What can we learn about time management from Jacob's advice in Genesis 29:7? Setting the Scene Jacob arrives at a well in Haran and finds shepherds lounging with their flocks. He immediately sizes up the situation and says, “Look, the sun is still high; it is not yet time for the livestock to be gathered. Water the sheep and take them back to pasture” (Genesis 29:7). In just one sentence, Jacob highlights wise use of daylight, clear priorities, and purposeful action. Insights from Jacob’s Timely Advice • Recognize the Clock: Jacob notes the position of the sun. He is alert to the passing hours and refuses to let valuable daylight slip away. • Refuse Premature Closure: “It is not yet time for the livestock to be gathered.” Tasks should end when they are truly complete, not simply when we feel like stopping. • Act, Don’t Idle: “Water the sheep and take them back to pasture.” Jacob spells out the next logical steps—hydrate, then feed. Avoiding vague intentions preserves momentum. • Steward Every Segment: Mid-day can easily become a lull. Jacob turns it into productivity, reminding us that all periods of the day matter (cf. John 9:4). Practical Takeaways for Modern Schedules • Track the Day’s Natural Markers – Early light: high-energy projects. – Midday: shorter or outdoor tasks, like Jacob’s watering. – Evening: winding down yet purposeful. • Set “Not-Yet” Boundaries – Identify when it is NOT time to close your laptop, leave the office, or scroll social media. • Break Work into Clear Actions – Jacob names two tasks; do the same: call the client, file the report, prep dinner—specific, sequential. • Fight Drift with Accountability – Jacob confronts a group; invite peers or family to keep you from drifting into wasted time. • Value Diligence Over Delay – “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Diligent work honors God and blesses others. Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 6:6-8—The ant gathers “in harvest.” Planning ahead prevents crisis. • Psalm 90:12—“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Counting days leads to using them well. • Ephesians 5:15-16—“Be very careful, then, how you live… redeeming the time.” • John 9:4—“We must do the works of Him who sent Me while it is day.” Putting It into Practice 1. Start each morning by identifying the “sun-is-still-high” hours—your peak focus time. 2. List concrete actions for that window; avoid gathering in the sheep (i.e., shutting down) too early. 3. Review at mid-afternoon: have you watered and pastured your “flock” of assignments? If not, re-engage before dusk. 4. End the day only when the proper time arrives, satisfied that you stewarded the daylight God entrusted to you. |
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