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How do I best use my time to serve God and others?

The book of Proverbs in the Old Testament is a collection of brief words of wisdom loosely bound together to teach the reader skills for living, including time management. The last chapter in the book is unique. In detail, it describes the day-to-day workings of the “wife of noble character,” who is essentially a personification of wisdom. The way she juggled her responsibilities while keeping God’s purposes at the center of it all is an inspiration to every follower of God. [See Proverbs 31:10-31.]

When we give our time to serve the purposes of God, particularly to those who cannot reciprocate, God not only takes notice but may also reward us greatly. [See Matthew 25:31–46 .]

KEY VERSE

Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)

KEY IDEA

I offer my time to fulfill God’s purposes.

KEY APPLICATION: What difference does this make in the way I live?

Unite the practice of prayer with the practice of offering your time. Ask God to show you how to use your time wisely and in such a way that it brings glory to him.

Giving him full access to speak to you at any time regarding your calendar will make all the difference as you serve in his name in your little corner of the world.

The author of Job tells us, “A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed" (Job 14:5). Multiplying is completely up to God. You give; he multiplies. What if every morning or each night you prayed, Father, my time is yours. Show me, lead me, speak to me about what you want me to do, about how to use this precious gift wisely, and then you listened, trusted, and obeyed?