It’s one of the most valuable things we have—and one of the easiest to waste. 

We’ve all heard the saying, “Time is money.” But if that’s true, why do we spend it so carelessly? The truth is, time is worth far more than dollars and cents—it’s the most limited resource God has given us. Learning to steward it well isn’t just good productivity advice—it’s an act of worship.

If you’ve ever said, “I just need a little more time,” you’re not alone. Many of us feel the pressure of time slipping through our fingers. Ironically, we often spend our days chasing money, status, or success—only to run out of the very thing we were trying to “buy back.”

We treat time like a renewable resource when it’s really more like a savings account that’s constantly being drawn down. Every hour that passes is one you’ll never get back. Yet our culture tempts us to equate our worth with how much we earn or produce.

A Biblical View of Time

Scripture offers a radically different view. In Psalm 90:12, Moses prays, “Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” He’s not talking about counting hours on a clock but realizing that our time is limited—and therefore deeply valuable.

From a biblical perspective, time isn’t ours to manage however we wish. It’s a gift from God, entrusted to us for His purposes. Just as money and talents belong to Him, so does our time.

In Ephesians 5:15–16, Paul writes, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” The original Greek phrase for “making the best use” literally means “redeeming the time”—buying it back for God’s glory. It’s the same word Paul uses elsewhere to describe what Jesus did for us on the cross.

Christ redeemed us from sin and emptiness, giving our lives eternal meaning. In the same way, we’re called to redeem our time—to invest every moment, conversation, and decision in what will last forever.

Here’s the catch: if you don’t decide what your time is worth, someone else will. Your job, your phone, your inbox, even social media—all have plans for your time. Unless you set boundaries, your days will fill up with things that seem urgent but aren’t truly important.

Jesus modeled something completely different. Even with the most important mission in history, He took time to rest, pray, eat with friends, and be fully present with people. He had the margin to be interrupted—to stop for the sick, listen to the hurting, and teach those who were searching. He never rushed, yet He always fulfilled the Father’s will.

How to Steward Your Time Well

So how can we live as if our time truly belongs to God?

1. Reevaluate Your Priorities

Every decision is a trade. When you say yes to one thing, you say no to something else. Ask yourself, “What matters most in God’s eyes—and am I giving that my best time?”

2. Measure Time by Meaning, Not Money

Our culture values time by dollars per hour, but God’s economy works differently. A quiet afternoon encouraging a friend may not pay in cash—but it yields eternal dividends. As Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

3. Build Margin into Your Life

Just as financial margin creates freedom to give, time margin allows you to live generously. When you’re not overscheduled, you can pause to listen, serve, or rest. Sabbath isn’t wasted time—it’s holy time that reminds us that God is in control.

4. Steward Small Moments

Eternal impact isn’t found only in big events. It’s in the five minutes you pray for someone, the ten minutes you spend in Scripture, or the conversation that points someone to Jesus. As Colossians 3:17 reminds us, “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Making Your Hours Count for Eternity

When you see your time through an eternal lens, every moment takes on new meaning. You stop chasing the clock and start cherishing what truly matters. Missionary C.T. Studd once wrote, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”

So what’s your time really worth? It’s worth exactly what you invest in eternity.

Don’t just count your hours—make your hours count. Live intentionally. Rest purposefully. Serve generously. And let every day remind you of the One who holds all time in His hands.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I have two kids—a 14-year-old and a newborn—and just opened brokerage accounts for them. What are the best investment options, especially for my newborn with a longer time horizon? I’d like something more flexible than a college savings plan.
• I retired at 59 and receive Social Security disability. My home is paid off, I have no debt, and I have savings in retirement and trading accounts. I’m thinking about buying a new car with cash to avoid debt, but would it be wiser to finance or lease instead?
• I recently bought an RV with dealership financing at 7.9% for 20 years, though I don’t plan to keep it that long. Does simple interest work the same across all banks, and is there a good calculator for figuring out principal payments on early payoff? Also, where could I refinance to get a lower rate?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• Calculator.net | Credit Karma (Simple Loan Calculator) | Calculator Soup
• List of Faith-Based Investment Funds
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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