Church Leaders, Let's be Good Stewards of Our Time

As Good Stewards of Our Time We Make the Most of Every Opportunity — (Click to enlarge image in Pinterest and repin.)

God exhorts us to “make the most of every opportunity” (Col. 4:5; Eph. 5:15-16) which requires us to be good stewards of our time. Stewardship, of course, requires that we aren’t slackers or procrastinators (Prov. 6:6-11). Leaders, however, tend to struggle more with busyness than laziness. Making the most of every opportunity takes us beyond simply keeping busy to filling our time with that which counts for eternity. Non-essentials or inconsequential uses of our time will likely be like the wood, hay, and straw that will burn up at the time of judgment, rather than like the gold, silver, and costly stones that will stand the test of fire (1 Cor. 3:10-15).

Qualities Exhibited in Good Stewards of Time

We can pull out a couple of qualities of good stewards from Ephesians 5:15-16.

1) Good stewards are purposeful.

Notice the word “then” in the opening phrase of Ephesians 5:15, sometimes translated “therefore”. If we look in the context all the way back to verses 1-2, we read, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” To steward the time God has given us, we need to prioritize what He views as most important, making that our ultimate purpose in how we use our time. We therefore purposely use our time in ways that show love for God and others, the greatest commandments according to Jesus (Matt. 22:37-40).

Also Read: Christ-like Schedules are Purposeful

2) Good stewards of time are strategic.

Once again, look at the beginning phrase — “be very careful, then, how you live” (Eph. 5:15). We need to stop and think about what we do rather than simply “do” whatever comes our way. We need to be strategic in fulfilling our purpose if we’re going to make the most of every opportunity. Rather than always being reactive, we need to be proactive.

3) Good stewards are also wise.

“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise…” (Eph. 5:15). To make the most of every opportunity, we need wisdom and discernment. Is the activity the best use of our time? Leaders must constantly make decisions, choosing among many good options. Which is the best? Which has the most potential for spiritual fruit? How will we know that? — “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously …” (James 1:5)

Why Stewardship of Our Time is Important for Leaders

If we’re going to make the most of every opportunity, we need to be purposeful, strategic, and wise. Ephesians 5:16 tells us why — “because the days are evil”. We have a lot of negative and ungodly influences all around us. It would be easy to simply go along with the ways of the world. God, however, wants something better for us. He wants us to live in accordance with who we are in Him. We’re to “live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)” (Eph. 5:8-9).

Not to “live as children of light” puts us on the side of darkness which yields the opposite of God’s best — corruption, perversion, deception. We won’t have the right purposes to govern what we do. We’ll instead be driven by selfish pursuits. Rather than be wise, we’ll be unwise. The conclusion? — “Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Eph. 5:17)

Did you read this? Church Leaders: Be a Steward

For More on These Topics:

Good Stewards of Our Time

Qualities Exhibited in Good Stewards of Time

Why Stewardship of Our Time is Important for Leaders

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