Time Management By Dr. Brian S. Simmons

Mastering the Stewardship of Time

Time management is about getting work done efficiently and effectively with a focus on our most important purposes. All are given 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year. And, once time is spent, it is finished. There are no do-overs!   So, how do leaders manage time effectively to get the right things done? It has been said that the most essential things in Life are not things at all! The most important things are the things that money cannot buy!

Managing time is the continual practice of allocating time in a way that helps us as leaders achieve what is most important to us. Your stewardship roles are synonymous with your vocational realms in Life. Think about your roles. For me, my most precious roles are husband, father, grandpa, VP at CIU, etc. Time management involves setting priorities and making conscious choices about how to spend our hours and minutes within the context of each of these roles in Life.

Here are a few suggestions about a thoughtful use of time:

Priority Alignment

Steward leaders focus on identifying and acting upon the most important gifts the Master, God, has entrusted to their care. Time management, in turn, helps them allocate their time to these priorities. By effectively managing their time, steward leaders ensure that their efforts are aligned with their values and their life mission.

Strategic Planning

Steward leadership involves a strategic, forward-thinking mindset. Time management is essential for executing this strategy. Leaders must plan their time wisely to work on long-term goals and initiatives, ensuring they do not get bogged down in the day-to-day minutiae. This is true in Life and work.

Delegation

Steward leaders often recognize the importance of empowering others and delegating tasks. Effective time management enables them to charge confidently, knowing they can oversee progress without micromanaging. This frees up time for them to focus on the activities and initiatives they can only do.

Personal Development

Time management allows steward leaders to allocate time for personal growth, which is crucial for long-term leadership effectiveness. They can schedule time for learning, reflection, and skill development, ensuring they continue to evolve as leaders. Most important is daily time in the Word of God and prayer!

Adaptability

Steward leaders must adapt to changing circumstances and challenges. Effective time management provides leaders with the space to respond to unexpected issues without neglecting their core responsibilities.

Long-Term Impact

Andy Stanley once said, “Life is a stewardship. It is temporary. You are accountable!”  Time management helps steward leaders invest their time in that which is eternal.

Closing Thoughts

Steward leadership and time management go hand in hand. Steward leaders use time management as a tool to live their lives as faithful stewards committed wholeheartedly to the will of God. 

I suggest this daily prayer of submission:

“Lord, I want to do Your will. I submit all of my time to You today. I want to love and serve You by loving and serving others. I want to put service over self-interest today. Please keep me from the traps, snares, and pitfalls of the evil one and help me to faithfully use my time to fulfill Your purposes for all You have so graciously entrusted to my care!

I ask this in Jesus’s name.

Amen.

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Dr. Brian S. Simmons is the Vice President of CIU Global and a Professor at Columbia International University. He exists as a visionary builder to further the kingdom of God through Christian education, teaching, and influencing others.

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