lay aside every weight that consumes valuable time without adding eternal value.

b) Maximise opportunities (Colossians 4:5): Every moment must be used profitably for God’s kingdom.

c) Invest in spiritual growth (Joshua 1:8): Time spent in God’s Word and prayer multiplies impact.

d) Use time to serve others (1 Peter 4:10): Serving others is a fruitful way of investing our lives.

Biblical Example: Apostle Paul (Acts 20:22-24) redeemed his time by dedicating his life fully to preaching the Gospel despite trials.

5. PRACTICAL STEPS FOR EFFECTIVE TIME MANAGEMENT
Time management requires not only biblical wisdom but also practical daily habits. These steps help us stay consistent and intentional.

a) Start each day with God (Psalm 5:3): Beginning the day with prayer aligns our activities with divine direction.

b) Create a daily schedule (Proverbs 16:3): Writing down priorities helps us avoid disorder and focus on results.

c) Eliminate time wasters (1 Corinthians 10:23): Not everything permissible is beneficial; we must filter activities.

d) Rest wisely (Mark 6:31): Rest is part of God’s plan to renew our strength and increase productivity.

Biblical Example: Jesus Christ (John 9:4; Mark 1:35) was highly intentional with His time—He prayed early, worked diligently, and declared that He must do the works of God while it was day.

CONCLUSION
Time is life, and life is measured in time. How we use our time determines the quality of our lives and our eternal reward. To waste time is to waste destiny, but to manage time wisely is to live a life of meaning and fulfilment.

As Christians, we must rise above procrastination, distractions, and laziness, and instead embrace discipline, planning, and focus. God will hold us accountable for the time He has given us, so we must redeem the time and live every day with eternity in view.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, teach me to number my days and apply my heart unto wisdom.
2. Father, deliver me from the spirit of procrastination and delay.
3. Lord, help me to recover every opportunity I have wasted.
4. Father, empower me to use my time effectively for Your glory.
5. Lord, remove every distraction that is stealing my time.
6. Father, make me a wise steward of the time You have given me.
7. Lord, help me to set my priorities according to Your will.
8. Father, grant me grace to finish my divine assignments on time.
9. Lord, restore every wasted year in my life.
10. Father, help me to invest my time in what has eternal value.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You shall no longer waste your time on unprofitable things.
2. Every spirit of procrastination is broken over your life.
3. Your wasted years shall be restored in Jesus’ name.
4. You will be wise in the use of your time.
5. You will not miss your divine opportunities.
6. Every distraction assigned to waste your time is destroyed.
7. You shall complete your divine assignment before your time is up.
8. The Lord will order your steps daily for maximum productivity.
9. Your time on earth shall be filled with impact and relevance.
10. You shall finish well and fulfil your destiny in Jesus’ name.