Prodigals of Time

In the Gospel of Luke, we are told how the prodigal son gathered all he had and journeyed into a distant country, where he squandered his property in reckless living (Luke 15:13-17). The emphasis herein is not only on the money he lost, but on a season of his life wasted. Even as the young man comes to his senses, it is evident that his time away from home did not form him. Rather, he returns diminished. The prodigal produced nothing of lasting value during his absence. He forfeited days of sonship based on the illusion of freedom.

Indeed, it is possible for sincere believers to do something similar with their time. Not through open rebellion, as with the prodigal son, but through quiet neglect. We tend to fill our days with noise, urgency, entertainment, and endless scrolling. We tell ourselves that we will seek the Lord more intentionally tomorrow, next week, next month, next season. Meanwhile, life moves on without us. Spiritual growth opportunities pass us by. Such drift rarely feels dramatic. If anything, it is normalized. And that is what makes it dangerous.

Scripture speaks plainly about the brevity and necessary stewardship of our days. Psalm 90:12 reminds us to number our days that we might acquire a heart of wisdom. Ecclesiastes 12:1 calls us to come to our senses, much like the prodigal son did, only sooner, and remember our Creator before it is too late. Colossians 4:5 urges believers to walk in wisdom and redeem their time, particularly in their dealings with unbelievers. Our time is not merely something we manage. It is a precious commodity entrusted to us by the Lord God Almighty. Every day lived apart from intentional fellowship with Him and in service to His beloved children should remind and convict us of the prodigal son’s lost season.

If you sense the conviction of the Holy Spirit where your time is concerned, respond with honest reflection. Where are your hours actually going? What daily rhythms are [mis]shaping your soul? Does your schedule and its priorities require deliberate reordering? Start by removing one habitual time drain from your routine. Replace it with a fixed, protected time for communion with your Heavenly Father. Next, choose intentional presence over distraction in at least one relationship. Check in with fellow believers rather than constantly checking your phone mid-conversation.

The hope implicit in the prodigal son parable is that our God receives His returning children with open arms. Even seasons squandered can become testimonies of mercy and redemption. The invitation is simple and immediate. Come to your senses. Stop wasting time and come home to your Father.