I want to talk to you this morning about something I hear so many people say—”I just don’t have enough time.” Time management is crucial, not just in life, but especially in the Christian walk. The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:15-16 to “look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” That tells me that time is not just something to be spent—it’s something to be redeemed, something to be used wisely for God’s purpose.
Now, time is a valuable commodity. And when I fail to use it properly, I open the door for all kinds of problems. The world recognizes this, which is why we see countless strategies and programs on time management. I remember learning about this at the Florida School of Preaching—learning how to respect time and set it aside for the things that truly matter. Because, after all, time is what life is made of. And how I use my time says a lot about my character, about who I am, and ultimately, it may even determine where I will spend eternity.
Why Should I Be Careful Not to Waste Time?
Wasting time is something we’re all guilty of—I know I am. Sometimes it’s out of my control, and when that happens, frustration creeps in. Ever been stuck at every red light when you’re running late? Or sat in a doctor’s office for 45 minutes past your appointment time? Frustrating, isn’t it? But while some things are out of my control, there’s a whole lot that is in my hands.
The Bible warns against wasting time. In Proverbs 6:6-11, I’m told to consider the ant—hardworking, diligent, always preparing for what’s ahead. The lazy person, the sluggard, is warned that poverty and need will sneak up like a thief in the night. I need to ask myself: Am I making the best use of the time God has given me?
I see time wasted in so many ways:
- Lack of organization and planning – If I don’t plan my time, it slips through my fingers.
- Mindless entertainment – TV, social media, endless scrolling—these can quickly drain hours away.
- Overemphasis on recreation – There’s nothing wrong with vacations or hobbies, but when I spend more time planning my next trip than I do planning time with God, that’s a problem.
- Dwelling on past mistakes – Paul says in Philippians 3:13-14 to forget what is behind and press forward. I can’t change the past, but I can choose to move forward in faith.
- Worrying about the future – Philippians 4:6 tells me to be anxious for nothing. My job is to trust God with my future, not waste today worrying about tomorrow.
- Gossip and idleness – Paul warns against idleness in 1 Timothy 5:13—those who go about gossiping instead of using their time productively.
God values my time. Am I valuing it the way He does?
The Value of Time
Time is valuable because it allows for change. I look at Peter—his character was built, then broken when he denied Christ, but later restored. Time allowed him to repent and grow stronger.
Time is valuable because it gives me a chance to heal. My health, my heart, my relationships—broken things can be restored, but I must use my time wisely to allow for that healing.
Time is valuable because it gives the sinner an opportunity to repent. 2 Peter 3:9 tells me that God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but for all to come to repentance. Right now, I have time to make things right with God. But I won’t always.
A Time for Everything
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 reminds me that there is a time for everything—a time to be born, a time to die; a time to weep, a time to laugh; a time to work, a time to rest.
- There’s a time to work (Ephesians 4:28). If I refuse to work, Paul says in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 that I shouldn’t expect to eat. Hard work honors God.
- There’s a time to rest (John 4:6). Even Jesus, weary from His journey, took time to sit and rest. I need to remember that rest is not laziness—it’s a God-given necessity.
- There’s a time to relax and recharge (Mark 6:31-32). Jesus told His disciples to step away and rest for a while. My soul needs moments of quiet with God.
- And most importantly, there’s a time to seek God (Matthew 6:33). I must prioritize my time with Him, making sure that in the midst of all my responsibilities, I do not neglect the most important relationship in my life.
Life Is a Vapor—Am I Ready?
James 4:13-15 reminds me that life is uncertain. I can make all the plans I want, but ultimately, my life is a vapor—it appears for a little while and then vanishes. I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I do know that today is an opportunity to get right with God.
Jesus Himself said in John 9:4, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” The time to serve God is now. The time to repent is now. The time to redeem the time is now.
How Are You Using Your Time?
Let me leave you with this thought: Live as though Christ died yesterday, arose this morning, and is coming back tomorrow.
If you knew Jesus was coming tomorrow, how would that change the way you use your time today?
If you haven’t given your life to Christ, the time is now. The Bible tells me that to become a child of God, I must:
- Hear the Gospel (Romans 10:17).
- Believe that Jesus is the Son of God (Mark 16:16).
- Repent of my sins (Luke 13:3).
- Confess my faith in Christ (Romans 10:9-10).
- Be baptized for the remission of my sins (Acts 2:38).
- Live faithfully until the end (Revelation 2:10).
Maybe you’ve already made that commitment, but you’ve been wasting your time—filling your days with everything except God. Maybe today is the day to repent, to refocus, to redeem the time.
Whatever your need is, don’t wait. Your time is now.
