Authentic Leaders Build Boundaries
Define Your Time – Part 2

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

As we continue looking at our time, we need to set in place time slots for specific values of our lives.  Leaders must determine what things are critical to their lives and/or organizations.  Once these values are established, they must assign time to these or they will be neglected.

            For example, a few years ago I realized that God wanted me to focus on my sermon prep more than I was at the time.  I was “piece mealing” it, doing it whenever I could catch a few moments here or there.  I finally decided that I needed to stay home one morning each week to focus on writing my message.  That morning was my time to be alone with God to write the sermon I felt He wanted for our church family.  I also set aside one week a year to plan sermon themes for the church year.  Assigning these time slots to my sermon prep assigned the value that I felt they deserved.

            We must take control of our time—it defines us.  Proverbs 6:9 reminds us: “How long will you be there, you sluggard?  When will you get up from your sleep?”  Proverbs 13:4 concludes that thought: “the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.”  The only way to avoid a sluggard’s lifestyle and fate is to manage our time wisely.  Build your boundaries around your values.

Father, open my eyes to any areas of my life that are out of control.  Help me to be a wise manager of my time.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.