MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME

Ephesians 5:17 tells us to make the most of our time. Americans seem to be the most time poor in all of the world. Full-time ministry probably ranks as high as any profession, when it comes to demand for our time. The needs are endless. The guilt piles up. The ability to set boundaries becomes more and more difficult. Let me suggest some ways you can be a better time manager.

1. Make a time budget. We have financial budgets to see how we spend our money. Why not make a time budget for a week and see where you spend your time? You might be surprised where your time is spent.

2. Be purpose driven. I would suggest taking the time to sit down before God and develop a mission statement for your life. It will help set your priorities so you know what the "big rocks" are. The apostle Paul tells us to run the race with purpose. Without it the tail can wag the dog.

3. Know your rhythms of effectiveness. What are the most productive times in your average day? Are you a morning person or a night owl? How much rest do you need to stay energized and alert? Make good use of working on your priorities during those productive times.

4. Simplify. The recession of the last couple of years has taught us to downsize and simplify.

What are the activities that need to cease? How can you integrate your systems of efficiency?

What kinds of projects or responsibilities can be downloaded?

5. Prioritize some extended time with the Lord. There is no higher priority in life than to maintain your relationship with the Lord. Out of those times God will reveal his will for your life and thus set your agenda.

6. Learn to say no. It is important for us to pay attention to the signals of burnout in our lives.

5. Prioritize intimacy with G

Personally Transformed

I recently asked a group of pastors, "What is the one thing you would like to see in your ministry above anything else?" The answer was, "To see lives transformed".

I would assume all of us in ministry would respond the same way, but let me ask a different question. How have you been transformed in your ministry this past year?

If God isn't moving us toward Christlikeness then how can we expect those we minister to be conforming to the image of Christ.

As I have asked that question to numerous pastors recently, here are some of the responses.

- I have become more comfortable in my own skin.

- I have become a more courageous leaders.

- I have learned to set better boundaries and maintain my priorities.

- I have grown in the area of intimacy with my wife and kids.

- I have become gentler, more approachable.

- I have become more assertive in my leadership.

- I haven't changed a bit.

- I have developed a little tougher skin.

How has God transformed your life this past year?