Stealing Time - What Is It and How Do You Overcome It?

Have you ever looked for ways to do things unrelated to the work or activity you were supposed to be doing, for example by stealing time? Perhaps you have, but you did not realize that it counts as an act of stealing time. Or perhaps you do not realize that you have committed time corruption because it is commonly done in your environment.

What is clear is that stealing time is not something that can be justified. One of the Ten Commandments of God is you shall not steal. Whatever the method, stealing time is closely related to integrity and responsibility, especially as a Christian.

So, what counts as stealing time? What effect does it have on our lives, and how can we overcome it?

What Is Stealing Time?

Stealing time means failing to carry out your duties properly at the appointed time while still receiving your due or wages.1 The phenomenon of stealing time is most commonly found in the workplace, and office workers do it more often than laborers or blue-collar workers.2

Deliberately taking too long to do something or not returning to work promptly after break time is over are examples of stealing time. The same goes for having someone else clock in for you, doing things unrelated to work during working hours, and arriving late.

The Impact of Time Corruption

Apart from the Lord's command, the habit of stealing time will harm you yourself. Who knows what valuable opportunities might have been missed because of that wasted time? On top of that, your performance will decline and your image in the eyes of colleagues may be tarnished. This will certainly hinder your career and self-development . 

Time: Something God Has Entrusted

Bondservants are to be submissive to their masters in everything, to be pleasing to them, not argumentative, not stealing, but always showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior. - Titus 2:9-10

The book of Titus contains various instructions and teachings from the Apostle Paul for the Christians in Crete, which at that time was under Roman rule. Back then, many slaves became Christians. Paul taught them a way of life that ran contrary to the habits in Crete, namely being peace-loving, generous, subject to the government, and always pursuing justice and truth.3

One of Paul's instructions was that Christians should not act dishonestly in their work, but should always be sincere and faithful. The goal was to honor the teaching of Jesus, which at that time was being spread by Titus and his followers in Crete. This teaching also applies to Christians in the modern age. When you are faithful and honest in your work, others will take notice, and the name of the Lord will be glorified!

“Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much. And whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much.” - Luke 16:10

“He said to him: Well done, good servant; because you have been faithful in a very little, receive authority over ten cities.” Luke 19:17

The Lord Jesus teaches us to be faithful starting from the smallest things, such as time. When you are honest in using the time given to you, God will entrust even greater things to you!

Tips for Overcoming the Habit of Stealing Time

Whether intentional or not, the habit of stealing time will have a bad impact on your life and will not please God. The following ways can help you change it:

1. Start Working or Doing Activities on Time

Avoid unnecessary little detours, such as making coffee or stopping by a co-worker's desk to chat. Without realizing it, these small things are often what steal your time most.

2. Reduce Time Spent in Meetings

Ironically, the time you spend in meetings often becomes the enemy of productivity. Try to make your meetings as efficient as possible so that you have more time to finish the actual work.

3. Communicate Directly

If your co-worker is only a few desks or cubicles away, try to communicate directly. You can call or go over in person. Communicating by text message or email may look easy and fast. However, your time will be wasted waiting for a reply. Besides that, this method is also prone to miscommunication, which of course will only waste even more of your time. 

4. Keep Yourself Away from Distractions

Is your attention easily pulled away by co-workers chatting near your desk or notifications on your phone? Find ways to avoid them. For example, move desks, wear earphones, or set your phone to silent mode so that you are not tempted to check your personal social media accounts. Lost focus is the same as lost time.

5. Set Targets or Personal Deadlines Do you find it easy to switch to doing things that are not your

priority or main responsibility? Give yourself a challenging but achievable deadline. This will make you think twice before putting off a task that needs to be finished or heading to the pantry for a snack. 6. Get Enough Sleep

Lack of sleep makes it hard for you to concentrate. As a result, you tend to take

breaks more often and procrastinate on your work. Aim for optimal rest so that you can work at your best the next day. By leaving behind the habit of stealing time during working hours, you will actually gain more time and energy for other things. Your life will also become more productive. Most importantly, you become a person of integrity who glorifies God. Wishing you success in your growth!

References:

-

1 lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/blog/avoid-time-theft/
2 bible.org/illustration/time-theft
3 youtu.be/PUEYCVXJM3k
hygger.io/blog/positive-negative-effects-procrastination-work/
Church

-

GKDI is currently present in 35 cities . We hold Bible Study activities in every area. If you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contactChurch GKDI Official: WhatsApp

or 0821 2285 8686 Facebook Instagram / GKDI Official Related articles:

Use Time for These Three Things, While You Can Still Say “Today”

Inspirational video: