Torch, Fall 1982

Our Time Is His Time. By Dr. Paul Dixon, President S hould every Christian be concerned about time management? Most definitely! All of us are managers in some form or fashion. We are responsible for many peo– ple , few, or, at the very least, ourselves. The challenge of having family members to direct is an awesome opportunity for most of us. Doing this well involves our financial resources , our energies, and our time. We are also aware that God has made us stewards : "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful " (I Cor 4:2). This involves the recognition that our lives are purchased by and belong to the Lord. Thus, it is His time we are managing - not ours . Paul challenged us in Ephesians 5:16 and in Colossians 4:5 to buy up the opportunities- to make the most of our time . Each week, 168 hours belong to us . Each day, 1,440 minutes are deposited in our account. How do we budget this priceless commodity? It behooves us to take careful inventory and not squander this endowment. Money can be left for others to enjoy and reinvest; time does not share the same privilege. Our intention in this TORCH is to make us all time– conscious and to enable us to manage our time better. With the Psalmist we would pray , "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" (Psa. 90: 12). The plea is not simply for more "busyness." Rather , it is to be honest with ourselves and our Lord about the time He has entrusted to each of us. For some, this may include allowing more time for the family; for others, it may mean additional time for leisure . Whatever the case, it certainly demands that we not become slaves to our schedules. Divine interruptions are part of our management of time. We must be sensitive to the needs of others. This includes writing letters and returning phone calls. It may mean neglecting what appears to be priority number one and simply listening to someone share a burden or blessing. Laziness is sin. But, let us beware as well of hyperactivity in the name of time management . I trust this issue of TORCH will be meaningful to you. It is our pleasure to gather these facts and to share this information with you. May God bless you as you study these concepts.