Authentic Leaders Build Boundaries
Define Your Time – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  Ecclesiastes 3:2-8

Key Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:1

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven

Solomon, son of David the king, wrote Ecclesiastes while he was king of Israel.  In our passage of scripture for today, he reminds his readers that there is a time for everything.  In other words, in this world, time is the divider of our existence.  Our time passes quickly and we must be stewards (managers) of our time.

            Authentic leaders realize that if they don’t protect and manage their time, many others are glad to do it for them.  There is an old saying: 20% of the people around us will try to take 80% of our time.  Most experts agree: these 20% are usually not the people that truly need our attention.  They just want the attention.  If we are not careful, potential leaders who need our mentoring will never get our time because we poorly manage it.

            It boils down to boundaries when we are talking time management.  Authentic leaders build boundaries around their lives.  We must be willing to use the word no!  No, we will not allow that 20% to totally consume 80% of our time.  No, we will not allow the complainers and whiners to rule our lives.  Most of us enjoy positive feedback, but authentic leaders must learn to live with some negative “press” or we will be ruled by others.  When we put boundaries in place, some will be unhappy with us.  We must live for an audience of One. (Continued)

Father, grant me courage and wisdom to say no to the unnecessary.  Guide me today to those who really need me.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.