Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor

We feel swamped. The solution to our struggle with time management, Raynor says, is Jesus Christ. First, we have peace in Him. Second, He shows us how God manages time.

Raynor looks to the Author of time to help us know how we address time. In that sense, in addition to a how-to book, this is a why-do book. It centers on the gospel. We are encouraged to redeem the time, manage our time wisely and carefully. (Eph.5:15-17) The result is not more time for our own pleasures but to further the kingdom.

Raynor explores seven principles drawn from the commands of Jesus or the way He lived His life. Stories, science and Scripture are combined to for the foundation and illustrations of the principles. Tested practices are suggested for each principle. He also offers resources and tutorial videos at his website.

While many of the practical suggestions will not be new, the reasons behind them may be. One that impressed me was solitude (silence). We are well aware of the distraction of technology and that we need to control it. Raynor reminds us of the many times Jesus sought solitude, even when crowds were pursuing him. That gave me a truly spiritual reason to temper social media time.

This is a good book for readers who are interested in the spiritual principles behind good time management. You'll get valuable insights into how our time relates to God and His mission. You'll find practical strategies too. But, as Raynor says, this is not a quick fix. It took him more than a decade to work out his own time management. It's hard work, he says, but worth it.

You can read an excerpt here.

You can watch the book trailer here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Jordan Raynor is a serial entrepreneur and national bestselling author who has helped millions of Christians around the world connect the gospel to their work through his podcasts, devotionals, and books. He also serves as the executive chairman of Threshold 360, a venture backed tech start-up that has built the world's largest library of 360-degree virtual experiences of hotels, restaurants, and attractions. He is a sought after speaker on the topic of faith and work. He was selected as a Google fellow twice and served in the White House under President George W. Bush. He lives in Tampa with his wife and daughters.

Waterbrook, 240 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)