How to Make the Most of My Time

In review of Galatians 6:5 it says, “We are each responsible for our own conduct” (NLT).

Galatians 6:4-5

I should pay careful attention to my own work, for then I will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and don’t feel the need to compare myself to anyone else. For I am responsible for my own conduct and to carry my own load.

When I do my best, I can feel good about the results. There is no need to compare myself with others. I can make comparisons for many reasons. Sometimes I point out others flaws to feel better about myself. Or for the simple reassurance that I'm doing well. However, I reminded this morning that when I'm tempted to compare, to look at Jesus Christ. His example should inspire me to do my very best, and use his loving acceptance to comfort me when I fall short of my expectations.

Like everyone else, I get the same amount of time every week: 168 hours. The difference between those who make their lives count and those who don’t is how they manage their time.

God wants to use my life in amazing ways. He put me here to use me for his purposes. But most people don’t get to experience this because they don’t make time for God in their schedule. They’re so busy with their agenda, they’ve never learned how to manage their time. To be used by God, I must learn to manage my time well.

The Bible says in Psalm 90:12, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (NIV). Notice that time management must be taught. Most are not naturally good at it, and I’m no exception. I naturally waste time. I naturally fritter it away on things that don’t matter.

I must learn how to use my time wisely. The first step is to make the most of of time, I must assume responsibility for my time.

That’s the first step. This means that I stop complaining about how much I’ve got to get done and how much I’m not getting done and how much I’m overworked and overstressed, and I just start making some smart choices. Stop complaining, and start choosing.

My choices control my calendar a lot more than my circumstances do. I may not like what I’m doing, but I’m choosing to be busy. I can’t change my circumstances until I start changing my choices. The Bible says in Galatians 6:5, “We are each responsible for our own conduct” (NLT).

There are three types of people in the world: accusers, excusers, and choosers.

Accusers are people who go around blaming everybody else for their problems. They’re constantly accusing others of causing the unhappiness in their lives.

Excusers don’t blame others. They just make up excuses for why they don’t do more with their lives and why they’re not happy. They tell themselves rational lies that sound good—and then they believe those lies. When excusers want to procrastinate, any excuse will do.

I’m not going to make it in life if I spend my whole life excusing myself or accusing everybody else.

God wants me to be a chooser. He wants me to accept responsibility for my life. I’m as close to God as I want to be. I am as spiritually mature as I want to be. I’m as happy as I want to be. I’m as disciplined as I want to be. I’m as busy as I want to be. It’s my choice!

So I should stop complaining about how much work I’ve got to do and how tired I am and how others are affecting my schedule. Start accepting responsibility for my time, and make smart choices that will make the most of the time I’ve been given.

Bottom Line:

I must be responsible for myself and carry my own load.

What this means to me:

I'm responsible for my own conduct and to carry my own load. For I am not perfect.

In summary, I"m to pay careful attention to my own work and get the satisfaction of a job well done. I am responsible for my own conduct and to carry my own load. When I'm tempted to compare my life with others, I should look to Jesus and his example to inspire me to do my best. Use his loving acceptance to comfort me when I'm feeling short of my expectations. The difference between those who make their lives count and those who don't is how they manage their time. So assume responsibility for my time. Stop complaining, and start making smart choices. My choices control my calendar more than my circumstances will. I can't change my circumstances until I start changing my choices. Don't be an accuser who blames others, Don't make up excuses for my procrastination.

Today I’ll think through and consider this weeks schedule. How many things are on my to-do list because of my circumstances, and how many are there because of my choices? What choices can I make today that would create more margin?

This morning Father I thank you for helping me with my being “out of sorts” this morning. You have helped me refocus. Also thank you for your words and reminder through this morning's devotion for taking responsibility for myself, time and schedule. I should not hide behind or use the excuse of others for keeping from doing what’s important. With your grace I pray for clarity of mind and to think things through. Give me your wisdom and guidance in managing my work, leading people and interacting with others. It is in your Son Jesus name I pray, amen!