By Rachel Loe, February 12, 2024

In the past several weeks, we have covered some general principles for time management, and in this last entry on the topic, we will get into some practical steps to manage your day. Scripture is filled with common sense advice on work ethic in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Example – Proverbs 20:13 ESV “Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.” God has given the blessing of work and seeing things accomplished. Some ways we can stay focused on the task at hand:

1. Set meetings with yourself throughout the day.

Often, when I have a to-do list with a lot on it, I can get overwhelmed and distracted from a single task. When you schedule time on your calendar and treat it like a meeting, it lets you focus on one thing at a time and actually get it done. This helps with the next point.

2. Do not multitask.

People say they are good at multitasking, but in reality, no one is as effective when trying to do multiple things. Whether it’s making sure you only have one browser open on your computer or not having the TV on in the background. 

3. Remove distractions.

This leads to the ultimate time suck of today’s age – the phone. Even as I have been writing this blog, I have picked up my phone to check messages or social or just absentmindedly done it. Put your phone on a table not within your reach when you need to accomplish things. 

Bigger picture time management. These are helpful for completing individual tasks, but remember what the goal is. To do everything as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24). Remember the why behind the work ethic: We glorify God through our labor. Getting swept up in the excitement of a new job or challenge is easy, but that initial excitement won’t keep you going through the mundane Tuesdays once you get rolling. Motivation is fleeting, but discipline will carry you. Remember your why. For all Christians, part of our why is what I said before: to honor and glorify the Lord, but if He has called you to a specific purpose, ministry, or work, then remember that He has also equipped you with the spiritual gifts you need to accomplish what He has for you. 

“And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:20-21 ESV).