Pay Now, Play Later

Success rises and falls on time management. Your ability to wisely handle the twenty-four hours you get each day determines your direction and durability. So often, we blame burnout or burdens for not seeing breakthroughs, but there's more to the story if we are willing to be transparent. See, if we adopt the time management principle that says, Pay
Now, Play Later, we will increase our productivity, fulfill our purpose, and experience the pleasures that God approves.

Think of it this way: Pay now involves health; for example, getting proper sleep, eating healthy, exercising, and avoiding harmful substances. Doing so leads to a healthier version of yourself and will ultimately make you more effective in the office, classroom, field, job site, or home. Pay now means you put in the work, such as being responsible with your job, school assignments, training, and personal tasks. Our credibility goes through the roof when we do this, and we sharpen our skills in the process. More importantly, paying now means you give God the first fruits of your time, talents, and treasures. When we take these accountability steps, we can enjoy life better and humbly await God's blessing. Thus, "play later" means doing things like sports, entertainment, recreation, vacations, hobbies, or activities after fulfilling your obligations.

Scripture provides excellent counsel for time management. For example:

Psalm 90:12 says, "Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should."

Ephesians 5:15-17 says, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Colossians 4:5 states, "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time."

With these verses in mind, a tangible next step is to dedicate your day to the Lord each morning. Ask Him to help you be efficient and proficient in all you do. Next, carefully comb through your current schedule. Check to see what needs to be eliminated. Is there anything in the "play category" that is superseding God's plans and your duties?

Remember, you can significantly reduce stress by putting this perspective into practice.