By: C.J. Lloyd June 21,2024

Time, a precious gift from God, is not just a resource to be managed, but a responsibility to be stewarded. As the well-known motto goes, “Time is money,” implying the importance of using time wisely. This phrase is often used to weigh opportunity costs in the marketplace and our personal lives. In turn, our time becomes an investment, and we place high value on where we put our time. God also places high value on where we place our time. “So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16 NASB20). Stewardship is not just a principle of money but also of time, opportunity, and efficiency. For example, in a corporate setting, creating efficiencies can reduce costs, improve quality, and enhance productivity. In a non-profit setting, this is especially important as the nature of the business may demand a lean environment to stay sustainable. Both examples can be valued using time and are principles of stewardship.

In another vein, our time can also be used as a gift to others. We can do this through volunteering, investing in relationships, rest, and reflection. The joy and fulfillment that comes from these acts of service, the sense of purpose and connection they bring, can be a powerful motivator, inspiring us to use our time in meaningful ways.

• Volunteering our time can allow us to invest time into churches and organizations that support our mission values. This type of stewardship may be giving up time, but if needed, this time can be calculated as an in-kind valuation.
• Investing in relationships involves being intentional with our time so we create space to celebrate, support, and, if needed, reconcile with those we are in a relationship with.
• Rest and reflection, often overlooked in our busy lives, are crucial to volunteering and intentionality with others. We must remember that the Sabbath was a teaching from God to us: to impart the wisdom of balance. He did not need this rest but deeply understood our physical and spiritual needs. “Consequently, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. The one who has entered His rest has rested himself from his works, as God did from His. Therefore, let’s make every effort to enter that rest so that no one will fall by following the same example of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:9-11 NASB20).

As the weekend approaches, I encourage you to prioritize rest, which will enable you to steward your time faithfully in the upcoming week.