In spite of advances in technology intended to “save time,” many of us find ourselves busier than ever. We tend to take our free time and fill it other activities such that our calendars are wall-to-wall stuff.
What are some biblical principles that might help us to make wise decisions about the use of our time?
First, we are called to be good stewards of our time. Ephesians 5:15-16, reads Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. This verse indicates not only that we are responsible for redeeming the hours we’re given but that there is a spiritual danger to not doing so. This does not mean that we should give every waking hour to some kind of productive activity, but we should be cognizant of the time we’ve been given and how we’re using it. We should think of ourselves as stewards—making the most of a precious resource entrusted to us.
Second, discipleship is a life of work. Paul regularly refers to Christians as “workers” and “servants” (Rom 16:3, 9, 12, 21; 1 Cor 3:9; 16:16; Phil 2:25; 4:3). The Bible gives us a broad range of commands in virtually every area of life that necessitate significant use of our time. We’re called to love and serve our spouses (Eph 5:22-33) and raise our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph 6:4). We’re called to meaningful relationships with other believers both in and outside the formal worship gathering (Eph 4:7-16; Heb 4:12-13; 10:24-25). We’re called to be good stewards of our bodies (Pro 23:20; 1 Tim 4:8; Psa 127:2). We’re called to make a priority of our own spiritual sustenance and growth (1 Thess 5:17; Psa 1:1-2; 111:2; 2 Tim 2:22; James 4:8). We’re called to make disciples, which entails both evangelism and discipleship (Matt 28:18-20). Proverbs especially notes the necessity to earn a living and steward our homes and possessions (Pro 6:6-11; 14:23; 18:9; 22:29; 24:27).
No wonder the NT condemns idleness! (1 Thess 5:14; 2 Thess 3:6, 11). Obedience to the above directions will require significant time dedicated to productive activity. We ought not be surprised or disappointed if our days are filled with much work.
Third, faithfulness will require work and rest in biblically-informed proportion. Obviously, if we are to be good stewards of our bodies, rest will be required. Psalms 3, 4, and 127 characterize sleep as a gift from God. Jesus Himself rested (John 4:6). Similarly, the Bible assumes that we will dedicate time to enjoyable, non-work-related activities, like weddings (John 2:1-2, cf Luke 5:34). All this is to say that the life of a disciple will include much work, but also rest and leisure.
A guiding question might be, “Is my activity in any area causing me to neglect another?” If so, my time needs to be redistributed. If my rest and leisure is taking up so much time that I cannot attend to biblically-required activities, then I must devote less time to rest and leisure—without neglecting rest and leisure. Conversely, if my work is taking up so much time that I’m not getting sufficient rest, I need to cut back where I can so as to be a good steward of my body.
The Bible doesn’t give us any concrete numbers like, “Spend 1.5 hours per day doing laundry, 2 hours engaging with family members, 7.5 hours sleeping…” Rather, maintaining a faithful balance requires thoughtfulness and wisdom.
Fourth, faithfulness in what is essential may call for cutting back on the non-essential. The call to steward our time assumes that some things should be prioritized over others. When I find myself too busy—so busy that I cannot be faithful to all God has called me to be and do—non-essential activities (non-commanded) need to be first to go in order to accommodate more important things. For example, if I’m not getting enough rest—which is essential in the stewarding of my body—and my other waking hours are spent making a living, engaging with my family, serving other believers, and playing pickle ball…my pickle ball time is what needs to be cut back. Or, if I’m not finding any time to meet with other believers because I’m so busy with work and my kids sports…my kids sports should be the first place I look for wiggle room.
Even these examples require wisdom. What if pickle ball is the exercise I need in order to steward my body well? Perhaps my kids’ sports are the primary way I spend meaningful time with them. It may be an issue of not eliminating a particular activity, but wisely adjusting how much time is devoted to each thing.
A way to work through this is to look at the calendar of a particular week and sincerely ask of every activity, “Is this biblically essential?” After categorizing everything as essential or non-essential, prioritize the essential—including rest. Then with whatever time is left, fill in with the non-essential.
Finally, consider this: If our ancestors, with their limited technology, were able to be faithful with their time, we can, too. We need to be honest about what is essential and non-essential. We also need to consider that technology itself has introduced a host of time-wasters. Likely, if we take a close look at how we’re spending the hours, we will find numerous ways we fritter away time on non-essential entertainment.
May we take seriously our responsibility to steward well this precious resource, and may He give us wisdom in how to use it faithfully.
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