What is your most valuable resource?
We usually think of value, resources and wealth in material or financial terms. In my last post I proposed that Christians need not live with a scarcity mentality, for God’s resources are abundant and unlimited. Stuff can be replaced. Wealth can be created.
However, there is one resource that is finite and irreplaceable. Once spent, it is gone forever.
A moment. A day. A year.
Time.
The Bible is clear that Christians are to give both material resources and service (time) to God in recognition that it’s all his anyway. God doesn’t need our money, and he doesn’t need our time; he desires our faith. It’s always about faith.
Therefore, I propose that we can and should live with an attitude of abundance toward the irreplaceable resource of our time.
An attitude of abundance in our personal time management
Can I be honest? Sometimes I feel stingy with my time. During the months when our Community Bible Study class is in session I have a weekly teaching to prepare. It takes many hours and it’s always on my mind. I can get rather protective of my precious schedule. That betrays a scarcity mentality toward time.
God has taught me that when he gives me an assignment, like taking dinner to an ailing neighbor or encouraging a friend over lunch, he will also be faithful to give me the focus, insight, and time to fulfill my weekly obligation to teach our CBS class. He has not failed me yet.
An attitude of abundance toward my personal time commitments demonstrates faith that God is ultimately the source of my inspiration and productivity. It works.
An attitude of abundance for churches and ministries
Another of my responsibilities to Community Bible Study is to recruit volunteer leaders so that we can adequately serve the men, women and children who will attend our class in September. This summer I’ve had dozens of lovely conversations with potential leaders who declined my invitation because they are committed to different areas of Christian service.
A scarcity mentality would see this as competition. An attitude of abundance recognizes that God is arranging his vast human resources as he sees fit and trusts that he has designated exactly the right people for service in CBS. I just haven’t called them yet.
An attitude of abundance toward staffing organizational ministry needs demonstrates faith that God oversees his plentiful human resources. We need not compete with each other or apologetically beg for volunteers. He’s got it all covered.
Individuals who serve with an attitude of abundance toward their personal time will begin to cultivate an attitude of abundance in the churches and ministries in which they serve.
It can start with us.
Do you manage your time with an attitude of abundance?
“And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians 1:22-23
Connecting Dots...to God 
“Do you manage your time with an attitude of abundance?” sadly no….I am always rushing around trying to fit more things in my schedule. Although I am learning to listen to His voice and not to listen to my selfish desires.
Hi Patti, I think we all struggle with time in our time-obsessed culture. Speaking for myself, it is a lifelong process to learn to listen the the voice of Jesus rather than my selfish heart or the expectations of the world around me. It’s helpful to learn with each other, isn’t it?
It sure is! I thank God for showing me the lessons I need to learn!
This is so for me, Judy . .thank you bunches! I often call myself time dysfunctional and kind of fight the whole time thing! But what if I could change and see it as His and how He will always give me enough time to do the things He wants me to? You’ve got me excited! God bless you!
And now I’m excited to know that you’re excited! Thanks for your encouragement Debbie, and may God mightily multiply your minutes:)
Another excellent message, Judy. I’m grateful for the moments when I grasp that God will always give me sufficient time for the things HE has ordained that I do–if I “run out of time” for something, then it probably was not all that important a task–or He’s scheduled it for another day. I confess I can get stingy/selfish about MY time, or a bit frantic as it flies away–but if we can just keep hold of that supernatural concept, a mentality of “abundance” rather than scarcity, we’ll breathe easier–and enjoy whatever He’s put in our hands to do “right now”. It’s difficult because the world has a whole ‘nuther way of thinking, run by the tyranny of time–rather than God’s blessing. I have to interject one more thing (you should never let me get up and start talking!)–I recently watch the final 2 days of the Calgary Stampede (BIG rodeo in Canada, if you’re not familiar). In the timed events, steer wrestling and tie-down roping, the wise advice is that you need to “slow down, to go fast”–if you slow down just a tick, you’re less apt to make mistakes that will cost you (increase your time, decrease your chance of winning the event). Seems like this would work well for many jobs outside the rodeo arena! God bless you BIG–love, Cj
“Slow down to go fast.” I love that, Caddo. It sounds just like the way God does things. Die, and then you’ll live. Give, and it will be given to you. Serve, and you will lead. Be last, and you’ll be first. Slow down, and you’ll go fast. Thanks and big blessings back to you!
Oooh, thanks for this quick overview of God’s way of working, Judy! Kinda spurs me (I’m still at the rodeo) into thinking I should consider the “reverse”–when my thought process isn’t accomplishing anything productive!
I find this post so refreshing. Often we see time as a tyrant, making us feel guilty over what we have (or in my case, usually have NOT) accomplished — so we try to hoard it (which isn’t possible!) or over-manage it (which isnt’ healthy!). I remember when I first heard of the concept of Chronos time vs. Kairos time. I had never known there was another way to see time besides the steadily ticking-away time on the clock. But there is “the appointed time,” God’s time — and there is always enough grace for that. Thank you for this reminder today, Judy.
Hi Jeannie, how very encouraging to know that this post has been refreshing:). Makes my day – thanks! And I had forgotten those two terms for time – thanks for including that in the discussion. Judy
As always Judy, you have a unique approach that I appreciate! In case you are interested, here is a link to a class project I did on “time” in the wisdom books of the Old Testament. I’d like to do something similar for the New Testament, but I haven’t had time. ; )
http://lightenough.wordpress.com/2012/09/23/being-wise-about-the-time-2/
“A scarcity mentality would see this as competition. An attitude of abundance recognizes that God is arranging his vast human resources as he sees fit and trusts that he has designated exactly the right people for service in CBS. I just haven’t called them yet.” – I love this positive attitude, based in faith! I’d be more likely to be anxious or in a panic or annoyed. Thanks for the encouragement and good example.
Hi Laura, I enjoyed your time study post and left a comment there:). Thanks!
“…Do you manage your time with an attitude of abundance?…”
In the mornings, I ask the Lord to schedule my day. He has been faithful to do that, usually with lots of interruptions to shred my mental plans and goals to pieces. I think He enjoys doing that, at least, to me anyway.
Judy, great post. I spent most of my life working outside of the home. Started at 16. As the years passed, I really disliked it. I felt my time could be spent better doing other things or….with God. Money of course was the driving force so I began praying for God to provide for us so i could stop; stay home and spend time alone with God. 4 years later, it happened. Even in the midst of my husband losing his job; we had a house payment, 2 car payments etc. had to pack and move out of state for his new job. Then God poured his blessings upon us in ways I never thought would happen. He took my vow to spend time with him; and I have. In fact, I prefer it to any other material or physical service because in prayer God can multiply over and over what we can only do in limit physically.
So true, Cathy! It all starts with our time with God, doesn’t it? And I love to hear of God pouring out blessings when we live in faith – always an encouragement. Have a great weekend!