Most of us probably want to make the most of our lives. We are mindful that our days are short, and like Moses, we want to learn how to number them that we may get a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12). Thankfully, there are scores of books that promise to help us become more productive and get things done. But the vast majority of these books are secular, and though they have excellent principles, they are not all applicable to the Christian life. Whereas our ultimate goal is to glorify God and work for His kingdom, these books promote doing more for our sake and our kingdoms.
So Brandon Crowe, associate professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary, wrote Every Day Matters: A Biblical Approach to Productivity to equip Christians with the best secular productivity tools and a biblical approach to use them for God’s glory.
Crowe’s principal message in this book is that every day matters. None of our days are insignificant, and the daily things we do—no matter how small—are who we are. Consequently, we must redeem our time by living wisely.
He writes, “Redeeming the time is not, in other words, simply about good time management. Instead, redeeming the time recognizes that we live in an evil age that seeks to enslave us to darkness and evil passions. We need. Therefore, to be alert and awake, soberly recognizing that our actions are enormously significant…Redeeming the time means making the most of the days for doing good for others, resisting the sinful chaos of the world, and working for positive gains.”
The book has three primary parts. Part one provides a biblical perspective on productivity. Here, Crowe uses the Wisdom literature to lay down a theological foundation of productivity and uses the life and ministry of the apostle Paul as an example. Part two covers basic principles of productivity: identifying priorities, setting and meeting goals, establishing routines, family, resting, and being healthy. And in part three, Crowe provides practical tips to apply these principles in our daily lives.
The most notable strength of Every Day Matters is the solid theological foundation. I enjoyed learning what the Wisdom Literature of the Bible teaches about being productive and seeing the practical examples from Paul’s life.
The book also features many excellent principles of productivity that should benefit everyone. I was familiar with some, but a few were new to me. One principle that I found fascinating is the rule of three. Each day, you focus on the three most important tasks you can do, tasks that, once done, will make your day a success. I have applied it, and it has helped me focus on accomplishing my most important tasks every day. Plus, it feels good to know you have executed your most important tasks.
There are helpful action steps at the end of most chapters, but overall, Every Day Matters is not that practical. Except from the last two chapters (which I enjoyed the most), the book is primarily theological and theoretical. Also, Crowe addresses a few topics in the book that I did not expect in a productivity book. For instance, family life, diet, tips on praying, and reading the Bible. I cared little for them and thought it is a bit off track. If I wanted to learn Spiritual disciplines, I would read a book about them.
Nevertheless, Every Day Matters is a good book, and I recommend it for the theology and principles of productivity. But if you want something more practical, I highly recommend Do More Better by Tim Challies instead.
*Lexham Press graciously gave me a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. *
