Let’s face it: We’re busy people. On top of family, work, and other responsibilities, we’re adding a commitment to teach a Bible class which not only involves class-time but also lesson preparation and follow-up with students. It can become a juggling act to do everything we need to do, and especially to do it well. Teachers already struggling with time management need biblical reminders about keeping priorities as well as encouragement to follow through.
Bible Verses Teachers Need as Reminders About Priorities in the Use of Our Time
Time management needs to be about living for the glory of God, doing His will, putting Him first — not living for self or even to please other people.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matt. 6:33)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Rom. 12:1-2)
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31)
So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Cor. 5:9-10)
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Gal. 1:10)
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col. 3:17)
We will be held accountable for how we use our time but teachers, particularly, must answer for what they say and do.
If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? (1 Cor. 3:12-13)
Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. (James 3:1)
Procrastination and laziness hurt/hinder effectiveness. We need to think ahead and take steps to that lead to productive lives and then press on.
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest – and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. (Prov. 6:6-11)
Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing. (Prov. 20:4)
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Gal. 6:9-10)
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. (Titus 3:14)
Bible Verses to Encourage Teachers Struggling with Time Management
God’s wisdom will help us discern the best use of our time. He promises wisdom to those who ask (James. 1:5). He will provide what we need to do His will.
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Ps. 90:12)
Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Eph. 5:15-17)
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Heb. 13:20-21)
Resource: Time Management for Teachers Worksheet