Chapter 14—Time Management
Success or failure in ministry depends much on one’s use of
time—Some might now have been thorough workmen had they made
a good use of their time, feeling that they would have to give an account
to God for their misspent moments. They have displeased God because
they have not been industrious. Self-gratification, self-love, and selfish
love of ease have kept some from good, withheld them from obtaining
a knowledge of the Scriptures that they might be thoroughly furnished
unto all good works. Some do not appreciate the value of time and
have idled away in bed the hours that might have been employed in
the study of the Bible.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:499
.
Arise early and economize your moments so you have time
for Bible study—By rising early and economizing their moments,
ministers can find time for a close investigation of the Scriptures.
They must have perseverance, and not be thwarted in their object, but
persistently employ their time in a study of the Word, bringing to their
aid the truths which other minds, through wearing labor, have brought
out for them, and with diligent, persevering effort prepared to their
hand. There are ministers who have been laboring for years, teaching
the truth to others, while they themselves are not familiar with the
strong points of our position. I beg of such to have done with their
idleness. It is a continual curse to them. God requires them to make
every moment fruitful of some good to themselves or to others.—
The
Review and Herald, May 12, 1885
.
Take a book with you—Ministers should devote time to reading,
to study, to meditation and prayer. They should store the mind with
useful knowledge, committing to memory portions of Scripture, tracing
out the fulfillment of the prophecies, and learning the lessons which
Christ gave to his disciples. Take a book with you to read when
traveling on the cars or waiting in the depot. Employ every spare
moment in doing something. In this way an effectual door will be
closed against a thousand temptations.—
Testimonies for the Church
4:412
.
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