I Need More Time...

"I need more time."  I know I have said those words many times before in my life.  Even now, as I sit to write this post, I look over my schedule of things to do this week and I wish I had a little more time to get it all done. 
We are constantly on the move...looking for quicker, more convient ways to manage our time.  But the question begs to be asked...where are we going?  Why are we in such a rush?  Why are we trying to juggle so many things?  What is the point of it all?
If I was honest, I think I have so much to do and so little time, because I take on so many roles.  I'm a youth pastor, a dad, a husband, a coach, a son, a neighbor, and an athlete.  Now nothing is wrong about any of those things, but it is true that those roles take up time.  And it is also true that at times, I can get wrapped up in trying to find my worth or life's purpose in those things.  So I take on more and more in order to be the best at each one and in the end, to be honest, I hope to find some type of value and worth. I do more, fill my schedule up with more with the idea that the busier I am, the more purpose I have.
But do you hear what is going on in those thoughts of mine?  Everything is about me.  Yeah, I am doing good for others, and all those things I am doing aren't bad in and of themselves.  But what happens when we are so busy and out of time, is that we can focus on what we have to do, and lose focus on the one our lives should ultimately be about.
But you say, "I'm a student."  I have to do that and it takes up alot of my time.  True.  But do you find yourself thinking about how you can golorify God with your time as a student, or is your time as a student consumed about doing better and better in order to get into the perfect school some day and then find a perfect job after that...?
Is sports or music your thing?  Is your time spent on the field or behind your instrument practicing about bringing glory to God in how He has wired and gifted you with talents, or is it about you?
See what I am getting at?
Why are we so busy and short on time?  How would refocusing your use of time on Jesus free you up a bit and help you to utlize your time for what matters most?
Breathe. Slow down. Life is much bigger than what we can and canot get accompished in a 24 hour period.

Use the questions and passages below to help you go deeper with this idea of Use of Time and Wisdom!

The book of James is full of encouragement to slow down and be reminded of the purpose behind living.  Read James 4:13-16.
1. We see two mindsets in these verses when it comes to spending time.  A worldy mindset that focuses on just going and doing more...and a Jesus-centered one that realizes that all of our time is about Jesus...
          - Which mindset do you tend to live by?

 2. Write out your typical weekly schedule.  Where is most of your time spent?
          - Are you busy?
          - Why do you think you are so busy?

3. What does it look like to consider the "Lord's will" (James 4:15) in your day to day busyness? 
          - What is your will for your life?
          - What do you think the "Lord's will" is for your life?
          - How are they different?  How are they the same?

4. Verse 16 speaks about using our time, making plans, and looking to the future, apart from keeping Jesus in mind, as arrogant?
        - What do you think James means when he says you're arrogant if you go about your use of time without focusing on Jesus?

5. Is there one area of your life where you spend your time that is especially hard to focus on Jesus?  Why do you think that is?

6. Jesus, in Matthew 16:24 says those who will follow Him will deny self, take up their cross, and follow Him...in essence, we will be about Jesus in every area of our lives because His way leads to life, purpose, and meaning...
         - What does it look like to deny self when it comes to how you use your time?
         - Why is Jesus worth your entire life?

We hope to see you Thursday night at Matt and Amanda's at 7pm!