Day 294, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Luke 14:25-17:19
Management of Time and Resources
God gives each of us twenty-four hours a day, but after sleeping, eating, bathing, dressing, daily chores, and travel time, most of us have less than twelve to work and get everything else done. For busy or overcommitted people, it can be a bit overwhelming. Still, many of us have at least a few hours to spare. How will we use our remaining hours profitably?
God also gives us resources. Besides this, he also gives us abilities, money, and assets. They can be used for God’s glory or wasted. How can we exercise good management of time and resources?
Jesus managed his time and resources
Jesus knew what it was like to be busy. His days were very full, and the only time he had to spend alone with his heavenly Father in prayer was early in the morning or late at night.
As Jesus was ministering to the masses, he warned them to count the cost of being his disciples—it would not be easy.
There is a cost to following Jesus. We are entrusted with God’s message and his resources. Yet, we may encounter criticism and even persecution from the world. Is it worth it? Jesus wants us to be willing to give up everything we have to become his disciples. Afterward, we will be rewarded in heaven for our faithfulness.
Where Time Counts
The Pharisees and teachers of the Law of Moses (religious leaders) opposed Jesus. They didn’t think he should spend his time with tax collectors, sinners, and prostitutes—they were'nt worth it. They had terrible reputations.
Jesus tells them three parables, the parable of the lost sheep, the parable of the lost coin, and the parable of the prodigal son. The central point of these three stories is that it is well worth his time to go after those who are lost, for there is joy in heaven when even one sinner repents. He says to the religious leaders, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32, NIV). Jesus is spending his time where it is the most profitable—that which makes an eternal difference. Do we do this? Whether in the home, business, or the community, we need to genuinely care about people and lead them to Jesus.
Wise Use of Resources
The Lord tells another parable to his disciples, and some Pharisees hear it. The story is about a wise steward (manager) who uses worldly wealth to his advantage. The point of the parable is not for Christians to use their money for selfishness and greed. Instead, they should use their resources to be gracious. In this way, those who need it will be helped. This builds a genuine friendship with people, and we will be rewarded in heaven. When we are gracious, it illustrates the grace of God, which helps us to find the way to eternal spiritual life.
Jesus tells the congregation that they can’t serve God and money. The Pharisees sneered at his words; they made themselves rich from the people.
Many religious leaders do the same today by teaching the prosperity gospel. They instruct followers to give money to their particular ministries, and then God will bless them. However, suppose these ministries or religious leaders are already rich and are just building castles or retreat centers. In that case, this is not a good investment. Why not give our resources to ministries that operate with low overhead to help those in deparate need? We can ask for a financial statement to determine how money is being spent and what percentage helps those most in need. This is being sharp and wise with the money God allows us to earn. It will also gain many loyal friends. This is good management of our resources and will be rewarded in heaven.
No hoarding of Resources Allowed!
There is nothing wrong with saving money for a downpayment on the purchase of a house. Neither is it a sin to commit funds for significant repairs and replacements. Things do wear out! We also need to save money for our family’s needs and retirement (1 Timothy 5:8). God also wants us to earn money to share with those who need it (Ephesians 4:28; 2 Corinthians 9:6) and save some for our grandchildren (Proverbs 13:22). He also wants us to support our church (2 Corinthians 9:7)From today’s Bible reading, however, we learn that increasing our wealth for the sake of increasing our wealth is detestable to God (Luke 16:15). Money and other resources that God gives us are meant to be used for his glory, not just accumulated or used for selfish purposes. Those who are ungodly will be judged for how they misuse their resources and the lack of mercy they show to the needy.
How Christians Use Time and Resources Matter
If we claim to be religious, then let us be religious. A right relationship to Christ is essential, and it is often revealed by how we use our resources. “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27, NIV).
We should give ourselves to glorifying God in our spirits and actions. We can exercise compassion, show mercy and pity, and do good where we can. Let’s lead others to know the Lord by being gracious and wise.
Discussion
What was Jesus’ example in managing his time and resources?
