100 Days to a Healthier ChurchSample

Day 68

Today’s Big Idea: Managing your time well. Leaders know how to manage their schedules well. In today’s passage, we see an example of how the apostle Paul prioritized his time.

Key Verse: Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost (Acts 20:16).

Thoughts to Consider: Today’s passage records an episode in the life of Paul we usually rush right past, but it actually says a lot about his leadership. As Paul was heading back to Jerusalem, he had to head into port for a few days to rest and take on supplies. The most obvious port in the area was Ephesus. It made sense for a lot of reasons, including the fact that Paul had many friends there. But today’s Key Verse specifically says he “decided to sail past Ephesus.” Instead, he landed in the nearby small town of Miletus. Why? The passage says, “to avoid spending time” in the province where Ephesus was located.

There are times in leadership when we have an urgent, time-sensitive task at hand. While serving God’s people is central to ministry, sometimes we have to sail past places and people who will cost us too much of our limited time and energy so we can do what we’re called to do. This shouldn’t be our default—and it wasn’t Paul’s normal routine. But if there are time-sensitive tasks we need to get to, it’s okay to avoid time-draining relationships for a season in order to get the task done.

As we get closer to Project Day, the sense of urgency will only increase. That urgency should never induce panic, but it will require proper time-management and prioritization. This is not unchristian. It is an essential aspect of wise leadership.