Nobody ever managed their time the way Jesus did. In just 33 years of life, He changed history forever. Think of all He accomplished. In the work that He did on earth, Jesus became a greater Provider than Jacob (John 4:12-14), a greater Lawgiver than Moses (John 9:28; Heb. 3:1-6), a greater Teacher than Solomon (Matt. 12:42; cf. 1 Kings 10:1-7), and a greater King than David (1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 19:16). No one ever lived a fuller, richer, or more God-honoring and impactful life. Truly, the Lord is in a class by Himself when it comes to stewardship of time.
A lesson for reflection: every Christian would be a better steward of time if we thought more deeply about how Jesus used His time.
Life is a temporary assignment. Job said, “Our days on earth are a shadow” (Job 8:9). The Psalmist wrote, “So teach us to number our days that we might gain a heart of wisdom” (Ps. 90:12). James says, “Your life is a vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes away” (Jas. 4:14). In the interest of becoming better stewards of time, consider the following concepts:
Jesus viewed time as a gift from God – “I must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4). The Lord was determined not to squander the time His Father granted. The ticking clock counting down to the cross was ever in His consciousness (John 2:4; 12:23, 27; 13:1; 17:1). Jesus deeply understood that time is a gift from God Himself. If such is the case, think about how it must sound in God’s ears to hear us constantly complain, “I haven’t enough time.” Paul wrote, “My God shall richly supply all your needs” (Phil. 4:19). While there will never be enough time to do all we WANT to do, by faith we can believe that God gives us the time to do what we NEED to do. Solomon wrote, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecc. 3:1). We would be better stewards of our time if we looked at each day as a God-given day.
Jesus used His time wisely – After only 3½ years of ministry, Jesus prayed, “I have finished the work You have given me to do” (John 17:4). Jesus used His time wisely by loving and investing in people (Mark 10:21). He used His time wisely by giving Himself to the ministry of prayer (Mark 1:35). He used His time wisely by demonstrating daily dependence on God (Matt. 6:11). He used His time wisely by remembering that much would still need to be taught and accomplished even after His crucifixion
(John 16:12). Most importantly, Jesus used His time wisely by seeking the glory of God in everything He did (John 8:29; 1 Cor. 10:31). We would be better stewards of our time if we saw time and opportunities more like our Master.
Jesus understood that interruptions are often opportunities – The Lord is our example in every facet of life (1 Pet. 2:21-22; John 13:15; Phil. 2:5); we do well to consider how He handled unexpected interruptions. He was interrupted while teaching (Luke 12:13-21), while on His way to heal (Mark 5:21-34), while praying (Mark 1:35-37), and even while sleeping (Mark 4:38). Every time the Lord faced an unexpected interruption; He used it as an opportunity to point people to God. What a Savior! The New Testament instructs us that when we make plans without considering the unexpected, we are arrogant and proud (Jas. 4:15-17). Paul planned to go work in places like Asia and Bithynia on one occasion, but Scripture states that God had other plans in mind (Acts 16:6-7). We will be better stewards of time when we remember the possibility that some of the inconveniences, interruptions and changes of our plans might in fact be intended by God to help make us more like Christ (Rom. 8:28-29).
Time can be spent, wasted or invested wisely to the glory of God. Everybody struggles with being a good steward of time, but by imitating our Lord more completely we can grow in this area. May He truly be glorified in how we choose to use the time He has given us.