If we want spiritually productive schedules then we must live according to the strength Christ provides which we find through His Word, by grabbing hold of His grace, as we walk in His light and devote ourselves to doing what is good. It’s about far more than checking things off our “To Do” list. Spiritually productive schedules move leaders beyond mere activity and accomplishment to bearing spiritual fruit. In John 15 Jesus makes it clear that we must abide in Him to bear fruit. Apart from Him, we can do nothing of eternal value. Consequently, that which keeps us from abiding in Him, is going to hinder spiritual productivity.
What Hinders Spiritual Productivity & Makes Us Unproductive:
If our schedules don’t lead to the bearing of spiritual fruit, then they are unproductive. We find the word “unproductive” or “unfruitful” in a few verses that cue us in to what could cause such a spiritually barren existence.
The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. (Matt. 13:22)
For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. (2 Pet. 1:8-9)
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. (Eph. 5:11)
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. (Titus 3:14)
The Steering the Church Toward God’s Power Leadership Guide provides some brief thoughts about how these verses point to hindrances to spiritually productive schedules. In addition to how leaders manage time, this resource also looks at 24 other tasks or responsibilities a leader must either accomplish or oversee.
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
Thank you so much for sharing this message it’s been helpful in my preparation of the topic on unfruitfulness. God bless you
You are welcome. Praise God for it’s benefit to you!
Thanks for bringing me to the limelight on this topic
May God use it to lead to greater spiritual productivity in and through your life, Feliz.
Thank you very for the teaching, now am prepared to go and teach the topic tomorrow in church. be blessed.
May God use the teaching to challenge His people to greater reliance on His power.