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Redeeming Your Time: 7 Biblical Principles for Being Purposeful, Present, and Wildly Productive
Despite the overwhelming amount of resources for time management and work-life balance, the ability to cultivate the efficiency and equilibrium needed to manage all our worthy pursuits can often feel frustratingly out of reach. The reason for our struggle is that productivity and time-management systems focus on individual habits rather than more meaningful and lasting lifestyle changes. But as it turns out, there is a better way to reach our full potential. We don’t need just another approach to changing our habits. What we need is an operating system that takes into account the full scope of our lives. In these pages, bestselling author Jordan Raynor presents this system, using seven powerful time- management principles drawn from the example of how Jesus 1. Start with the Find meaningful connection with the author of time daily. 2. Let Your Yes Be Accept only the commitments you can fulfill. 3. Dissent from the Kingdom of Create room for silence, stillness, and reflection. 4. Prioritize Your Confidently maintain your commitments. 5. Accept Your “Unipresence”: Focus on one important thing at a time. 6. Embrace Productive Live the God-designed rhythms of rest which are productive for our goals and souls. 7. Eliminate All Embrace productive busyness while ruthlessly eliminating hurry from our lives. With these principles, you’ll see how Jesus managed his time on earth and how he responded to human constraints much like the ones you face today. More than that, you’ll discover corresponding practices that will help you embrace the best, most Christlike version of yourself purposeful, present, and wildly productive.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2021
651 people are currently reading
4275 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Raynor
18 books1,385 followersJordan Raynor is a leading voice of the faith and work movement. Through his bestselling books (The Creator in You, Redeeming Your Time, Master of One, and Called to Create), the Mere Christians podcast, and his weekly devotionals, Jordan has helped millions of Christians in every country on earth connect the gospel to their work.
In addition to his writing, Jordan serves as the Executive Chairman of Threshold 360, a venture-backed tech startup which Jordan previously ran as CEO following a string of successful ventures of his own.
Jordan has twice been selected as a Google Fellow and served in The White House under President George W. Bush. A sixth-generation Floridian, Jordan lives in Tampa with his wife and their three young daughters. The Raynors are proud members of The Church at Odessa.
In addition to his writing, Jordan serves as the Executive Chairman of Threshold 360, a venture-backed tech startup which Jordan previously ran as CEO following a string of successful ventures of his own.
Jordan has twice been selected as a Google Fellow and served in The White House under President George W. Bush. A sixth-generation Floridian, Jordan lives in Tampa with his wife and their three young daughters. The Raynors are proud members of The Church at Odessa.
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January 17, 2022
Can I give this book a million stars please?
As someone who loves being productive, I've researched so many tips, techniques and methods to create a more productive lifestyle. But nothing has been like what's in this book. This book kept me gripped from start to finish with it's expert, gospel-centered advice. I've never seen productivity explained in this way, studying how Jesus lived his own life and reflecting that in our work lives.
I've completely changed the way I work now and I'm looking forward to going into the new year with these new methods and techniques handy. Everyone needs to read this.
As someone who loves being productive, I've researched so many tips, techniques and methods to create a more productive lifestyle. But nothing has been like what's in this book. This book kept me gripped from start to finish with it's expert, gospel-centered advice. I've never seen productivity explained in this way, studying how Jesus lived his own life and reflecting that in our work lives.
I've completely changed the way I work now and I'm looking forward to going into the new year with these new methods and techniques handy. Everyone needs to read this.
October 10, 2021
This was - by far - the best book I've read on productivity. And trust me, I've read a lot of them.
Let's start with Jordan's writing style. In this book, he would seamlessly transition from quoting C.S. Lewis to quoting Taylor Swift, and referencing some of the greatest theologians to referencing Hamilton or The Office. It made this book fun to read and it made Jordan relatable, while still keeping the theology solid and the conversation productive. Also, with his concise writing style he packed a ton of knowledge into 256 pages, so I learned a lot without having to spend hours and hours working through the book (like some others I could mention).
On to the actual content. While most productivity books largely focus on either theory or best practices, this book effortlessly meshed the two. Each of the seven topics covered started with their theological basis, then explained how they were scientifically valid, and ended with a list of ways to implement the idea into your life in a practical manner.
The best part of this book was that, because each of the seven principles was based on Jesus' life, the priority was not 'get what you have to do done so you can go have fun.' The focus was on using your time to the best of your ability so that you can glorify God as much as possible, whether that means finishing your to-do list or postponing it to help a neighbor. So many books prioritize what's best for you or what you want to do, and this has made me a bit uncomfortable when it comes down to implementing the practices they suggest. Because Jordan's principles prioritize Jesus, though, I feel no hesitation doing anything he suggests.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to everyone looking to use their time to the best of their ability.
I received this book for free from Netgalley. All comments and opinions are entirely my own, and I am writing a voluntary review.
Let's start with Jordan's writing style. In this book, he would seamlessly transition from quoting C.S. Lewis to quoting Taylor Swift, and referencing some of the greatest theologians to referencing Hamilton or The Office. It made this book fun to read and it made Jordan relatable, while still keeping the theology solid and the conversation productive. Also, with his concise writing style he packed a ton of knowledge into 256 pages, so I learned a lot without having to spend hours and hours working through the book (like some others I could mention).
On to the actual content. While most productivity books largely focus on either theory or best practices, this book effortlessly meshed the two. Each of the seven topics covered started with their theological basis, then explained how they were scientifically valid, and ended with a list of ways to implement the idea into your life in a practical manner.
The best part of this book was that, because each of the seven principles was based on Jesus' life, the priority was not 'get what you have to do done so you can go have fun.' The focus was on using your time to the best of your ability so that you can glorify God as much as possible, whether that means finishing your to-do list or postponing it to help a neighbor. So many books prioritize what's best for you or what you want to do, and this has made me a bit uncomfortable when it comes down to implementing the practices they suggest. Because Jordan's principles prioritize Jesus, though, I feel no hesitation doing anything he suggests.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to everyone looking to use their time to the best of their ability.
I received this book for free from Netgalley. All comments and opinions are entirely my own, and I am writing a voluntary review.
August 23, 2023
{Full review posted here https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/re...}
“The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it rises.” (Ecc. 1:5)
Time.
It’s a finite resource. We don’t get any more, only less.
The question is, how will we spend it?
The author writes, “the solution to our perennial struggle with time management is found in Jesus Christ.” He writes this to help the Christian connect their theology with practice, to live for the glory of God in all we do.
Each chapter discusses one of the 7 biblical principles. He then provides a few ways you can practice the principle - careful to note not all practices may work for everyone.
He’s done extensive research on time management skills and theories which you’ll find in the vast array of footnotes; he also draws experience from over 200 of his podcast interviews with believers in all kinds of work.
If you’re a busy person. Stop and read this.
In this book you’ll find biblically based time management principles so you can be more effective in your work, because in doing that, you’ll work better and bring more glory to God.
While you may think time management is for office jobs, these principles are generalized and can apply to any kind of work, even if you work in the home. Mothers may feel even less need for time management skills, but I’d argue that a constantly interrupted life with littles will glean blessing from ordering and prioritizing their time well. But remember, we’re coming from a grace-based, not works based, foundation.
If you’ve found yourself in a season of burnout or frustrated with your lack of productivity you’re at the right place. If you want to use your time wisely and learn some steps to keep your focus you’ll find that here.
“The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it rises.” (Ecc. 1:5)
Time.
It’s a finite resource. We don’t get any more, only less.
The question is, how will we spend it?
The author writes, “the solution to our perennial struggle with time management is found in Jesus Christ.” He writes this to help the Christian connect their theology with practice, to live for the glory of God in all we do.
Each chapter discusses one of the 7 biblical principles. He then provides a few ways you can practice the principle - careful to note not all practices may work for everyone.
He’s done extensive research on time management skills and theories which you’ll find in the vast array of footnotes; he also draws experience from over 200 of his podcast interviews with believers in all kinds of work.
If you’re a busy person. Stop and read this.
In this book you’ll find biblically based time management principles so you can be more effective in your work, because in doing that, you’ll work better and bring more glory to God.
While you may think time management is for office jobs, these principles are generalized and can apply to any kind of work, even if you work in the home. Mothers may feel even less need for time management skills, but I’d argue that a constantly interrupted life with littles will glean blessing from ordering and prioritizing their time well. But remember, we’re coming from a grace-based, not works based, foundation.
If you’ve found yourself in a season of burnout or frustrated with your lack of productivity you’re at the right place. If you want to use your time wisely and learn some steps to keep your focus you’ll find that here.
July 9, 2025
a very practical and helpful biblical perspective on productivity. I like how Jordan draws from Jesus' own life and habits to inform our own - ie stealing away to pray and spend time with God, allowing for spontaneous interruption, and prioritizing the right things.
He also provides a ton of practical productivity advice on how to make a 'commitment tracking system', do time blocking, avoid distractions, etc. For me the biggest was to prioritize the morning as the most productive hours of the day by first reading the bible and doing the hardest focus work.
Also, if you work with your mind, rest with your hands; if you work with your hands, rest with your mind. I realized that scrolling, watching videos, or even reading are not actually restful for me, but physical things like doing chores, running, playing piano are most restful because of the type of work I do.
He also provides a ton of practical productivity advice on how to make a 'commitment tracking system', do time blocking, avoid distractions, etc. For me the biggest was to prioritize the morning as the most productive hours of the day by first reading the bible and doing the hardest focus work.
Also, if you work with your mind, rest with your hands; if you work with your hands, rest with your mind. I realized that scrolling, watching videos, or even reading are not actually restful for me, but physical things like doing chores, running, playing piano are most restful because of the type of work I do.
August 12, 2021
Whoa. What an influential book! As I read, I paused to consider, shared segments with friends, and rethought how I function in life. It's not that I needed to make major renovations; I've been reading time management and goal setting books for several years. Additionally, a few years ago, I began decluttering—not just my closets, but also my life and calendar. With all of that, the author's message was refreshing and encouraging.
Taking closer looks at the ministry habits of Jesus while he walked the earth, Mr. Raynor pulled out seven principles we can emulate. And then, after discussing the principle and offering inspiration, he broke it down into actionable steps, often sharing his own practices as examples to make it clear. This might be the best book on productivity and time management that I've ever read.
Taking closer looks at the ministry habits of Jesus while he walked the earth, Mr. Raynor pulled out seven principles we can emulate. And then, after discussing the principle and offering inspiration, he broke it down into actionable steps, often sharing his own practices as examples to make it clear. This might be the best book on productivity and time management that I've ever read.
November 17, 2021
I agree with the TGC article basically. I really wanted to like this book more, but some of the tips don't work for my profession and Raynor gave way less practical guidelines than Challies in Do More Better. This book was sprinkled with pop psychology, pop theology, and the information wasn't synthesized very well. The whole thing read like blog posts. Maybe I just didn't like the prose.
December 3, 2024
Revolutionize the way you live your life!
You may not believe me when I write this, but Jordan Raynor’s latest release, Redeeming Your Time, is one of the most TRANSFORMING books you will read this year! With thousands of motivational books professing to have found the “elixir of time management,” Jordan Raynor takes a humble and refreshing approach, removing us from the center and putting God in His rightful place. Including 7 biblical principles inspired by Yeshua/Jesus’ time on earth and 32 practices that will reshape your life, Redeeming Your Time is more than a self-help book; it’s a tool that will put the puzzle pieces of your life together to ensure that you are doing your most effective work for the Kingdom of God!
Yeshua knew He didn’t have a lot of time to fulfill His mission, so He was purposeful with how He spent each day. Nevertheless, while it was essential for Him to be among the people and minister to the lost, Yeshua also showcased the importance of separating ourselves from the noise and spending time in silence. Today, we live in a world of unending noise, distractions, and idols that want to divert our attentions away from the purpose and calling God has placed on our hearts; however, we don’t have to remain in this constant state of feeling swamped by our work and personal lives. It’s time we learn how to turn off the noise, prioritize what matters most, understand the importance of rest, and close the open loops that are distracting us from successfully diving into productive, deep work!
Jordan Raynor’s personality shines through each page of Redeeming Your Time! Writing in a conversational rather than lecture kind of way, readers will resonate with Jordan’s message and the practices he encourages everyone to implement into their lives. Debunking the myths that work gets us into the Kingdom of God and that we were created to experience the thrill of life (YOLO), Jordan does a FABULOUS job of redirecting readers to the truth. He writes, “No matter how productive you are in this life, your status as an adopted child of God will never ever change…God has given us work to do! We’re not here to just coast through life. We are here on a mission to glorify God by doing as much good for others as possible.”
Redeeming Your Time is by far the best book I have read all year! As someone who was struggling to complete my tasks and fulfill my goals, this book not only gave me the guidance to no longer feel overwhelmed by my usual juggling act, but it also taught me how to restore my time without reducing the work I have been called to do! One of the most humbling encouragements I found in this book was the reminder that “while it may appear that we will all die with unfinished symphonies, ultimately this is just an illusion, as 'God is able to bring eternal results from our time-bound efforts.' (Jordan Raynor & Jen Wilkin— also, see Philippians 1:6). After reading these words, I realized the false pressure I had put on myself to race to the finish line, always looking to the future to make sure I will finish the work set out for me, rather than embracing what God is doing in the present. Once I released this weight, I noticed that my work became more meaningful and productive and that I'm no longer afraid that I will be a disappointment if I die before completing the vision God has given me!
“See then that you walk exactly, not as the unwise, but as the wise, redeeming the time, because the days are wicked.” ~ Ephesians 5;15-16 (TS2009)
If you are one of the many people who feel as though the waves of busyness and noise are constantly pummeling you underwater, I cannot recommend Redeeming Your Time enough! In fact, if you’re ready to commit to revolutionizing and redeeming your time, I want to encourage you to sign up for Jordan Raynor’s 7-week Coaching Community — a program that goes through each chapter with a community of international participants, weekly zoom calls with Jordan himself, and one-to-one coaching! Doing this course was a huge blessing and provided me with accountability as I began implementing the new habits I formed through reading this book!
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a pre-release copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*
Deep work makes the dream work.
No matter how productive you are in this life, your status as an adopted child of God will never ever change.
God has given us work to do! We’re not here to just coast through life. We are here on a mission to glorify God by doing as much good for others as possible.
We’re called to model Jesus’ example of counting the cost and eliminating hurry from our schedules. We’re called to glorify the Father by doing good works for others. We’re called to reflect Jesus by being purposeful, present, and wildly productive. In short, we’re called to redeem our time.
You may not believe me when I write this, but Jordan Raynor’s latest release, Redeeming Your Time, is one of the most TRANSFORMING books you will read this year! With thousands of motivational books professing to have found the “elixir of time management,” Jordan Raynor takes a humble and refreshing approach, removing us from the center and putting God in His rightful place. Including 7 biblical principles inspired by Yeshua/Jesus’ time on earth and 32 practices that will reshape your life, Redeeming Your Time is more than a self-help book; it’s a tool that will put the puzzle pieces of your life together to ensure that you are doing your most effective work for the Kingdom of God!
Yeshua knew He didn’t have a lot of time to fulfill His mission, so He was purposeful with how He spent each day. Nevertheless, while it was essential for Him to be among the people and minister to the lost, Yeshua also showcased the importance of separating ourselves from the noise and spending time in silence. Today, we live in a world of unending noise, distractions, and idols that want to divert our attentions away from the purpose and calling God has placed on our hearts; however, we don’t have to remain in this constant state of feeling swamped by our work and personal lives. It’s time we learn how to turn off the noise, prioritize what matters most, understand the importance of rest, and close the open loops that are distracting us from successfully diving into productive, deep work!
Jordan Raynor’s personality shines through each page of Redeeming Your Time! Writing in a conversational rather than lecture kind of way, readers will resonate with Jordan’s message and the practices he encourages everyone to implement into their lives. Debunking the myths that work gets us into the Kingdom of God and that we were created to experience the thrill of life (YOLO), Jordan does a FABULOUS job of redirecting readers to the truth. He writes, “No matter how productive you are in this life, your status as an adopted child of God will never ever change…God has given us work to do! We’re not here to just coast through life. We are here on a mission to glorify God by doing as much good for others as possible.”
Redeeming Your Time is by far the best book I have read all year! As someone who was struggling to complete my tasks and fulfill my goals, this book not only gave me the guidance to no longer feel overwhelmed by my usual juggling act, but it also taught me how to restore my time without reducing the work I have been called to do! One of the most humbling encouragements I found in this book was the reminder that “while it may appear that we will all die with unfinished symphonies, ultimately this is just an illusion, as 'God is able to bring eternal results from our time-bound efforts.' (Jordan Raynor & Jen Wilkin— also, see Philippians 1:6). After reading these words, I realized the false pressure I had put on myself to race to the finish line, always looking to the future to make sure I will finish the work set out for me, rather than embracing what God is doing in the present. Once I released this weight, I noticed that my work became more meaningful and productive and that I'm no longer afraid that I will be a disappointment if I die before completing the vision God has given me!
“See then that you walk exactly, not as the unwise, but as the wise, redeeming the time, because the days are wicked.” ~ Ephesians 5;15-16 (TS2009)
If you are one of the many people who feel as though the waves of busyness and noise are constantly pummeling you underwater, I cannot recommend Redeeming Your Time enough! In fact, if you’re ready to commit to revolutionizing and redeeming your time, I want to encourage you to sign up for Jordan Raynor’s 7-week Coaching Community — a program that goes through each chapter with a community of international participants, weekly zoom calls with Jordan himself, and one-to-one coaching! Doing this course was a huge blessing and provided me with accountability as I began implementing the new habits I formed through reading this book!
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a pre-release copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*
Deep work makes the dream work. No matter how productive you are in this life, your status as an adopted child of God will never ever change. God has given us work to do! We’re not here to just coast through life. We are here on a mission to glorify God by doing as much good for others as possible. We’re called to model Jesus’ example of counting the cost and eliminating hurry from our schedules. We’re called to glorify the Father by doing good works for others. We’re called to reflect Jesus by being purposeful, present, and wildly productive. In short, we’re called to redeem our time.August 6, 2021
If your reading wishlist/bookshelf has books like 'Ruthless Elimination of Hurry', 'Deep Work', 'Atomic Habits' and 'Getting Things Done' (I did) then look no further. This book is for you. In 'Redeeming Your Time', Jordan takes the best of some of the most successful books on productivity, time and energy management and filters them through the prism of what the gospel and the lifestyle of Lord Jesus already offers and sets us free, and combines with his trademark empathy and creativity by bundling key principles of rest and work with really (and I mean, really) practical disciplines that, when applied, fulfill the audacious promise this book makes - to make you purposeful, present and wildly productive. I guarantee you will not only buy this book but will be gifting more than you thought you would.
July 10, 2025
Permission Verlag hat das überaus wertvolle Buch zum Thema Produktivität in die deutsche Sprache übersetzt. Obwohl es viele Bücher zu diesem Thema gibt, sticht dieses Buch heraus. Jordan Reynor hat sich das Leben Jesu angeschaut und daraus sieben nützliche Prinzipien herausgearbeitet, die einem helfen, seine Zeit zu Ehre Gottes und zum Wohl des Nächsten auszukaufen. Dieses Buch ist ein Gewinn und jedem zu empfehlen, der gerne seine Zeit besser gebrauchen möchte. Es beinhaltet sehr viele Anwendungen und ist somit nicht nur theoretisch, sondern auch sehr praktisch. Ich bin sehr dankbar, dass es in deutsch erschienen ist.
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September 8, 2021This is the most helpful productivity book I’ve read. I appreciate that it’s biblically based AND has a practical framework to actually help me get organized. I’m just starting to implement the steps, but I already feel like I want to work these things all the way out.
For once in my business life I believe that I can be organized and that my business can turn the corner. I want to move through my days like Jesus did. I want to rest. I’m super thankful for this book and I know its going to be one I refer back to for years to come.
For once in my business life I believe that I can be organized and that my business can turn the corner. I want to move through my days like Jesus did. I want to rest. I’m super thankful for this book and I know its going to be one I refer back to for years to come.
October 21, 2021
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.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
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.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
March 12, 2022
While I don’t work an 8-5 office job, I still found the overall message of this book so helpful & beneficial in the way I approach time management (or more aptly, energy management).
I loved how Raynor threaded Jesus’ life in the gospels throughout each chapter, even the super practical ones. His emphasis on how imperative daily time in fellowship with God is crucial for Christians if we want to truly redeem the time we have left in our already brief lives according to the will of God was so needed & good!
I also really appreciated his epilogue, too! Recognizing that the desire to be disciplined can quickly become an idol is a necessary thing to realize. How he talked about lacking grace for yourself when you don’t accomplish everything on your to-do list, or you start to feel depressed when you aren’t making your goals in the time you allotted was so refreshing! Like it’s not okay to feel that way about yourself; that is so anithetical to the heart of God. If God needed us to stick to a strict daily schedule, there’d be one in the Bible lol. For as much grace God has for us as His children, there’s not any that can be added if we complete all of the items on our to-do list’s, nor any that can be taken away because of items still left on our to-do list’s. His grace just is 🙌🏼😭
I loved how Raynor threaded Jesus’ life in the gospels throughout each chapter, even the super practical ones. His emphasis on how imperative daily time in fellowship with God is crucial for Christians if we want to truly redeem the time we have left in our already brief lives according to the will of God was so needed & good!
I also really appreciated his epilogue, too! Recognizing that the desire to be disciplined can quickly become an idol is a necessary thing to realize. How he talked about lacking grace for yourself when you don’t accomplish everything on your to-do list, or you start to feel depressed when you aren’t making your goals in the time you allotted was so refreshing! Like it’s not okay to feel that way about yourself; that is so anithetical to the heart of God. If God needed us to stick to a strict daily schedule, there’d be one in the Bible lol. For as much grace God has for us as His children, there’s not any that can be added if we complete all of the items on our to-do list’s, nor any that can be taken away because of items still left on our to-do list’s. His grace just is 🙌🏼😭
September 4, 2024
Though Raynor mentions some personal practices that I disagree with, the aim that he sets out to accomplish in this work is certainly met. He offers a biblically based view of how the Christian ought to use their time because of "where time is going." It was refreshing to read a productivity book that is modeled on biblical principles rather than secular business world metrics. I am certainly going to be using some of the very practical things that Raynor lays out in this work. Highly recommend for any Christian struggling to use their time wisely and effectively. I thought I was productive and using my time well, but this book made me question every bit of it. Awesome!
February 10, 2023
This book was really helpful! The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that it said a lot of similar things that “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by Comer writes. Since I read Comer’s book last year, some of the concepts were repetitive, but it still a good reminder for me how important it is to budget my time.
October 18, 2023
This book is very motivating and for people who want more discipline! I love how he uses the concept of “Deep Work” by Cal Newport to assign his mornings to the most productive things. He explains time blocking very well but most importantly why we are called to be productive! All for the glory of our Heavenly Father 🙌🏻
September 16, 2021
Time is finite and I waste a lot of it. In some areas of my life I am dedicated and disciplined and have excelled at the highest levels. Other areas leave lots of room for improvement.
I will certainly be implementing the strategies outlined in this practical book. I love how the Biblical wisdom is made clear and practically implementable.
I am 100% sure that applying this wisdom to my life will assist me to become a better steward of my time.
Thanks Jordan much appreciated.
I will certainly be implementing the strategies outlined in this practical book. I love how the Biblical wisdom is made clear and practically implementable.
I am 100% sure that applying this wisdom to my life will assist me to become a better steward of my time.
Thanks Jordan much appreciated.
October 24, 2023
Definitely a book I will keep around to revisit, reference, and ponder. Though I'm not sure all of Raynor's ideas translate to all schedule and work types, there are some helpful thoughts here for organizing and aligning our schedules to mission and thinking biblically about how we spend our time.
December 24, 2025
Excellent book! I think everyone would benefit from reading it! So much practical information backed by biblical teachings. I’ve put some of these tips into practice and it’s really made a difference.
October 27, 2022
3.92 stars
May 3, 2023
The exegesis is a little strained at times, but the principles are very helpful.
January 5, 2023
Incredibly practical steps to honoring God with your time, especially great for young professionals.
September 7, 2021
What a great book!!
It´s not only incredible practical and usefull, is definitely a God based book. I get exahusted trying to find a tools on Time Mangament that doesn´t relly only in following your passions and promise you peace after making X and Y, but this book was more than I was expecting.
Remebering that I have peace beacuse of God and that way I can be productive was a game changer, so then I can put in practice all the wisdom found in the life os Jesus that Jordan Raynor sumaryzes really well in the book.
Defintely one of my favorites.
It´s not only incredible practical and usefull, is definitely a God based book. I get exahusted trying to find a tools on Time Mangament that doesn´t relly only in following your passions and promise you peace after making X and Y, but this book was more than I was expecting.
Remebering that I have peace beacuse of God and that way I can be productive was a game changer, so then I can put in practice all the wisdom found in the life os Jesus that Jordan Raynor sumaryzes really well in the book.
Defintely one of my favorites.
January 11, 2022
Great productivity book with some great tips and great case studies into how Jesus used his time
August 29, 2021
I have to admit, I'm not a big reader. I am, however, a small business owner who likes a practical book with a simple mission, written in easily digestible chapters, and offers real world application. The kind that fundamentally changes the way you think about things and makes you excited to put them into action. This is one of those books—maybe the best of those books. Jordan isn't trying to sell you on a "system" or "4 hour work week.” Every chapter is immediately actionable. As I read it, I found myself finishing a section, closing the book, and going to my time management system or calendar to rethink how to prioritize my work. This book has lead to less anxiety, sharper focus, more thorough communication with clients, and a more streamlined workflow. On top of all of that, Jordan is able to weave the wisdom of Scripture throughout, using the life of Jesus as a model to follow in our daily work, lives and relationships.
April 25, 2024
4.5 stars! practical, organized, insightful, encouraging (especially as an audiobook), and rooted in faith.
February 25, 2022
Do you feel snowed under and swamped like I often do? This book came along at just the right time for me. I needed a methodical approach to getting control of the never-done lists and the less-than-fruitful effort. But more than that, this book provides a perspective on what we’re working toward. It describes the fascinating tension between working hard to accomplish lasting things, and the truth that we’ll never finish everything we set out to do. The author argues that there’s a sweet freedom in working hard and smart, but leaving the results to God. I love everything Jordan has ever written, but this book was uniquely impactful.
August 11, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, Jordan Raynor, and Waterbrook Press for this ARC. More like 3.25 stars. I’ve read all of Jordan’s books thus far and really appreciate the way he brings scripture into everything he writes. With a hyper-focus on time management, the book was full of actionable exercises for professionals but I missed his usual storytelling. It felt like he was trying to cover a lot in one book. I got the most from his fourth chapter, Prioritize Your Yeses. All in all, it was worth the read and inspired a few notes.
July 10, 2025
TOC:
1. Start with the Word
2. Let Your Yes Be Yes:
3. Dissent from the Kingdom of Noise
4. Prioritize Your Yeses
5. Accept Your "Unipresence"
6. Embrace Productive Rest:
7. Eliminate All Hurry:
Quotes: Our work matters today because it is a means of glorifying God and loving our neighbors as ourselves
1. Start with the Word
2. Let Your Yes Be Yes:
3. Dissent from the Kingdom of Noise
4. Prioritize Your Yeses
5. Accept Your "Unipresence"
6. Embrace Productive Rest:
7. Eliminate All Hurry:
Quotes: Our work matters today because it is a means of glorifying God and loving our neighbors as ourselves
August 14, 2021
Like me, you may have already read a few books about productivity. I’ve read good books by Tim Challies and Matt Perman, and recently read Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor (Called to Create, Master of One), which I commend to you.
Raynor tells us that the solution to our struggle with time management is found in Jesus Christ. He tells us that Jesus offers us peace before we do anything, and also that Jesus shows us how God would manage his time. Because he was infallible God, we can assume that Jesus managed his time perfectly, providing us with the ideal model to follow. As far as what makes this book different from other time management/productivity books you’ve read, the author tells us that this book:
• Accounts for how the Author of time managed his time.
• Seeks to collect and connect the previously disconnected pieces of the time management puzzle.
• Attempts to strike a unique balance between the theological, the theoretical, and the tactical.
The title of the book comes from Ephesians 5:15:17:
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
In that passage, Paul tells us to redeem our time to do the will of the Lord. How we do that is what this book is all about.
The book covers 7 biblical principles, each representing a separate piece of the puzzle to redeeming our time. With these principles are 35 helpful practices. Along the way, with his characteristic fresh and interesting writing style, the author shares tools and helpful stories to illustrate the principles. He also shares bonus resources that I found helpful at a related site the reader is directed to.
The author tells us if our aim is to redeem our time, it is imperative that we start with God’s Word, where we can find practical wisdom as to how to redeem our time. Specifically, he looks to the life of Christ, where he examines seven time management principles from the life of Christ and maps them to corresponding practices that can help us live out those principles in the twenty-first century. Among the many topics covered in the book were our daily devotional time, open loops, a Commitment Tracking System (using OmniFocus software), solitude, goals, objectives and key results, deep work, interruptions, distractions, scheduling appointments with ourselves, sleep, rest and Sabbath rest.
The author wants us to know that the gospel frees us from the need to be productive. God doesn’t need us to finish our to-do lists. He loves and accepts us “no matter how many good things we do” and no matter how productive we are.
Below are some of my favorite quotes from the book:
• Our work matters today because it is a means of glorifying God and loving our neighbors as ourselves. But our work also matters for eternity because God can use it to build his kingdom.
• God doesn’t need you or me to finish our to-do lists. If the things on our to-do lists are on God’s to-do list, he will complete them with or without us.
• For the Christian, the key to being wildly productive is realizing that you don’t need to be productive. Because once you realize that God accepts you no matter how many good things you do, you want to be productive for his agenda as a loving act of worship.
• The very purpose of our lives—the reason we were created and saved—was to do “good works,” that advance God’s kingdom and glorify him in the process.
• Prioritizing daily time with the Author of time is one of the primary ways we can demonstrate our devotion to the Lord. And nothing will have a greater impact on our efforts to be purposeful, present, and productive towards his aims.
• Good work requires good thought, and good thought requires great solitude.
• Noise limits our ability to think. And if we don’t have space to think, we can’t discern the essential from the noise and prioritize our to-do lists. And if we can’t prioritize, we can’t focus on the work we believe God has called us to do.
• Whether you’re a basketball player, an entrepreneur, a designer, a working mom, a woodworker, or a writer, what matters is doing our most exceptional work for the glory of God and the good of others. But to do that, we must redeem our time. And to redeem our time, we need to get crystal clear on what matters most on our never-ending to-do lists. We must clarify what we’re saying “yes” to so we can say “no” to nonessential things along the way.
• To redeem our time in the model of our Redeemer, we must develop the habit of identifying what matters most on our to-do list at any given point in time.
• While our mission in life is discovered, our callings are chosen.
• The way you serve your employer well is by being fully present, doing focused work that yields tremendous output. The way you serve your family well is by being fully present physically and mentally when you’re at home. In today’s distracted world, being fully present is one of the most valuable presents you can give.
• Life’s too short to spend time on things that only deserve half our attention.
• You will never be able to “go deep” at work or at home until you believe this truth: You have more control than you think over when you respond to incoming messages.
• As Christ-followers, we are compelled to pursue excellence in each of our callings in life. And excellence at home requires time, attention, and focus. In other words, depth.
• Rest is not just productive for our goals. Rest is also productive for our souls.
• Sabbath is a day for ceasing and feasting.
• Hurry is the great enemy of our ability to be purposeful, present, and wildly productive.
• Discipline is a gift, but it can also be a curse. It can become an idol.
Raynor tells us that the solution to our struggle with time management is found in Jesus Christ. He tells us that Jesus offers us peace before we do anything, and also that Jesus shows us how God would manage his time. Because he was infallible God, we can assume that Jesus managed his time perfectly, providing us with the ideal model to follow. As far as what makes this book different from other time management/productivity books you’ve read, the author tells us that this book:
• Accounts for how the Author of time managed his time.
• Seeks to collect and connect the previously disconnected pieces of the time management puzzle.
• Attempts to strike a unique balance between the theological, the theoretical, and the tactical.
The title of the book comes from Ephesians 5:15:17:
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
In that passage, Paul tells us to redeem our time to do the will of the Lord. How we do that is what this book is all about.
The book covers 7 biblical principles, each representing a separate piece of the puzzle to redeeming our time. With these principles are 35 helpful practices. Along the way, with his characteristic fresh and interesting writing style, the author shares tools and helpful stories to illustrate the principles. He also shares bonus resources that I found helpful at a related site the reader is directed to.
The author tells us if our aim is to redeem our time, it is imperative that we start with God’s Word, where we can find practical wisdom as to how to redeem our time. Specifically, he looks to the life of Christ, where he examines seven time management principles from the life of Christ and maps them to corresponding practices that can help us live out those principles in the twenty-first century. Among the many topics covered in the book were our daily devotional time, open loops, a Commitment Tracking System (using OmniFocus software), solitude, goals, objectives and key results, deep work, interruptions, distractions, scheduling appointments with ourselves, sleep, rest and Sabbath rest.
The author wants us to know that the gospel frees us from the need to be productive. God doesn’t need us to finish our to-do lists. He loves and accepts us “no matter how many good things we do” and no matter how productive we are.
Below are some of my favorite quotes from the book:
• Our work matters today because it is a means of glorifying God and loving our neighbors as ourselves. But our work also matters for eternity because God can use it to build his kingdom.
• God doesn’t need you or me to finish our to-do lists. If the things on our to-do lists are on God’s to-do list, he will complete them with or without us.
• For the Christian, the key to being wildly productive is realizing that you don’t need to be productive. Because once you realize that God accepts you no matter how many good things you do, you want to be productive for his agenda as a loving act of worship.
• The very purpose of our lives—the reason we were created and saved—was to do “good works,” that advance God’s kingdom and glorify him in the process.
• Prioritizing daily time with the Author of time is one of the primary ways we can demonstrate our devotion to the Lord. And nothing will have a greater impact on our efforts to be purposeful, present, and productive towards his aims.
• Good work requires good thought, and good thought requires great solitude.
• Noise limits our ability to think. And if we don’t have space to think, we can’t discern the essential from the noise and prioritize our to-do lists. And if we can’t prioritize, we can’t focus on the work we believe God has called us to do.
• Whether you’re a basketball player, an entrepreneur, a designer, a working mom, a woodworker, or a writer, what matters is doing our most exceptional work for the glory of God and the good of others. But to do that, we must redeem our time. And to redeem our time, we need to get crystal clear on what matters most on our never-ending to-do lists. We must clarify what we’re saying “yes” to so we can say “no” to nonessential things along the way.
• To redeem our time in the model of our Redeemer, we must develop the habit of identifying what matters most on our to-do list at any given point in time.
• While our mission in life is discovered, our callings are chosen.
• The way you serve your employer well is by being fully present, doing focused work that yields tremendous output. The way you serve your family well is by being fully present physically and mentally when you’re at home. In today’s distracted world, being fully present is one of the most valuable presents you can give.
• Life’s too short to spend time on things that only deserve half our attention.
• You will never be able to “go deep” at work or at home until you believe this truth: You have more control than you think over when you respond to incoming messages.
• As Christ-followers, we are compelled to pursue excellence in each of our callings in life. And excellence at home requires time, attention, and focus. In other words, depth.
• Rest is not just productive for our goals. Rest is also productive for our souls.
• Sabbath is a day for ceasing and feasting.
• Hurry is the great enemy of our ability to be purposeful, present, and wildly productive.
• Discipline is a gift, but it can also be a curse. It can become an idol.
February 13, 2024
You know how there are some books you pick up and read and they either feel like you grabbed them at just the right time or it just wasn't the right time? Well I can't help but appreciate the irony that this book, "Redeeming Your Time," was one that I just so happened to be reading at the absolute most ideal time in my life.
I'll admit I was certainly a bit skeptical of what this book would be like based off the fact that the subtitle and description promised some lofty productivity wins that would be mined from the life of Jesus. This could have been one of those cheap business books that baptize their ideas with a sprinkling of Scripture to cater to a more Christian audience. Fortunately, however, this was far from the case here.
Raynor does an excellent job of accurately directing readers to the life of Jesus to see principles of time and energy management. And he began his book by openly admitting that those principles then will be pulled into the modern context with various possible applications/practices.
Early in the book, Raynor mentions how he has this list of productivity books that he has recommended to people. My apprehensions continued, seeing as I'd read or listened to the majority of them. Would this be any different? Different enough to be worth standing on its own as a helpful resource? The answer by the time I got to the last page was a resounding yes!
In this book you really do get a fair treatment of the life of Jesus as well as accurately applied Scriptures to help make this book truly a God-honoring approach to being "purposeful, present & wildly productive." The author does a great job balancing confidence and personal experience along with humility and an openness to the reader's differing experiences as well. Highly practical, it's a book that I found is best digested a bit more slowly and intentionally as you graft in the practices Raynor offers, rather than race through to complete reading the content.
I was so pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed this book and got so much out of it. It makes me eager to recommend it to others who long to live life to the fullest for the glory of God and the good of others.
I'll admit I was certainly a bit skeptical of what this book would be like based off the fact that the subtitle and description promised some lofty productivity wins that would be mined from the life of Jesus. This could have been one of those cheap business books that baptize their ideas with a sprinkling of Scripture to cater to a more Christian audience. Fortunately, however, this was far from the case here.
Raynor does an excellent job of accurately directing readers to the life of Jesus to see principles of time and energy management. And he began his book by openly admitting that those principles then will be pulled into the modern context with various possible applications/practices.
Early in the book, Raynor mentions how he has this list of productivity books that he has recommended to people. My apprehensions continued, seeing as I'd read or listened to the majority of them. Would this be any different? Different enough to be worth standing on its own as a helpful resource? The answer by the time I got to the last page was a resounding yes!
In this book you really do get a fair treatment of the life of Jesus as well as accurately applied Scriptures to help make this book truly a God-honoring approach to being "purposeful, present & wildly productive." The author does a great job balancing confidence and personal experience along with humility and an openness to the reader's differing experiences as well. Highly practical, it's a book that I found is best digested a bit more slowly and intentionally as you graft in the practices Raynor offers, rather than race through to complete reading the content.
I was so pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed this book and got so much out of it. It makes me eager to recommend it to others who long to live life to the fullest for the glory of God and the good of others.
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