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Every Day Matters: A Biblical Approach to Productivity
True productivity is more than just getting things done.True productivity is less about getting things done; it is more concerned with stewarding priorities, time, and resources wisely and faithfully in a way that honors God. In Every Day Matters Brandon Crowe provides an accessible and biblical understanding of productivity filled with practical guidance and examples.Crowe draws insights from wisdom literature and the life and teaching of the Apostle Paul to reclaim a biblical perspective on productivity. He shows the implications for matters such as setting priorities and goals, achieving rhythms of work and rest, caring for family, maintaining spiritual disciplines, sustaining energy, and engaging wisely with social media and entertainment.
Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2020
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About the author
Brandon D. Crowe
15 books15 followersBrandon D. Crowe (B.A., Samford University; M.Div., Reformed Theological Seminary; Ph.D. University of Edinburgh) is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary and Book Review Editor for the Westminster Theological Journal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 12, 2020
★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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I should begin by stating upfront that my take on this book is very different than the other Christian Productivity book I read back in 2015. It's entirely possible that this makes me a hypocrite. I don't think so, but I'm not going to go back and re-read the other one. I remember the starting point of that one being different than this, and it makes all the difference to me.
* N.B.: Crowe cites it positively at one point. Do with that what you will.
In Part I, Crowe outlines the need for believers to think about their personal productivity. Then he uses Proverbs and Ecclesiastes to show the foundation of Biblical productivity. Then he further expands on that material by looking at Paul's teaching about focus, diligence, and self-control. This was my favorite section, and I could've easily read something twice as long had Crowe decided to expand on these points.
Part II focuses on Principles. He builds on the Biblical material with a mixture of experience, research into productivity, and application of Christian teaching to help the reader concentrate on responsibility, goal setting, the role of family, the importance of rest and health.
The rubber meets the road in Part III, "Practices." He discusses spiritual disciplines, organization methods and some pitfalls to avoid. He gives a lot of tips here, illustrated from his own experience (but he also discusses some things he doesn't personally use). There's a lot of "this worked for me, give it a shot" kind of writing here. There's also a handy little appendix on the strategic use of email.
I think Crowe's use of both the Wisdom Literature and Pauline texts are incredibly helpful; his principles section demonstrates both wisdom and insight; and his application his helpful. Best of all is the general approach, essentially: This is what I've learned, you should be able to learn something from it. The important thing is that you think about this kind of thing and find the most effective way for you to serve God and your fellow man (starting with your family). It's not a one-size-fits-all approach.
That's exactly the kind of thing I needed to read.
Sure, it's "only" a 3 1/2 Star book. I know some people see that as a bad thing. The majority of what I read and like is 3 Star. But I'm not the kind of guy who is ever going to give more than that to a productivity book (unless it really makes me laugh or something—it'll be the writing, not the method that wins me over). I liked this, it provoked some thought and reflection and I've applied some of what Crowe has said—and am looking for ways to do more of that. I think that says good things about the book.
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
I should begin by stating upfront that my take on this book is very different than the other Christian Productivity book I read back in 2015. It's entirely possible that this makes me a hypocrite. I don't think so, but I'm not going to go back and re-read the other one. I remember the starting point of that one being different than this, and it makes all the difference to me.
* N.B.: Crowe cites it positively at one point. Do with that what you will.
In Part I, Crowe outlines the need for believers to think about their personal productivity. Then he uses Proverbs and Ecclesiastes to show the foundation of Biblical productivity. Then he further expands on that material by looking at Paul's teaching about focus, diligence, and self-control. This was my favorite section, and I could've easily read something twice as long had Crowe decided to expand on these points.
Part II focuses on Principles. He builds on the Biblical material with a mixture of experience, research into productivity, and application of Christian teaching to help the reader concentrate on responsibility, goal setting, the role of family, the importance of rest and health.
The rubber meets the road in Part III, "Practices." He discusses spiritual disciplines, organization methods and some pitfalls to avoid. He gives a lot of tips here, illustrated from his own experience (but he also discusses some things he doesn't personally use). There's a lot of "this worked for me, give it a shot" kind of writing here. There's also a handy little appendix on the strategic use of email.
I think Crowe's use of both the Wisdom Literature and Pauline texts are incredibly helpful; his principles section demonstrates both wisdom and insight; and his application his helpful. Best of all is the general approach, essentially: This is what I've learned, you should be able to learn something from it. The important thing is that you think about this kind of thing and find the most effective way for you to serve God and your fellow man (starting with your family). It's not a one-size-fits-all approach.
That's exactly the kind of thing I needed to read.
Sure, it's "only" a 3 1/2 Star book. I know some people see that as a bad thing. The majority of what I read and like is 3 Star. But I'm not the kind of guy who is ever going to give more than that to a productivity book (unless it really makes me laugh or something—it'll be the writing, not the method that wins me over). I liked this, it provoked some thought and reflection and I've applied some of what Crowe has said—and am looking for ways to do more of that. I think that says good things about the book.
February 1, 2024
it was good! the first part was rough (the biblical perspective of productivity), but after that part two and three were very practical and immediately applicable!
I'd recommend this book if you're looking for something to follow-up on atomic habits or shorter and maybe more actionable productivity book.
I'd recommend this book if you're looking for something to follow-up on atomic habits or shorter and maybe more actionable productivity book.
January 29, 2020
If you have too much to do but don’t know where to start, you might want to read this book. Every Day Matters’ purpose is “to help you think biblically about how to get things done (productivity), and to give practical advice for maximizing your time and energy toward the most important things in everyday life.” Brandon D. Crowe outlines a “biblical perspective” on productivity (Part I), identifies its “basic principles” (Part II), and makes “practical suggestions” for getting things done (Part III).
February 11, 2020
In "Every Day Matters," Brandon Crowe takes a topic that has been taken in so many different directions and makes a great resource for Christians looking to get away from a lot of books filled with fluff. I think what I appreciated the most was the perspective he gives as a Christian on a subject that has been beaten to death by so many authors. So many other books on the subject make it all about you, achieving your dreams and giving you the "10 Steps" to making it all happen. Crowe reminds us that, as Christians, we are living for something much more; rather, for Someone more. Yes, this book helps us see ways to be more productive with the time and resources God has been given to us, but it is given through a biblical worldview. This book has been extremely refreshing and has been an excellent read for the start of this new year. Pick it up and give it a read.
Also, I was given this book for free from the editor and was not required to give it a positive review.
Also, I was given this book for free from the editor and was not required to give it a positive review.
May 2, 2021
Great nicely-packed exposition of what it means to be productive: to love God and your neighbors in an efficient way. It's great how the author distills plenty of secular productivity books (i.e common grace) and gives them a solid biblical twist with plenty of theoretical and practical insights.
However, what I enjoyed the most was the fact that Dr. Brandon Crowe ain't no productivity guru. He isn't trying to brand "his way of being productive". He's a New Testament professor, a family-man and a follower of Christ. This book is the answer of a practical need in knowing how to steward God's gifts. It's, in a sense, personal: an answer which he shared to others willing to do the same.
However, what I enjoyed the most was the fact that Dr. Brandon Crowe ain't no productivity guru. He isn't trying to brand "his way of being productive". He's a New Testament professor, a family-man and a follower of Christ. This book is the answer of a practical need in knowing how to steward God's gifts. It's, in a sense, personal: an answer which he shared to others willing to do the same.
July 16, 2020
One of the best books I’ve read on productivity as a Christian. The author brings together Biblical principles for using time wisely with practical advice on how to structure your days and organize your time and stuff. I especially appreciated his grace-filled approach. He consistently encourages the reader to start using time wisely today while pointing out that failures have and will occur, but that our use of time doesn’t save us, only Christ saves us. His chapter Rest, Refresh, Repent, Resolve was particularly helpful for those of us who tend to beat ourselves up when we fail in our time management. A first rate addition to my time management/productivity reference library.
March 12, 2020
I love books on productivity - - though I must admit that, like many, I struggle to put much of this type of material in in practice consistently. One reason for this is because books on productivity are almost always nothing but law, law, law, do this, do that, don't be weak, etc. In some respects, this one isn't all that different. It is convicting and challenging, and some things he advocates are going to require great self-discipline to implement.
But what I liked about the book is his solid biblical foundation. The first half of the book argues persuasively that productivity is a Christian virtue that ought to be pursued. He surveys the wisdom literature as well as the New Testament and offers from very helpful insights.
I also liked the clarity in which he writes, the specificity of his method, and the 'to do' action items at the end of each chapter (making review, which is necessary with this type of book, very easy).
What I didn't like about the book was that I thought there was a clear lack of emphasis on Christ, the gospel, and grace. Admittedly, it's hard to fit that in with such a subject, but it's necessary with such a heavy dose of 'do this' throughout. I also hated the fact that it has endnotes. I almost gave it 3 stars because of this alone. For example, there's 86 endnotes in the first 35 pages, and much of them are not just sources, but additional information/notes relevant to his point! It's simply unacceptable to use endnotes instead of footnotes. It made the reading experience awful.
Overall, I recommend this one right beside Tim Challies' little book on productivity. I think that both of them together are quite formidable, biblical, and will really do the job if you're looking for help.
But what I liked about the book is his solid biblical foundation. The first half of the book argues persuasively that productivity is a Christian virtue that ought to be pursued. He surveys the wisdom literature as well as the New Testament and offers from very helpful insights.
I also liked the clarity in which he writes, the specificity of his method, and the 'to do' action items at the end of each chapter (making review, which is necessary with this type of book, very easy).
What I didn't like about the book was that I thought there was a clear lack of emphasis on Christ, the gospel, and grace. Admittedly, it's hard to fit that in with such a subject, but it's necessary with such a heavy dose of 'do this' throughout. I also hated the fact that it has endnotes. I almost gave it 3 stars because of this alone. For example, there's 86 endnotes in the first 35 pages, and much of them are not just sources, but additional information/notes relevant to his point! It's simply unacceptable to use endnotes instead of footnotes. It made the reading experience awful.
Overall, I recommend this one right beside Tim Challies' little book on productivity. I think that both of them together are quite formidable, biblical, and will really do the job if you're looking for help.
June 1, 2020
Crowe's book came recommended by a friend which fed the productivity kick I've been on the last week or so. I found this to be a solid book written from a Christian perspective. He outlines the biblical rationale, some general productivity tips, and gives some practical thoughts at the end. I listened to an interview he did recently on the Home Row podcast with Medders and thought he gave more practical advice there than he did in his practical section. I think this book is a strong Christian introduction to productivity advice, especially if someone isn't well-read in the larger genre. It was interesting reading this alongside The Compound Effect, which is a quintessential self-help book. I think I was able to redeem The Compound Effect more because I had a Christian worldview in the background of more typical self-help jargon. There's a lot of actionable advice here, especially if you buy his biblical and practical premise that every day matters!
January 23, 2023
When it comes to productivity there are a lot of books that present great advice and practical ways in which one can increase their productivity skills. Although this may seem like “another productivity book,” what makes this book different is that Crowe makes sure that in order for one to be productive, one must realize that to be productive is to ultimately glorify God and enjoy him forever. We as image bearers are not made for own, but have been made for God’s glory. Therefore this book rests on that foundational truth that is revealed in Scripture. All in all, there where some things while reading this book that I did not find as new when it comes to planning, prioritizing, and organizing one’s life, but on the other end, there were some stuff that I took away in regards to sharpening how I tackle my schedule along with writing down motivational quotes, or bible verses that remind you of the goals in which the Lord has called one to do. To conclude, I would recommend this book to someone who has no idea how to plan or prioritize and is hungry for change in the way they handle things in which they are called to be responsible for. 4/5 stars.
February 7, 2024
Helpful, Biblical, sound advice, practical, pastoral and gracious (not a guilt trip book). Absolutely fantastic! Chapter 7 on the family is pure gold. Just some great advice for dads especially, but all parents.
I really enjoyed his Biblical advice, practical tips, systems and suggestions to help with being more productive for God's glory. Many of them I already use but some of them were new ideas.
If you find yourself in a busy stage of life or often saying "I don't have time for that" then this is the book for you!
As a father of four kids ages 8 and under trying to juggle work, church, and family this book hit a sweet spot and was super helpful. I will return to it more than once for sure, and have already shared it with many others.
I really enjoyed his Biblical advice, practical tips, systems and suggestions to help with being more productive for God's glory. Many of them I already use but some of them were new ideas.
If you find yourself in a busy stage of life or often saying "I don't have time for that" then this is the book for you!
As a father of four kids ages 8 and under trying to juggle work, church, and family this book hit a sweet spot and was super helpful. I will return to it more than once for sure, and have already shared it with many others.
January 29, 2020
Whether it’s resolutions or new habit formation, every January marks a fresh start for me as I commit to “sharpening the saw” (to quote David Allen) in order to be more effective as a Christian, husband, father, churchman, and employee. That’s why I enjoyed reading Brandon Crowe’s latest, ‘Every Day Matters: A Biblical Approach to Productivity’ (Lexham, 2020). I’m a sucker for these kinds of books that I pray, over the long haul, make me more faithful and fruitful. Biblical faithfully and practically useful. Crowe takes the best from the field of self-improvement and productivity genre and packages in a helpful, slim title.
July 24, 2022
3.6 rounded up to four stars. I liked that it was relatively short, very common sense reminders. I appreciated the way he talked about how productivity can serve selfish ambition or it can be the means through which we love our neighbors better. One takeaway from this is that I went back to an old-school paper and pen to-do list and after one whole week, I give the pen-and-paper five stars.
August 24, 2023
Biblical and Practical
May 26, 2025
Good, simple overview of productivity theory from a Christian perspective. Reminded me of Tim Challies' book Do More Better.
August 1, 2021
Really refreshing read. Rather than saying this is a "biblical approach to productivity," Crowe presents a really "balanced" Christian life, reflecting on all areas from work, rest, Sabbath, repentance, family, corporate and private worship, means of grace, and all things mundane in the daily grind of the Christian life in this little book. Compared to Matt Perman's 400 pages, "What's Best Next," this is more of a broad principle and high-level approach, and it is an extremely accessible light read as well (about 130 pages A5 size book). Besides that, Crowe also devoted comparatively more attention to the biblical reflection of the Christian life, digging into Proverbs for the wisdom of hard work, diligence, stewardship of time, good planning and trust in God, Ecclesiastes for the frustration of work as well as the appropriate enjoyment of life, and Paul's life as a model of example. Discussed only a little on the prescriptive tools, and provides broad principles instead when it comes to the pragmatics, so if you are more into specific tools and all kinds of creative methods, then Perman book is more suitable. I supposed a combination of DeYoung's Crazy Busy and this would make for a really good overview and framework of how one ought to steward faithfully the Chrisitan life in the modern, pacey, distracting 21st century. Highly recommend as I can't help but resonate with Crowe's straightforward rhythm to the Christian life: work hard for the love of God and for neighbours, acknowledge limitations and frustrations, observed the Sabbath and biblical rest, devote to personal and corporate worship, build up the church and the family, repent and reflect persistently, and enjoy life as God's gift of grace as much as possible (cues John Piper's "Christians ought to be the most joyous people in the world").
April 14, 2020
Author: Brandon D. Crowe
Endorsed By: Andy Naselli & David E. Briones
Pages: 151
Publisher: Lexham Press
Publication Date: January 29, 2020
Price: $17.99 Paperback, $12.99 Downloaded
In a world that is constantly on the go, it is far too easy to find oneself overwhelmed, stressed out, and wondering where to begin. As a person who is constantly being pulled in different directions – from home to work, ministry to parenting, volunteering to mentoring – I often find I put the things that are most important to me on hold because the most urgent takes over.
Brandon D. Crowe gives a biblical perspective on productivity that is enlightening and refreshing. Not only was the book organized in an easy-to-follow, quick-read format, but it placed the emphasis of productivity on the need to glorify God in each aspect of life while also preparing for a sabbath rest. Putting the principles in place that are outlined in Every Day Matters encourages us to recognize what our current behaviors reveal about what we allow to be the most important and reposition our priorities to where we actually want them to be. What I found to be most helpful is the way Crowe guides his readers in defining a life purpose statement and then assists in carrying it through to each responsibility in one’s life.
There is an ample number of books, articles, blogs, websites, and tools available that promise you will find your way to extreme productivity and organization if you just follow their method or use their tools. Though Crowe offers a variety of suggested tools, he encourages each person to try a few different options that can either be used singularly or collectively. There is no one way that is right, it’s about finding what is right for each individual. Every Day Matters is helping me to break the broken cycle of not knowing where to begin and living each day productively and in a way that honors God with my time.
Book Breakdown:
Part 1: Perspectives
1. Why You need this Book
2. Guiding Texts: Wisdom Literature
3. Guiding Texts: the Apostle Paul
Part 2: Principles
4. Priorities
5. Goals and Planning
6. Routines
7. Family
8. Rest, Refresh, Repent, Resolve
9. Sustaining Energy
Part 3: Practices
10. Engaging Spiritual Disciplines
11. Getting Organized
12. Avoiding Pitfalls
Please Note: I did receive this book for free but was not required to give it a positive review.
Purchase it Here: my link text
Endorsed By: Andy Naselli & David E. Briones
Pages: 151
Publisher: Lexham Press
Publication Date: January 29, 2020
Price: $17.99 Paperback, $12.99 Downloaded
In a world that is constantly on the go, it is far too easy to find oneself overwhelmed, stressed out, and wondering where to begin. As a person who is constantly being pulled in different directions – from home to work, ministry to parenting, volunteering to mentoring – I often find I put the things that are most important to me on hold because the most urgent takes over.
Brandon D. Crowe gives a biblical perspective on productivity that is enlightening and refreshing. Not only was the book organized in an easy-to-follow, quick-read format, but it placed the emphasis of productivity on the need to glorify God in each aspect of life while also preparing for a sabbath rest. Putting the principles in place that are outlined in Every Day Matters encourages us to recognize what our current behaviors reveal about what we allow to be the most important and reposition our priorities to where we actually want them to be. What I found to be most helpful is the way Crowe guides his readers in defining a life purpose statement and then assists in carrying it through to each responsibility in one’s life.
There is an ample number of books, articles, blogs, websites, and tools available that promise you will find your way to extreme productivity and organization if you just follow their method or use their tools. Though Crowe offers a variety of suggested tools, he encourages each person to try a few different options that can either be used singularly or collectively. There is no one way that is right, it’s about finding what is right for each individual. Every Day Matters is helping me to break the broken cycle of not knowing where to begin and living each day productively and in a way that honors God with my time.
Book Breakdown:
Part 1: Perspectives
1. Why You need this Book
2. Guiding Texts: Wisdom Literature
3. Guiding Texts: the Apostle Paul
Part 2: Principles
4. Priorities
5. Goals and Planning
6. Routines
7. Family
8. Rest, Refresh, Repent, Resolve
9. Sustaining Energy
Part 3: Practices
10. Engaging Spiritual Disciplines
11. Getting Organized
12. Avoiding Pitfalls
Please Note: I did receive this book for free but was not required to give it a positive review.
Purchase it Here: my link text
April 6, 2020
I like books about productivity and this one is a helpful introduction to important practices if you'd like to be faithful and fruitful in your callings. I appreciate the condensation Crowe provides (with ample endnotes) of many other productivity books because, let's face it, most of those other books could be condensed into articles (or, in some cases, tweets) without losing much value.
I appreciated the sustained biblical reflection on productivity that drew fruitfully from both the Old and New Testaments. This is a necessary feature that is often lacking from other productivity books, even the Christian examples. Overall, this would be a helpful book for anyone who needs to get organized--especially those (like pastors) who have a great degree of freedom in structuring their work.
Two things about this book didn't sit well with me, however. First, why use endnotes when footnotes exist? The information in this book's endnotes is often very helpful. Why not make it more accessible?
Second, and more seriously, there is some fuzziness in this book about the gospel that seems completely unnecessary in a popular level book about productivity. Crowe writes about God's judgment of believers being "not based on our works ... but according to our works" (p. 32) and writes about the "foundation" of our justification being the perfect obedience of Christ (and my thought was "that's just the foundation? what else needs to be done to have a fully formed justification?"). I realize that Crowe, as a New Testament scholar, is quite familiar with sophisticated debates about NT interpretation, but it should be easy to just say that our justification is pardon for sin and being accepted and accounted righteous by God only because of the perfect obedience and full satisfaction of Christ imputed and received by faith (to paraphrase the Larger Catechism). In other words, your works of obedience and productivity add absolutely zero to your standing with God which is full and complete for all eternity because of Jesus. Now this is only about a page of this book, but it was something that was pretty glaring to me because it seemed so unnecessary and a missed opportunity to give the clarity and encouragement of the gospel.
With that warning, this is a good introduction to productive living but perhaps wasn't as helpful as others (such as Do More Better by Tim Challies).
I appreciated the sustained biblical reflection on productivity that drew fruitfully from both the Old and New Testaments. This is a necessary feature that is often lacking from other productivity books, even the Christian examples. Overall, this would be a helpful book for anyone who needs to get organized--especially those (like pastors) who have a great degree of freedom in structuring their work.
Two things about this book didn't sit well with me, however. First, why use endnotes when footnotes exist? The information in this book's endnotes is often very helpful. Why not make it more accessible?
Second, and more seriously, there is some fuzziness in this book about the gospel that seems completely unnecessary in a popular level book about productivity. Crowe writes about God's judgment of believers being "not based on our works ... but according to our works" (p. 32) and writes about the "foundation" of our justification being the perfect obedience of Christ (and my thought was "that's just the foundation? what else needs to be done to have a fully formed justification?"). I realize that Crowe, as a New Testament scholar, is quite familiar with sophisticated debates about NT interpretation, but it should be easy to just say that our justification is pardon for sin and being accepted and accounted righteous by God only because of the perfect obedience and full satisfaction of Christ imputed and received by faith (to paraphrase the Larger Catechism). In other words, your works of obedience and productivity add absolutely zero to your standing with God which is full and complete for all eternity because of Jesus. Now this is only about a page of this book, but it was something that was pretty glaring to me because it seemed so unnecessary and a missed opportunity to give the clarity and encouragement of the gospel.
With that warning, this is a good introduction to productive living but perhaps wasn't as helpful as others (such as Do More Better by Tim Challies).
April 4, 2020
This book could not have come at a better time at this point in my life. Finding myself dealing with multiple projects, this book helped me put a lot of things in the right perspective and also start implement some practical changes in my life. And when I saw that R. Kent Hughes wrote the foreword, I knew this book would be good.
In the array of productivity books out there, this book is a true gem. Dr. Brandon Crowe, associate professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary, aims to help readers think biblically about how to get things done and gives practical advice for maximizing our time and energy toward the most important things in every day life, hence the title.
The book is divided into three main parts. Part 1 is “Perspectives”, where he outlines the biblical perspective on productivity (both OT and NT). Part 2 is “Principles”, where he covers basic principle of productivity. Here he covers familiar ground that is found in other productivity books, but he adds his own contributions and sets apart in that he keeps these through the lens of Scripture and to the glory of God. Part 3 is “Practices”, here he gets really practical and gives you suggestions on tools you can use.
It’s a fairly short book (about 130 pages), but I read it slowly since I started implementing his suggestions. But let me tell you, there are no words wasted here. Each chapter is full of wisdom. It’s a book that I will keep referencing as I start implementing the suggested methods for productivity. Also, Chapters 2 and 3 alone is worth the price of this book. The biblical perspective on work and productivity has given me a fresh perspective.
*Book was graciously provided by Lexham Press for an honest review.
In the array of productivity books out there, this book is a true gem. Dr. Brandon Crowe, associate professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary, aims to help readers think biblically about how to get things done and gives practical advice for maximizing our time and energy toward the most important things in every day life, hence the title.
The book is divided into three main parts. Part 1 is “Perspectives”, where he outlines the biblical perspective on productivity (both OT and NT). Part 2 is “Principles”, where he covers basic principle of productivity. Here he covers familiar ground that is found in other productivity books, but he adds his own contributions and sets apart in that he keeps these through the lens of Scripture and to the glory of God. Part 3 is “Practices”, here he gets really practical and gives you suggestions on tools you can use.
It’s a fairly short book (about 130 pages), but I read it slowly since I started implementing his suggestions. But let me tell you, there are no words wasted here. Each chapter is full of wisdom. It’s a book that I will keep referencing as I start implementing the suggested methods for productivity. Also, Chapters 2 and 3 alone is worth the price of this book. The biblical perspective on work and productivity has given me a fresh perspective.
*Book was graciously provided by Lexham Press for an honest review.
February 24, 2020
This is one of the best books on productivity I've read. Here's why. First, Crowe builds his approach on biblical principles, helpfully drawing themes from Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the New Testament to guide the rest of the book. Second, the book is structured in a way that makes it easy to access and implement. The chapters generally proceed from broader principles to narrower strategies for productivity. In addition, each chapter contains a helpful list of action steps at the end—I imagine these will be useful to consult periodically. Third, while many books seem to present unrealistic expectations for busyness and productivity, this book helpfully emphasized the importance of grappling with your own finitude and inability to do it all, the biblical imperative to enjoy the fruits of your labor, and the need for personal care through things like food, exercise, and rest. With all of this, Crowe does not neglect the fact that we are sinful creatures who will often waste time and fail to follow through on our best intentions for productivity. In acknowledging this, we are reminded to go to the Lord regularly to repent and to lean on his grace as we strive to reach our potential.
March 23, 2021
I found Every Day Matters to be a helpful book for laying the groundwork of productivity from a biblical perspective. I am naturally a fairly organized and efficient person, and I found that I already did quite a few of the practical suggestions. Now, however, I have a better biblical perspective of the “why” behind my productivity and there are definitely a few practical things I want to apply. I highly recommend this book if you are looking to increase your productivity through the lens of Scripture. It would be a great book for college or graduate students, young professionals, or a team of colleagues to read together.
November 3, 2021
I received so much encouragement and practical help from this book. Crowe reiterates ideas from Covey, GTD, Tim Challies, and Matt Perman and infuses it with biblical wisdom and his own life experience. The action steps at the end of each chapter in Parts 2 and 3 are simple, but make an immediate difference when implemented. I have most of these systems in place, but I've slacked off in writing down goals and purposes. I appreciate what the author says about your calendar revealing your true priorities: "What you do today is who you are; the decisions you make today reflect your actual priorities." (p. 48).
December 27, 2023
3.5 stars! I really appreciated how he laid the framework of biblical work and productivity from Genesis, to Proverbs, to Ecclesiastes and to Paul’s view on work from his life and letters.
But practically I don’t feel like I learned anything groundbreaking new. And I while the writing was straight forward, I wish it would have given me more examples and flavor. Just kind of bland - which coming from a biblical productivity book is okay.
Would recommend it to a follower of Jesus who hadn’t read anything of productivity sub genre before.
But practically I don’t feel like I learned anything groundbreaking new. And I while the writing was straight forward, I wish it would have given me more examples and flavor. Just kind of bland - which coming from a biblical productivity book is okay.
Would recommend it to a follower of Jesus who hadn’t read anything of productivity sub genre before.
December 30, 2025
Why I picked this up: I'm always looking for tips on time management and wasn't too do it in a way that glorifies God.
Crow starts off by looking at what Proverbs and Ecclesiastes had to say about productivity. He then delves into planning priorities and practical ways to practice productivity.
Why I kept reading: the advice is practical and timeless. I gleaned many ideas.
In the end: I will need to re-read this one and follow the action items at the end of each chapter. Time to put this practical advice into practice!
Crow starts off by looking at what Proverbs and Ecclesiastes had to say about productivity. He then delves into planning priorities and practical ways to practice productivity.
Why I kept reading: the advice is practical and timeless. I gleaned many ideas.
In the end: I will need to re-read this one and follow the action items at the end of each chapter. Time to put this practical advice into practice!
April 12, 2020
Wonderful. Concise, Biblical and realistic. Crowe writes at a level which is accessible for every Christian. He starts correctly with the Scriptures, and the Theological/Biblical case for productivity. Then moves to principles in part two and practical thoughts and suggestions in part three. Clear, simple, yet deep. Action steps at the end of each chapter help you think about how to live out what this book seeks to say. It's also a really short book! Absolutely excellent. Highly recommended.
December 10, 2020
It's a decent overview of productivity from a Christian perspective. Very much the 10,000 foot view of it as most chapters can (and have been elsewhere) be expanded to an entire book in and of themselves. I essentially line up with exactly what Crowe writes, but I've also ready pretty much all of his source material, so it's nothing new under the sun. A good introductory material for someone who hasn't read those books, though.
March 25, 2021
More than merely focused on personal development, Hughes is so helpful in considering the aim of living as stewards in every area - from work to family to personal, spiritual disciplines.
This book was both simple and convicting, and I anticipate coming back to it on occasion when looking for a helpful perspective on refocusing my personal stewardship of the time and resources with which I've been entrusted.
This book was both simple and convicting, and I anticipate coming back to it on occasion when looking for a helpful perspective on refocusing my personal stewardship of the time and resources with which I've been entrusted.
April 26, 2021
If you are looking for a biblical perspective in using your time effectively, add this one to the list! Crowe takes the time to address each matter of productivity from a biblical approach and worldview. He also adds great insight into the practical use of time with some tips that he uses in his own life. Crowe offers a great balance between theological and practical while keeping the book short and accessible. Highly recommend!
January 10, 2024
I absolutely loved the content and organization of this book! I could see helping others walk through it as it could be overwhelming for others just wanting to get started to consider how God calls us to use the time He has given us. I most enjoyed the theological review of time and our management of it from the wisdom literature and Pauline example/epistles.
So glad my pastor game me a copy! Now to continue seeking to implement its principles…
So glad my pastor game me a copy! Now to continue seeking to implement its principles…
February 24, 2021
The endorsement on the back of “Every Day Matters” says that it “distilled the best secular books on productivity with a distinctively Christian twist.” This is true, and Crowe does a good job synthesizing those secular books. But, if you come into the book having already read those other books, you will be left wanting. The theological filter is helpful, but not groundbreaking.
February 19, 2020
Practical help with good theological underpinnings. I found the idea of 3 most important things very helpful.
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