Using Your Time, Treasures and Talents Wisely

Who are you working for? You might have a boss, a manager, a board, or you might run your own business, but who are you really working for? We must remind ourselves that we are ultimately working for God and, while God is our provider, “the Lord is our shepherd,” we still must take responsibility for our time, our treasures and our talents. Are we using them how God desires us to use them? 

Precious Commodities

Our time, treasures and talents are precious commodities; to use them Christ-like, we need to find the right balance between sustainable work and generosity. This can be difficult. We want to provide affordable services and even discounted or pro-bono services for those who need it, yet we need to make enough money for our business to thrive and grow. How do we do both? 

Our time is our most valuable commodity, and many mentors, coaches and supervisors find themselves time-poor. We are often caught up in the pressure of life and making ends meet while also remembering to look after our relationships and well-being. For most practitioners, revenue comes from the time spent with clients, which means it is time that also generates our income. So, how are you investing your time? In whom? Are you giving your time, or is it being taken? We should always be wary of clients who want to use us. Think of a client who is not willing to pay even though they are financially able. This shows a lack of respect for you and the value of the work you are providing. Rather than giving your time, it is being taken. God sees our worth, and so should we. 

Promoting the Well-Being of Others

On the other hand, God is generous, and our goal should not be to seek great fortune or power but to help those who need us. Be altruistic when you can: show a selfless concern for the well-being of others. However, to help others, we need to have the proper resources, be stable and sustainable, and have the margins to help those who need it. Think of the good Samaritan. When he had the time and the ability to care for the one in need. He had margins. He would not have been able to help as much as he did if he was starving or dying. 

A mature disciple will find this balance. We are committed to being transformed into Christ’s image and obeying the Greatest Commandments and the Great Commission. We are here to serve God, and we trust He will show where and when we should use our time, treasure and talents. However, we also need to intentionally check ourselves and ensure we use what we have in the areas and for the people we want to prioritise. 

How can we check where we spend our time, treasure and talents? We can look at our calendar. Where are we spending the most time? Who with? Are we being generous with the right people? Matthew 13:3-21 tells us the parable of the sower, planting seeds for a later harvest. Are you planting your seeds in good soil, by being wise and deliberate in how you use your time, treasure and talents? Who is directing your time? Your stress or desire for success? Or God? 

Reflection Question: 

Where is my time being used/abused, and where is it freely given? 

What’s next:

Here is a five-second health snapshot. https://vervelead.com/tools/#health-snapshot It’s excellent for an introductory conversation with a possible client.