Perhaps you’ve heard the term “zero sum game.” It describes a situation where any gain received comes at the expense of something else.
In gaming, it means you and your opponent are competing to see who can get the most points from a limited pool. If he gains a point, you lose a point and vice versa.
In economics, it describes a situation such as two people eating a pizza cut into 10 slices. The only way I can have six is by reducing your share to four.
But the concept of zero sum game also applies to time. You have only 24 hours today and no means to create any more. That means when you take on something new, it has to come at the expense of something else you are already doing.
When you’re tempted to add something new, pause to identify what you’re willing to give up to make it happen. God might use that tactic to keep us from something that wouldn’t redeem the time.
Rick Grubbs is best known as the host of “Redeeming the Time,” a one-minute radio program featured on hundreds of radio outlets around the world. He has spoken thousands of times on Biblical time management in all 50 states and 26 other countries. He is the author of the book “Morning Momentum: God’s plan for launching an unstoppable day”. He and his wife Carrie live in Salisbury NC with several of their 12 children.
