4 Ways to be More Intentional with your Time
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).
As a church, we’ve begun 2022 by focusing on using the gift of time. We find God’s design for the rhythm of work and rest in the creation account in Genesis. I get it. Life happens, and our schedules can get very busy. However, if we don’t learn to rule over our schedule, our schedule will rule over us. My hope is that we’ve all gained some spiritual practices to follow God’s rhythm (click here for tips on practicing a weekly Sabbath).
The apostle Paul was a brilliant writer who took the timeless truths of the Old Testament with the teachings of Jesus. He taught how to live out faith in everyday life. As we read and study his writings in the New Testament, we can search for the spiritual truths and how they can become spiritual practices to help us grow. Here are four ways we can grow in how we use our time based on Ephesians 5:15-16.
How to be more intentional with your time:
1. LOOK CAREFULLY AT HOW YOU ARE WALKING:
Tripping is frustrating. It can happen for a variety of reasons. Maybe we’re walking too quickly, we’re not paying attention, or we don’t have the stability to maneuver around obstacles. We’re also much more vulnerable to tripping when we’re in the dark. Unfortunately, there may even be someone who intentionally tries to trip us, or we might even stumble over our own two feet. Consider the spiritual parallels. What are the different ways you could “be tripped” in your spiritual life? Paul reminds us to pay close attention to how we are walking.
2. ASK YOURSELF, “WHAT IS THE WISE PATH?”:
Instead of focusing on what is right or wrong to guide us, Paul teaches us to focus on what is wise. In other words, it’s learning to discern. Wise discernment comes from having an active relationship with the Holy Spirit. A simple practice to grow in being led by the Spirit is asking yourself, “What is the wise path?” And then choosing to follow that path (click here for more on how to hear from the Holy Spirit).
3. FOCUS ON THE OPPORTUNITY IN EVERY OBSTACLE:
It’s easy and natural to see obstacles in life. God wants to give us the wisdom to see the opportunities within the obstacles we face. Paul reminds us that life on earth is short, so we must choose to make the very most of our time by recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity. Choose to use your time with wisdom and diligence. Why? Because the days are filled with evil. When we are facing an obstacle in life, look for the opportunity.
4. LIVE DIFFERENTLY:
I’ve heard it said that if you want to make a difference, you have to be different. The teachings of Jesus direct us to a different way of life that should permeate every area of our life. Paul gave us some practical steps to take. When we obey these instructions, our lives will look different. Live different to make a difference.
P.S. You can click here to listen to our message on how to deal with our distractions in order to maintain a healthy soul and relationship with God.