Early life always seems to move slowly. I remember asking my mother why I couldn’t have been born earlier. Back then, life felt like one long series of “Can’t waits.” I couldn’t wait to turn ten. I couldn’t wait to be a teenager. I couldn’t wait to get my driver’s license. I couldn’t wait to graduate from high school and go to college. I couldn’t wait to turn twenty-one.
But after twenty-one, I don’t recall ever wishing to be any older. Something changed.
Time began to move faster in high school, and from that point on, life became somewhat of a blur. I tried to slow it down in the months leading up to my thirtieth birthday. I remember thinking about that age for months, anticipating what it would mean, what would change, and how I would feel when the day arrived. But when it finally came, I realized that time would not slow down just because I wanted it to. It was like trying to stop a river with my bare hands. Eventually, I let go, and time seemed to race ahead once again.
When we are young, we think we have all the time in the world. We dream in tomorrows. At that age, “one day” and “someday” shape most of our ambitions. We tell ourselves that one day we will start that business, one day we will travel, one day we will write that book, or one day we will get serious about our faith. Only a few people decide to act now and seize the moment. Those few become the ones who rise above average and live lives of purpose.
You might be wondering why I am talking so much about time, and why it matters. The truth is, I rarely remember my dreams. Most nights come and go without anything memorable. But recently, I had a dream that was different. It was not the images or the setting that stood out, but a simple statement that echoed clearly within it. The words were, “Stop wasting time.”
That message startled me. It hit deep and lingered long after I woke up. I could not shake it. It was as though God Himself had whispered it into my heart. That dream became a turning point for me because it reminded me that time is one of the most valuable gifts we have, yet one of the easiest to waste.
The Bible has a lot to say about time. God cares deeply about how we use it, because time is more than minutes and hours. It is the canvas on which we paint the picture of our lives. Each moment is a gift from God, and what we do with it determines the legacy we leave behind. Let’s explore five Biblical reasons why we should not waste time and how each one can help us live more intentionally.
1. Time Is Limited and Life Is Fleeting
James 4:14 says, “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” This verse paints a vivid picture of how short and fragile life truly is. We often live as if we have an unlimited supply of tomorrows, but the truth is, none of us are promised the next hour, let alone the next day.
Wasting time means squandering the precious moments we have been given to live meaningfully and to prepare for eternity. The days of our youth may seem endless, but they quickly turn into years. One day you wake up and realize how quickly the seasons of life have passed. The Bible reminds us that our lives are like a vapor, here for a moment and then gone.
This reality should not frighten us but instead should inspire us to live with purpose. Every day is an opportunity to grow in faith, love others, and walk closer with God. We must treat time as a gift that cannot be replaced once it is spent.
2. Wisdom Comes from Valuing Time
Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” This verse is a prayer asking God to help us understand how brief life is so that we can live wisely. When we realize that our days are numbered, we begin to make decisions that reflect eternal values instead of temporary pleasures.
Wisdom is not just about knowledge; it is about understanding what truly matters. Those who value time seek God’s guidance before they act. They make choices that honor Him, invest in relationships that matter, and avoid distractions that drain their energy and purpose.
When we live without awareness of time’s value, we risk drifting through life aimlessly. But when we see time through God’s perspective, we become intentional. We wake up each morning asking, “Lord, how can I use this day for Your glory?” That question transforms ordinary moments into divine opportunities.
3. We Are Called to Make the Most of Every Opportunity
Ephesians 5:15–16 tells us, “Be very careful, then, how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” The Apostle Paul wrote these words to remind believers that life requires focus and spiritual awareness.
In today’s world, distractions are everywhere. Social media, entertainment, and endless notifications compete for our attention. It is easy to lose hours scrolling or chasing temporary pleasures while neglecting the eternal. Scripture urges us to live purposefully, not passively.
Making the most of every opportunity means being aware of the moments God gives us to serve others, grow in our faith, and reflect His character. It means speaking kindness when it is easier to stay silent, sharing the gospel when the door opens, and investing in people who need encouragement. Time spent doing these things is never wasted.
The days we live in are filled with temptation, confusion, and moral decay, but God calls us to be light in the darkness. Every opportunity to do good, to speak truth, or to love others is a chance to shine for Him. We cannot get those moments back once they pass, so we must live alert and ready to act.
4. God Has a Purpose for Our Time
Philippians 3:14 says, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” This verse reminds us that our time on earth is not random. God has a specific calling and purpose for every life.
Wasting time is more than just losing hours; it is neglecting the mission God has entrusted to us. Each of us has a role to play in His kingdom. Some are called to teach, others to lead, encourage, create, or serve. Whatever your calling may be, God has designed you for a reason, and your time is a resource meant to fulfill that purpose.
We are not called to drift aimlessly or live in regret over what could have been. We are called to press forward, to keep growing, and to stay faithful. Even when life feels slow or uncertain, God is still at work. Every season, even the waiting ones, has value in His plan.
When we use our time to pursue the things of God, we align our lives with His will. We begin to see our schedules not as a series of random events but as opportunities for divine appointments. That mindset transforms how we live each day.
5. Diligence Honors God, While Idleness Leads to Ruin
Proverbs 12:11 says, “Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.” The Bible often contrasts diligence and idleness because how we use our time reveals the condition of our heart.
Diligence is more than working hard; it is working with purpose and consistency. It honors God when we give our best effort to the responsibilities He has entrusted to us. Whether it is in our jobs, relationships, or ministry, God values faithfulness.
On the other hand, idleness leads to waste and regret. Many people spend years chasing empty dreams or procrastinating on the things God has called them to do. Laziness not only wastes time but also stifles spiritual growth. Scripture is clear that God blesses those who use their time productively and warns that idleness opens the door to temptation and poverty, both physical and spiritual.
Being diligent means staying committed even when results are not immediate. It means sowing faithfully today, trusting that God will bring a harvest in His perfect time.
After that dream where I heard the words “Stop wasting time,” I began to reflect deeply on how I had been living. I realized how much time I had spent worrying, procrastinating, or focusing on things that did not matter. I thought about the hours wasted on distractions and how quickly those moments added up.
God reminded me that each day is an opportunity to make a difference, to love others, and to draw closer to Him. None of us can change the past, but we can decide how we will spend the time we have left. We can choose to live intentionally, purposefully, and faithfully.
The older I get, the more I understand that time is sacred. Every sunrise is another chance to live out God’s will. Every conversation is an opportunity to encourage someone. Every challenge is a test that shapes our character and deepens our faith.
Time is not something to be controlled or feared. It is something to be honored and used wisely. The message of Scripture is clear: life is short, but it can be meaningful when lived with eternal purpose. So, stop wasting time. Do not wait for the perfect moment to start living the life God has called you to. The perfect time is now. Use your days to glorify Him, to serve others, and to grow in wisdom. Because one day, when we stand before God, we will not regret the time we spent walking in His purpose. We will only wish we had started sooner.
G. Edward Wyche