I remember hearing a commercial a few years ago about an upcoming sale. There was the sound of a clock ticking very slowly during the waiting period for the sale to start… t – i – c – k, t – o – c – k. But then, when the sale started, the sound of the clock was super duper fast… tickytocktickytockticktockticktock. That’s life, isn’t it? We wait forever for that vacation, and, poof, it’s gone. The clock moves slowly to get through a day with a toddler, and then, poof, they’re out of the house. The list goes on and on in our lives.
If we’re not careful as Godly Leaders, time will pass us by, and we won’t tackle the things that are essential for us to accomplish with the time God has given us.
Here are 5 Ways to Make Best Use of Your Time as a Godly Leader. I am moving in this list from #5 to #1.
#5 – Investing in Key People.
As a Godly Leader, we only have so much time, and we have so many people that want a piece of us – whatever your role in life is. We want to love everyone, but that does not mean creating equal time. Evaluate who you need to invest in the most at work, in friendships, family, seasons of life, etc. Ask God to show you who is His priority for you in this season and have your calendar reflect that. Investing in others is found throughout Scripture, including 2 Timothy 2:2, “You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.”
#4 – Planning for the Future.
We get so busy in the urgent, unimportant segment of life, that we can easily forget the important but not urgent segment of our world. Are you planning vacations and getaways with your spouse and family or friends? Are you planning for retirement financially? Are you dreaming about what the Lord has in store for you in regard to future mission trips, serving in a greater capacity, and big hopes and dreams that He has for you? Godly Leaders know it is essential to take the time to dream and plan for the future. I would suggest doing it once a month in some capacity for a few hours and once a year for a day or more.
#3 – Staying Healthy.
I’m as guilty of this as anyone – stress eating, lack of sleep in order to get things done, too little exercise, etc. Godly Leaders know that our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. Godly Leaders know that it is essential to make healthy eating, a good night’s sleep, regular doctor’s check-ups, and regular exercise important parts of your daily routine so that you can live a long, healthy life serving the Lord! 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”
#2 – Making Family Your Top Ministry.
This may seem like an obvious way, but make sure it is. I’ll hit two keys that helped me in this regard over the years. First, I put a date night once a week or once every two weeks in the calendar. Important things make our calendar, and date nights should as well. They can be stay-at-home date nights or times for my wife and I to grab a coffee or go for a walk. They don’t have to be expensive. Second, I make sure I have one-on-one time with each of my kids regularly. When they were growing up, it was breakfasts, errands, and weekend pick what you want to do playtime. Now it’s golfing, lunch, errands, etc. If it’s not planned, it typically won’t happen. One-on-one is an essential ingredient to family prioritization. Godly Leaders know this is essential to their families.
#1 – Having Your Calendar Show That God is Your Top Priority.
Here’s a quiz for you: in the last seven days, how many times have you had a quiet, undisturbed time with the Lord? I contend that it should be seven out of seven days because all seven of those days are important. There was an old Christian record label called, “Five-Minute Walk.” Their point was to start the day with at least five uninterrupted minutes with the Lord. You have five minutes! Think of the things in your life that only take five minutes! Grab a devotional like Rolling Hill’s Daily Step in the Rolling Hills Community Church app. Make it a daily priority. Before you turn on SportsCenter or check email or workout or whatever. Take at least five minutes with the Lord! That is essential.
We could talk a lot more on this topic, but we’ll leave it there for now. What are your thoughts or questions? Leave them in the comments. If you found this blog helpful or thought-provoking, please Subscribe Below to receive a new weekly blog in your email on Tuesday morning. Also, if you think this blog would be helpful for others, please share it on social media or tell a few friends about it!
Love being on this Essential Godly Leadership journey with you!
Essential Godly Leadership: “Leading your life, your family, your work, your relationships, and your world in a way that is seeking wisdom from, and pleasing to, the Lord Jesus.”