God wants us to be good stewards of our time. One way we do that is to do all we do in the name of the Lord.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col. 3:17)
What It Means to Manage Our Time in the Name of the Lord
Managing our time “in the name of the Lord Jesus” suggests that the way we use our time would be …
- under His authority, as accountable to Him for how we use what He’s given us, something He would put His stamp of approval on (2 Cor. 5:9-10).
- accomplished by pulling on His power, realizing that apart from Him we can do nothing of eternal value (Jn. 15:5).
When we use our time in these ways, we come into alignment with His purposes and mission in all we do.
Key Points to Remember About Time Management Done in His Name
While we could develop a list of helpful tips, this post will only consider some points from Colossians 3:17 and its context.
- To do what we do in Jesus’ name requires an eternal focus.
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Col. 3:2)
- We must prioritize what’s important to our Lord, which is relationship with Him and with people.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Col. 3:13-14)
- Our attitude matters, not just what we do, with a big emphasis on gratitude. Sometimes we may use our time the ways we should but grumble and complain because it’s not what we want to do.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Col. 3:15-16) … do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col. 3:17)
- Guard against compartmentalizing time. Every minute of our day, no matter what we do belongs to the Lord and should be done in His name.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus … (Col. 3:17)
For More on These Topics:
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
- 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
- Good Stewards of Our Time
- Managing Time in the Name of the Lord
- Let God’s Word Guide the Use of Your Time