The Bible does not contain the exact phrase “Don’t waste your life,” but it does communicate that message in various ways throughout Scripture. Here is an overview of some key biblical themes that address how we should live our lives in a meaningful, purposeful way according to God’s will.
1. Live for God’s glory
A core teaching throughout the Bible is that everything we do should be for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Our lives have meaning when they are lived for something bigger than ourselves—to glorify the God who created us. Wasting our lives on selfish pursuits that don’t honor God is foolishness.
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Rather than live for temporary earthly pleasures and achievements, we glorify God by acknowledging our dependence on Him, seeking to know Him, obeying His Word, serving others, and spreading the gospel message of Christ (Matthew 22:37-39, 28:19-20).
2. Make the most of your time
A related theme is the call to make the most of our time and not waste the opportunities God gives us each day. Time is a gift, and how we use it reflects our priorities (Psalm 90:12). Procrastination, laziness, and aimlessness squander the 24 hours God grants us.
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:15-17)
We can live purposefully when we discern God’s will for each season of life and redeem the time by walking in wisdom, pursuing righteousness, ministering to others, enjoying God’s blessings, and spreading the gospel.
3. Use your gifts and talents
The Bible teaches that each Christ-follower has been given unique gifts and talents by God to use for the edification of the church and the advancement of His purposes (Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Peter 4:10-11). Wasting them by neglecting opportunities to serve others is unacceptable.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. (1 Peter 4:10)
When we stewards God’s gifts responsibly, we experience the joy of participating in His work and knowing our lives matter for eternity. This brings fulfillment and meaning.
4. Be faithful with what you’re given
Jesus told several parables praising the virtue of faithfulness – making the most of what you’ve been given. The servants in the parables who multiplied their master’s money were rewarded, while the lazy servant who buried his talent was judged for not putting it to use (Matthew 25:14-30).
Likewise, we should avoid complacency and seek to be faithful with the responsibilities, relationships, resources, abilities, and time God grants us rather than wasting them (Luke 16:10-12). Even small acts of obedience and service have eternal significance.
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ (Matthew 25:21)
5. Choose the narrow way that leads to life
Jesus warned against traveling down the broad road that leads to destruction and wasting our lives on things of this world that don’t satisfy. The narrow way that leads to life eternal requires denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following Christ (Matthew 7:13-14).
A life poured into worldly pleasures, possessions, accolades, comfort, and leisure ultimately goes to waste compared to a life laid down in service of God and others. Jesus calls us to invest in storing up heavenly treasures rather than earthly ones (Matthew 6:19-21).
Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. (Matthew 7:13-14)
6. Don’t live for yourself
The world shouts at us to put ourselves first, indulge in pleasure, pursue prestige, and live for the moment. But Jesus shows a different way – laying down our lives for others, as He did for us (1 John 3:16). This brings lasting purpose and reward.
Paul exhorts us not to be consumed with selfish ambition but to humbly serve others above ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4). When we use our time and abilities to meet others’ needs in Jesus’ name, our lives take on great value.
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4)
7. Walk in wisdom
The book of Proverbs repeatedly warns against foolishness and encourages wisdom. Foolishness leads to wasted potential, regret, and harm. But walking in wisdom – in reverence of God – leads to blessings, character, truth, and righteousness (Proverbs 1-9).
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. (Proverbs 13:20)
We demonstrate wisdom when we fear God, pursue holiness, speak truthfully, work diligently, care for others, avoid sin, enact justice, and apply biblical principles to life. This honors the Lord and bears good fruit.
8. Leave a legacy
Multiple passages urge us to pass on a godly legacy to future generations. For example, the wisdom Psalms declare the virtues of the righteous and teach children to follow the Lord (Psalm 34:11-14). The “faith hall of fame” in Hebrews 11 recounts godly forebears who set an example of faithful service.
We can leave a lasting legacy when we invest in our families and communities, steward resources wisely, mentor young believers, equipping them to serve Christ. In this way, the work God begins in us continues spreading through others even after we’re gone.
One generation shall commend your works to another,
and shall declare your mighty acts. (Psalm 145:4)
9. Store up treasure in heaven
Jesus instructs His followers to store up eternal treasures rather than temporary earthly ones. Giving generously to the poor and the work of God’s kingdom invests in heavenly rewards that far outweigh worldly wealth and acclaim (Matthew 6:19-21, 1 Timothy 6:18-19).
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)
While earthly achievements fade away, what we do for Christ’s kingdom produces lasting fruit. Our lives take on eternal purpose when we use material resources wisely and invest in growing God’s kingdom.
10. Bear good fruit
Jesus urges His followers to bear good fruit for the Father’s glory (Matthew 7:16-20). This happens when the Holy Spirit works in us to produce Christlike traits such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (John 15:16)
Our lives count when we serve others, live obediently according to God’s Word, proclaim the gospel, and grow in christlike maturity through the power of the Holy Spirit. These fruits bring glory to the Father and last for eternity.
11. Live with eternity in mind
Several passages remind us to number our days and keep eternity in view (Psalm 90:12). This world is not our home; our lives on earth are brief compared to eternity with Christ (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Keeping eternity at the forefront provides motivation to live purposefully and make every moment count for God’s kingdom. Wasting time on trivial pursuits seems foolish from an eternal perspective.
Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)
Remembering the coming judgment seat of Christ helps us focus on living for Him now (2 Corinthians 5:10). Investing in the work of God’s kingdom is the wisest use of the time allotted to us.
12. Value your soul
Jesus asks what it profits someone to gain the whole world yet lose his soul (Mark 8:36). Our souls have immeasurable worth to God. Wasting our lives on worldly status, wealth, comforts, and pleasures ultimately leads to ruin if we aren’t connected to Christ. We are called to pursue holiness and nourish our souls through God’s Word, prayer, righteous living, and fellowship with other believers.
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28)
When we recognize the pricelessness of our soul, it motivates us to live with wisdom and intentionality, making choices each day that cultivate spiritual health, connection with God, and investment in His eternal kingdom.
13. Be Heavenly minded
Multiple passages call us to set our minds on heavenly, rather than earthly, matters. This includes focusing on the hope of Christ’s return, eternal life with Him, our future heavenly home, and storing up imperishable treasures (Colossians 3:2, Matthew 6:19-21, John 14:2-3, 1 Peter 1:3-5).
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:1-2)
Keeping an eternal perspective helps us use our limited time wisely while on earth. Setting our minds on Christ and the better country He is preparing for us keeps us from wasting our lives on temporary, unfulfilling goals the world promotes.
14. Be ready for Christ’s return
Jesus urges His followers to be watchful and ready for His promised return, which will happen unexpectedly (Matthew 25:1-13). No one knows the day or hour. If we are preoccupied with earthly pursuits, entertainments, and distractions, we risk not being ready to stand before Him and give an account.
Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Matthew 24:44)
Keeping an eternal perspective and living each day as though Christ could return helps us maximize the opportunities He gives us. Rather than waste our lives, we redeem the time by serving Him wholeheartedly, investing in His kingdom, avoiding sin, and sharing the gospel.
15. Don’t live in darkness
Multiple passages depict those who live apart from God as dwelling in darkness, while God’s people walk in His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9, 1 John 1:5-7). Living in willful sin and unbelief squanders the gift of life on earth. But submitting our lives to Christ illuminates our path with truth, hope, meaning, and purpose.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9)
Darkness represents worthless deeds and fruitlessness, while light represents righteousness, wisdom, and bearing good fruit (Ephesians 5:8-14). Walking in the light prevents us from wasting our lives on “deeds of darkness” and bears witness to Christ.
16. Fear God
The Bible teaches we should fear God, meaning to reverence, worship, and obey Him as Lord of our lives. Fearing God leads to blessing and security (Psalm 112:1, Proverbs 19:23). But failing to fear Him leads only to futility, harm, and judgment (Proverbs 1:7, Romans 3:18).
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)
When we fear God, we gain wisdom, renounce sin, pursue righteousness, obey Christ wholeheartedly, avoid Hell, and store up eternal rewards. These help prevent wasting the life God gives us. Fearing God brings meaning, purpose, and security.
17. Consider your death and judgment
Remembering the inevitability of death and judgment before God gives perspective for living purposefully (Hebrews 9:27). Our days on earth are limited, so we should number them carefully (Psalm 90:12). Each of us will stand before God and give an account for how we spent our time, resources, and abilities.
And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27)
Thinking often about our death and eternal destiny provides a sense of urgency and sobriety that deters us from wasting precious opportunities to serve God, invest in His kingdom, avoid sin, and redeem the time. Our days are short and numbered.
18. Love God and others
Jesus declares the two greatest commandments are to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). When we love God wholeheartedly, our lives find purpose, meaning, and fulfillment in belonging to Him. And loving others through deed and truth prevents a self-centered, meaningless existence.
Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:36-39)
Living with love for God and others at the center guards against wasting our lives on selfishness, idols, materialism, and sin. It steers us toward eternal investments instead.
19. Embrace God’s will, not your own
Jesus set an example of surrendering His will to the Father’s purposes, even to the point of death (Luke 22:42). When we insist on pursuing our own plans and agendas rather than embracing God’s will, we miss out on His best for our lives. But submitting to His will and timing prevent wasted efforts on lesser pursuits.
And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)
Seeking God’s will through prayer and Scripture and yielding to His plans aligns our lives with eternal purposes. This brings meaning and fulfillment that human plans and timing cannot offer.
20. Give your life to Christ
Jesus said His purpose was to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Surrendering fully to Christ’s lordship is the only way to live a life that escapes futility and waste. He alone gives everlasting purpose, meaning, direction, security, hope, and belonging. All other paths eventually lead to ruin and destruction apart from Him.
For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Matthew 16:25)
Confessing Christ as Savior and Lord and giving Him your life is the wisest decision anyone can make. Life with Jesus equips us to live fully and purposefully for His glory each day until He returns or calls us home.