The Immutability of God, Part 2

November, 2007

by: Lew Stone

We are now entering the time of the year when the selection of new elders takes place. Invariably, a few men put forward by the Body to serve as elders gracefully decline, stating, “…perhaps next year. This coming year I’m going to be so busy.” Overcommittment, busyness, stretched too thin, etc. are all maladies the males in our society face. Those in leadership or having that desire must learn to deal with time issues. Leaders typically have full schedules, but have learned how to prioritize each day. They look ahead and plan. A wise manager of time lives in accordance with Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.” God always seems to provide enough time to get the right things accomplished.

I find it humorous when a young man explains how his children are small and demand a great deal of his time, but when they get a little older things will calm down and then he'll have the time to serve. However, those with grey hair will tell you that things don’t “calm down” until the Lord puts you in a place where illness or injury forces you to rest or you consciously pull back on your commitments. There are levels of service and one is able to involve himself in a ministry that does not overextend his available time.

How can you know if you have the time necessary to commit yourself to a ministry?

First, be in prayer, asking God to give you clear direction in this process. Ask Him to help you make a wise decision based on the Word and godly counsel. As you pray, also ask God to help you examine yourself, making sure you are not disqualified for the ministry you are considering.

Second, seek wise counsel as to what the time commitment will be. Proverbs 15:22 tells us, “Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.” If you have been asked to serve as an elder, ask a few who are currently serving how much of their time is required. Keep in mind that your spouse knows you best (or should), so seek her input on how you are doing with your current commitments. Does she see time available?

Third, evaluate where you currently spend your time. Think of what you currently do during the time you could be involved in a ministry opportunity. How much time is not accounted for? If you are honest with yourself, how much time is spent in worthless pursuits or completely wasted?

Fourth, prioritize your current commitments. Where does your time alone with the Lord rate? Your time with family? Does your prioritized list match how your time is currently being allocated? It’s often a very sobering moment to see a very low priority in your life monopolizing your time, or realizing that your “minor hobby” is consuming sixteen hours a week. Conversely, if you are using your time wisely and there does not seem to be an opening for the new commitment, be forthright and respectfully decline.

Fifth, where would this potential ministry commitment rate with your priorities? Is it high enough to push aside time spent in lesser pursuits? Is there enough time to fully commit to this challenge? Occasionally there are times in our lives where we must spend a great amount of time in one direction for a specified period. For instance, the care of a sick child or spouse, entering a new career, dealing with a situation in your family that requires great attention would all be valid reasons to hesitate before committing to any additional responsibilities.

God honors our service to Him. Ask men who are serving and also very busy in their daily lives how they juggle their schedules. Often you will hear the reply, “God is awesome. Somehow He always gives me the time to get everything done!”