Wasting time is more than just a bad habit. Gerald Flurry, publisher of the Trumpet and Royal Vision, recently made this striking statement: “I think the main way Satan is attacking us is trying to get us to waste our time.” Even true Christians are susceptible to wasting time—and Satan exploits that all he can.

The devil is full of great wrath because he knows his time is short before Jesus Christ returns to depose him (Revelation 12:12). Do you know your time is short?

Christians fighting today’s “always on” society face more distractions than ever. Technology serves up constant time wasters like casual shopping, gaming and online interruptions. We can also waste time through lack of organization and planning, unclear goals, procrastination and not knowing when to say no. Do you fritter away time?

The Apostle Paul wrote, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). We need to redeem our time—buy it back, rescue it from loss—more and more as we approach the end of this age. Here are seven ways to shore up your defenses against time-wasting.

1. Begin with why: The quintessential question to time management is why we exist. Is there a purpose to human life? Absolutely yes! God created humans to be born into the Kingdom of God! To achieve that purpose, we must first repent (Acts 2:38). Repentance requires action. We must cease from sin and live righteously (Ephesians 4:22-32). Hebrews 5:8-9 say Jesus Christ learned “obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” What a magnificent purpose! To qualify for that reward, we must use our time wisely.

2. Set attainable goals: With a clear picture of why, we can begin to focus on what and how to buy back time. Make sure whatever goals you set advance that overarching goal. Matthew 6:33 says, “[S]eek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these [material] things shall be added unto you.” God must come first in your life. Give Him your best time, then He will be involved in the rest of your time and your life.

3. Prioritize what you ought to do: God’s law functions as a spiritual mirror. If you look at it but make no changes in your life, you deceive yourself (James 1:22-24). When we squander our time, we feel less impelled to act, to achieve, to grow. We focus on what we’d like to do rather than what we ought to. Many people are blind to the need for self-discipline. Revelation 3:14-22 show that even most of God’s own people today have gotten distracted, lost spiritual focus, become materialistic, and slid backward spiritually. Christ calls for zealous repentance (verse 19).

4. Hold yourself accountable: Remember, God holds us accountable. He measures our actions even in the little things. Christ said, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” (Luke 16:10-11). God wants to give you eternal life, and He wants to know how well you will use that life. So He measures to see how we appropriate our time today. How we use or misuse our time will determine what God can entrust us with in His Kingdom.

5. Know you cannot do it yourself: Jesus Christ said, “I can of mine own self do nothing …” (John 5:30). If He could do nothing of Himself, where does that leave us? Yet Christ got things done. How? By submitting perfectly to the Father, who worked through Him. We must use God’s Holy Spirit to follow in His example in how we spend the time He gives us. Paul acknowledged he could “do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). So can we. As Romans 8:14 tells us, we are the sons of God if we are led by His Holy Spirit.

6. Revolve around God’s man and God’s work: God gives a special blessing to those who put their whole heart into His work, wisely expending their time on worthwhile pursuits. God says, “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name” (Revelation 3:8). Our purpose for living is to qualify for sonship in the Family of God. We qualify by walking through the open door and supporting God’s work.

7. Parry and riposte: In fencing, parry means to deflect the opponent’s blade and return to a defensive position. Riposte means to immediately counterattack. Usually the moment you deflect your opponent’s stroke is the best time to attack! Where is Satan attacking you through time wastage? Parry his attacks defensively by deflecting his temptations—then riposte! Counterattack by filling your life with godly things that drive Satan and his influences out all the more, including prayer, Bible study, Church literature and media. Take the all-out victory!

The Bible’s last chapter, Revelation 22, emphasizes the shortness of time: “things which must shortly be done,” “Behold, I come quickly,” “the time is at hand.” Time is running out for true Christians to prepare for our future responsibility: “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (verse 12).