The subject of “time management” is an important one if we are going to truly “leverage our lives for the glory of God”.

The title of this post is a little misleading…is it really “your” time?  For Christians, our lives are not our own, we’ve been bought with a price.  Our entire lives, everything we are and everything we do and everything we have is a matter of stewardship.  Management. The question is not if we manage, but how we manage.  Wisely?  Or foolishly?

How do we know if we’re managing our time effectively?  How do we know if we are wasting our time or living foolishly?  Let us be clear, Scripture is not silent on this subject.  Do we view procrastination, wasting time, laziness, foolishness in this area of our lives as a SIN issue?  An area we need to work at in order to grow in grace?  (Sounds paradoxical doesn’t it…)

I can remember right around the end of my high school days that I began realizing the need for a serious and disciplined approach to managing my time.  That’s when I began to use a planner.  Of course I managed my time before then…or I should say mismanaged my time.  I was a 4th quarter performer.  Procrastinate, crunch time, produce a ton in a flurry, get high marks (and a rush), crash…repeat.

For the record:  That’s not good.  It not only reflects immaturity, but at its core, it is sinful.

And sometimes I wonder - Have I grown up?  Have I grown in grace in this area?

I can honestly say that in ways, I believe I have…but there is much…MUCH…room for improvement.  And without a doubt there always will be.  I’m committed to learning, examining, evaluating, applying and accomplishing more in this area of my life.  And it starts with repentance and then requires effort and accountability.

As we begin to get serious about managing time well, our lives begin reflecting more wisdom.  This is why Psalm 90:12 says “So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.”

So, I’m curious, how do you manage your time?  Do you have a “system” you use?  What do you use to keep track of appointments/schedule (iphone, blackberry, planner, sticky notes, nothing)?

Aside from sleep and work or school, what do you do with the other 1/3 of your life?  How do you decide what to do?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.  This is a crucial area for all of us, but youth in particular.