By: Anna Fox
“I just don’t have enough time.” “There are not enough hours in the day.” These phrases quickly roll off our tongues, yet if we listed how we utilized our day, it would often show we wasted a lot of time. What are we passing down to the next generation in this state of busyness? I work with ages 0-18 and have heard, “I just don’t have enough time” from every age group. This phrase has been paired with not enough time to do personal devotions, our family is too busy to do family devotions, and we don’t have enough time to come to small groups.
Do we utilize our time in a way that teaches the next generation that our walk with Christ is essential and intentional? Does it teach that we see the importance of obeying Scripture about being faithful to the local church and fellowshipping with other believers? When they become adults, will they know the importance of having a walk with Christ, attending church, and serving in their local church? Or is our lifestyle teaching them that Jesus died for us so that we can live for Him when it is convenient?
Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Another version says, “So be careful how you live. Do not live like ignorant people, but likewise people. Make good use of every opportunity you have because these are evil days.” Biblical stewardship is more than being good stewards of our finances and resources; being a good steward also includes time. The word steward is seen in Scripture as referring to a person (servant) entrusted with great responsibility for his master’s belongings. We are to make the most of the time the Lord has given us.
All things belong to Him, including our time. When we realize that our purpose on earth is bringing God glory and that He should be part of everything we do, does that change our perspective on how we view time?
The girls in your life are trying to navigate school, homework, sports, band, church, and their walk with Christ, and it becomes overwhelming. Our job as mentors, parents, and adult figures in their lives is to help them develop a biblical worldview. We should be teaching them that everything we do must be filtered through Scripture and seeking where the Lord is at work and joining Him.
Here are some practical ways to help them navigate this:
- Be honest with the girls in your life about your struggles with being a good steward
- of time. Start the discussion that our days belong to the Lord, and we are to make
- the most of our time and be good stewards.
- Have a practical discussion on how your family will adjust to allow the Lord to be
- Lord of ALL things in your life and family’s life.
- Ask your teen what areas they struggle with regarding time and help them navigate
- that through a biblical worldview with practical solutions.
- Have intentional daily, spiritual talks with your teen. It does not have to be a sit-
- down family devotion, but instead, in everyday situations, talk about what the
- Scriptures say and how you can obey it.
- Take time to self-reflect on what your family’s lifestyle teaches about the
- importance of church attendance, small group or Sunday school, serving in the local church, and then adjust.
Serve together as a family. Create a bond with your teen in the local church that goes beyond youth group so that when they become adults, they stay connected because they already are connected. Teach them that if they are believers, they have a spiritual gift that needs to be utilized in the local church.
We only have one life to live for Christ. He has entrusted us with these girls to be their parents or mentor. Make the most of the time you have with them by teaching them how to make the most of their time by serving Christ in all areas of life.
Shine! 