Redeeming the Time Preface
For many years I have wanted to write a book to challenge and help Christian men be the fathers and husbands that the Lord Jesus Christ would have them be. When the Lord put on my heart that it was time to write such a resource, I next had to seek Him for the theme of the book. He led me to time management as being the key to every aspect of our lives.
There are many time-management books available. However, most don’t address time management from a biblical perspective. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). We usually look for “five easy steps to. . . .” That is not what you will find here. Instead, I have taken Scripture and my personal experience with time pressure to put together information that I believe will help you manage your time.
I am grateful for the assistance my precious wife provides for my writing by brainstorming with me, and then editing and revising by my side. The Lord has made us a team, and I rely on her help.
My two oldest sons, Nathan and Christopher, ages 32 and 30, read the manuscript in order to give me feedback. Christopher and Joseph designed the cover, and Sarah (27) proofreads and imports the text into the layout software. Anna (16) and Mary (13) took over many of my wife’s daily tasks through the summer so she could help me with this project.
I invited twelve men who were interested in time management to read the book, write comments on it, fill out a questionnaire, make a schedule, and begin using it. I felt ten of their schedules, plus Nathan and mine, might be helpful examples to be included in the book. The men worked under tight deadlines, giving us valuable feedback. I am thankful for their input. We also have a professional proofreader, and we have benefitted from her expertise on this project.
I pray the Lord Jesus will use this material in a very practical way to teach you to redeem your time and give you a realistic time-management plan.
Steve Maxwell