Welcome back to our Bible study about setting godly goals and being a good steward. Today, we’re talking about how to use one of our God-given gifts: time.
Time is one of the most precious gifts God gives us. Unlike money, talent, or possessions, time cannot be stored, replaced, or recovered once it’s gone. Every day, God entrusts us with the same twenty-four hours, and how we use those hours reveals what truly matters to us.
In Scripture, time is never treated casually. The Bible calls believers to live with purpose, wisdom, and eternal perspective. Using your time wisely doesn’t mean keeping yourself busy. It’s all about being faithful. When we learn to see time as a sacred gift from God, our priorities begin to change, and our lives take on deeper meaning.
What Does the Bible Say About Time?
The Bible consistently reminds us that our lives are temporary and that every moment matters. Moses prayed:
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12 KJV)
To “number our days” means to live with awareness that our time on earth is limited. This awareness doesn’t lead to fear. On the contrary, it gives us wisdom. When we understand the value of time, we begin to invest it more carefully.
Paul echoes this truth in the New Testament:
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15–16)
To redeem the time means to make the most of it: to use each moment in ways that honor God and reflect His purposes. When we understand that time is a gift from God, not an entitlement, we begin to live with greater purpose, intention, and gratitude.
We must be intentional, especially in this age of constant noise, endless scrolling, and nonstop distractions. Our attention is always being pulled in different directions, often away from what matters most. But if we practice redeeming our time, we’ll waste less of it and live a more fulfilling life.
Why Using Time Wisely Matters Spiritually
Using your time wisely is not just a practical habit; it is a spiritual discipline. Every moment of your life is an opportunity to glorify God, serve others, and grow in faith.
Jesus Himself modeled intentional use of time. Despite constant demands, He prioritized prayer, teaching, compassion, and obedience to the Father’s will. He never rushed, yet He never wasted time.
When we misuse time—through distraction, procrastination, or misplaced priorities—we often feel restless and unfulfilled. But when our time is aligned with God’s purposes, we experience clarity, peace, and direction.
Biblical Priorities for Your Time
1. Time With God Comes First
The foundation of wise time management is a personal relationship with God. Before anything else, Scripture calls us to seek Him.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Spending time in prayer, Scripture, and worship is not wasted time. It’s actually the most productive time of all. When God is first, everything else falls into proper order.
Practical ways to prioritize time with God:
- Begin your day with prayer and Scripture.
- Pause throughout the day to acknowledge God’s presence.
- Set aside regular time for quiet reflection and worship.
2. Time for Obedience and Good Works
God has created each believer for a purpose. Paul writes:
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Using time wisely means actively participating in the good works God has prepared for us. This may include serving in your church, helping those in need, or simply showing kindness in everyday interactions.
Wise use of time often looks ordinary:
- Encouraging someone who is struggling
- Being present with family
- Serving faithfully in small tasks
God values faithfulness in the unseen moments.
3. Time for Work and Responsibility
The Bible affirms the importance of diligence and responsibility in daily life. Colossians 3:23 instructs believers:
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
Whether your work is professional, creative, or domestic, it is part of your stewardship. Using time wisely at work means giving your best effort, acting with integrity, and recognizing your labor as service to God.
This is true no matter what you do for a living. Maybe you work at a grocery store, factory, or a corporate office, and you think, “How is my work contributing to God’s kingdom?” But if you are bringing home a paycheck to pay the bills, you are being a good steward and using your time wisely. And if you are working hard “as to the Lord, and not unto men,” God is keeping score and will bless you accordingly.
4. Time for Rest and Renewal
Wise use of time also includes rest. God Himself established a rhythm of work and rest in creation. Jesus often withdrew from crowds to pray and rest.
Rest is not laziness. It’s a time to allow your body, mind, and spirit to recharge. This is part of taking care of our physical selves: the temple of the Holy Spirit. In fact, rest can be an act of obedience and worship.
Ways to honor God with rest:
- Observe regular times of physical and mental renewal.
- Disconnect from constant distractions.
- Allow space for quiet and reflection.
Common Ways We Waste Time (and How to Redeem It)
The world we live in is full of distractions. Technology, entertainment, and endless obligations can quietly consume our days.
Consider these questions:
- Do I spend more time on screens than in Scripture?
- Do I fill my schedule with activity but neglect spiritual growth?
- Do I procrastinate on what God is calling me to do?
Redeeming time doesn’t require perfection, but it does push us toward making conscious choices and better decisions.
Practical steps to redeem your time:
- Identify your top spiritual priorities.
- Schedule time for prayer and Scripture.
- Limit distractions that pull you away from what matters most.
- Ask God daily to guide your use of time.
Living With an Eternal Perspective
Ultimately, using time wisely means living with eternity in view. Jesus warned against focusing solely on temporary things:
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth… But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19–20)
Every moment invested in God’s purposes has eternal significance. Even small acts of obedience echo into eternity.
When you see time as a gift from God rather than a burden, your life begins to change. You move from rushing through days to walking purposefully with Him.
A Call to Faithful Stewardship of Time
You don’t need to radically change your life overnight to use your time wisely. Faithful stewardship begins with small, consistent choices: choosing prayer over distraction, obedience over convenience, and eternal values over temporary pleasures.
God is not asking you to do everything. He is asking you to be faithful with the time you’ve been given.
“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12 KJV)
May your days be guided not by pressure or fear but by purpose, peace, and devotion to the One who gave you time itself.
Next time, we’ll talk about how the Bible says we should use our talents. Until then, may you be blessed by God’s grace and peace.
Joseph VanBuren 