Time Management

By Dr. Brian S. Simmons
VP for CIU Global

Time. We all are given 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year. And, once time is spent it is spent. There are no do overs! Time management is about getting work done in an efficient and effective manner with a focus on our most important purposes. So, how do leaders manage time effectively to get the right things done?

It has been said that the main thing is to keep the main One (Jesus) the main thing! Here at Columbia International University (CIU) our motto is “To know Him (Jesus) and to make Him known!”  How do we as leaders maximize the use of our time with this overarching life purpose in mind?

It has been said that the most important things in life are not really things at all! The most important things are the things that money cannot buy!

Another angle on this important principle is provided by the answer to the question what do we have with us today that we will have with us for all of eternity? Two things come to mind- truth and relationships with people whose souls will live forever. So, doesn’t it make sense to focus our time now on that which is eternal?!

Time management 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. As a head of school, for example, there is a great temptation to be all about the school, defined by the school and always present at the school. This is a trap! Bob Buford wrote a book before he died called Half Time. The main idea was to lead a life of significance in the second half of one’s life. Wouldn’t it be better to live a life of significance for an entire lifetime? Covey writes about beginning with the end in mind. So, consider this…

Conclusion of the Matter—Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

¹³ Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. ¹⁴ For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

How are you doing?

Time for a simple self-evaluation…

• What has God entrusted to your care?
• What has He put you in charge of?
• What are you to do to ensure that God will grant you success in everything you do? (Joshua 1:8)

Think of your stewardship roles… your vocational realms… write them out…

• On a scale of 1-10 for each area, rate your faithfulness to your Master.
  • Are you happy with this score?
  • Why did you give yourself this score?
  • What can you do to improve your stewardship?
  • What should you keep doing? Quit doing? Why?

It is sobering to realize that one day we will all give an account for how we have lived our lives to our Creator, God.  Here is the best advice I have to offer… It is a good idea to think about what you will say on judgement day before that day occurs!  The good news is that if you have areas where you need to do better, there is still time because you are still kicking!

Watch this video:   https://youtu.be/EnvNMtBRjYc?si=OkLsz5AZgFp0gdBe

One day, all stewards will give an account to their Creator, God, for all He has entrusted to their care.  Stewardship is an “all-of-life” construct because ultimately all decisions are stewardship decisions.  This is an important perspective for the faithful steward leader!

At the end of the day, effective time management is about holding in proper tension a balance between work, family, friends, church, leisure, and other important activities. A faithful steward leader seeks to fulfill the purposes of the Master, God, for all He has SO graciously entrusted to his/her care! Of all the Master has entrusted to the care of His stewards relationships are the most precious! So, begin with the inner circle of your radius. Are you married? Cherish your spouse and be faithful to him/her for a lifetime! Are you a mother or father? Love your precious children! A grandparent? Help your grandchildren grow up to be thoroughly prepared, devoted followers of Jesus Christ! A leader in your workplace? Commit to caring relationships with those with whom you serve! All these activities are spelled  T-I-M-E!

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 in accordance with 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 that 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 delegate with confidence, knowing that they can oversee progress without micromanaging. This frees up time for them to focus on the activities and initiatives that only they can do.

Personal Development:
Time management allows steward leaders to allocate time for their 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!

In summary, 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. Following Jesus in our day and in this culture will look nothing like it did in the past. For us to faithfully follow our Lord into the world will require us to steward our identity through a passionate return to the kind of complete surrender that leads to freedom and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.

Only by giving up control, trusting the Holy Spirit, living in moment-by-moment obedience, surrendering the outcomes, and waiting on God will true revival come. The way up is by getting down on our knees, daily surrendering our will to His! This is countercultural. But we ought to say, “Lord, today I want to go Your way. I suggest this daily prayer of submission: “Lord, I want to do Your will. I submit myself 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 fulfill Your purposes for all You have so graciouslyentrusted to my care! I ask this in Jesus’s name. Amen” (Simmons, p. 14).

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Dr. Brian Simmons exists as a visionary builder to further the kingdom of God through Christian education, teaching and influencing others. He has served as an advancement director, head of school, ACSI president, and currently serves as the VP of CIU Global.