When we truly understand saving grace, it should make a difference in how we live, in how we manage our time.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph. 2:8-10)
We continue to live, or walk, in the same manner we received Christ Jesus (Col. 2:6) — by grace … through faith. Consequently grace has to make a difference in how we manage our time.
The Difference Grace Makes in Our Time Management
We can make three observations about the difference grace makes in how we manage our time from Ephesians 2:8-10.
- We find power to manage our time wisely and effectively because of that same grace that saved us.
Just as we can’t save ourselves through our own works, so we can’t make an eternal difference without God’s grace — “for we are God’s handiwork” (Eph. 2:10). When we lean in on God and His grace, we may still find our lives busy but will not feel the stress that comes from striving to do what we need to do in our own strength.
- We derive purpose for what we do with our time because of God’s grace in our lives.
God didn’t just save us by His grace so we can one day live with Him in heaven. Because of the transforming work of Jesus on our behalf, as new creations (2 Cor. 5:17), we are “created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Eph. 2:10). God’s grace gives us a purpose right here and now that should guide the way we schedule our time.
- We gain perspective when we grasp the significance of God’s grace.
Since “God prepared in advance for us to do” good works as a result of His grace in our lives (Eph. 2:10), we must realize that our time is not our own to determine what’s important for us to do. It’s about lining up with what He’s already given us to do. It’s about being a good steward of that grace by which we’ve been saved.
Leaders, when you manage your time in accordance with God’s grace, as His handiwork, doing the good works He pre-determined important for you to do, you will “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). That’s the perspective you need as you fulfill His purposes by His power.
All Posts about Time Management:
- Disciple-Making Schedules
- Sustainable Schedules
- Prioritized Schedules: The Number One Priority
- Prioritized Schedules: The Second Priority
- Accountable Schedules
- Spiritually Blessed Schedules
- Spiritually Productive Schedules
- Hindrances to Spiritual Productivity
- Time for One Another
- Time Management Resources
- Christ-like Schedules are Purposeful
- Time Managed by the Gospel
- Tips for Gospel-oriented Time Management
- Grace for These Times and How You Manage Your Schedule
- The Difference Grace Makes in How We Manage Time
- The Spirit Helps Us Manage Time
- How Spiritual Gifts Help with Time Management
- Busyness Affects Ministry
- Combatting the Lies about Busyness
- Too Busy to Pray?
- Biblical Prayers about Time Usage