As we approach Father’s Day, I’m reminded of a recent conversation with a young friend who is the father of two small children. He’s married to a wonderful woman, has a job, and is very involved in his church.
His wife has developed some health issues and can no longer work. So my friend has picked up some extra work to offset the loss of income. He said to me, “My greatest struggle is the management of my time. I feel as though I’m not effective in any area of my responsibilities.”
I reflected back on a message that I heard on Father’s Day more than twenty years ago. Our pastor spoke on this very subject as to how a man should prioritize his time. He gave some tips that I’ve never forgotten. Our time management is based on the value of time in each of our relationships
My first priority of time is determined by eternity and dictates that I spend time with my Heavenly Father on a daily basis.
The second most important priority is spending time with my wife as I made a life time covenant to love her as Christ loves the church.
Spending time with my children comes next as I will only have them under my influence for approximately eighteen years. I do not own them but am a steward of this short time to impact their destiny.
Church family is my fourth priority, and my job is ranked number 5.
This system of time management “feels” so wrong, as it’s opposite of what our culture imposes on us with slogans like, “Plan your work-work your plan” and the constant advertising messages of what success looks like and that “bigger is better”.
Our nation leads the world in divorce rates and of families with children being raised in single families.
The Old Testament ends with a very solemn promise. Unless the hearts of the fathers are turned to their children, the land will be cursed.
Mike
C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N.S stands for:
Christ has eliminated my guilt
His Spirit tells me I am his child
Awesome victory is mine
My mind is set on his Spirit
Power is made perfect in weakness
I have the intercession of the Holy Spirit and Jesus
Only God knows why bad things happen to good people
Nothing separates me from his love
Satan has been defeated!
Mike Cowart Sr. is an author and a teacher, a mentor and a friend. You can read more of his excellent C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N.S series here. Contact Mike here.
June 11th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Miss seeing and talking with you, Mike. I do
feel, however, that if a person does not take
care of himself, he will be of limited use to
anyone else. I have found a great group of men
I meet with weekly. Brian is in recovery and
working. Little B. had a great lst grade. Norm