Investing Time in the Right Place

Building a strong relationship with someone requires the investment of time. We gladly devote that required time when we are attracted to someone due to some common appeal.

But what is the status of our relationship with God? Our depth of relationship with God hinges on much the same principle as with humans. The measure of time devoted to building a relationship with God will determine the strength of that bond. But that requires a serious investment of time. In America there are challenges to the pursuit of that required time.

It appears that many Americans simply have too much at their disposal to feel a genuine need for God other than the gift of salvation. They depend on medical facilities, financial institutions, abundant food sources, and transportation systems that are available to Americans. They can travel about quickly, eat all they want, borrow all the money they desire, and go to the doctor when they feel that need. Many Americans are so spoiled by “things” that they fail to recognize the need for a growing relationship with God. They don’t say it, but they don’t need God!

Another problem with our Christian culture springs from the developed appetite for instant gratification. So many 21st century Christians want someone to quickly and painlessly teach them about spiritual growth through a video or radio program. Or they may look for a brief short book that gives six simply keys to instant spiritual spirituality. They look for alternatives to the required time to dig into the Bible to find helpful truths for themselves. They don’t say it, but they don’t have time to discover God’s intentions.

In addition to neglecting the Word of God many Christians fail to seriously talk to God through prayer. It seems increasingly convenient to practice praying “on the run.” The current notion of prayer often follows the practices of whispering a prayer as they enter a meeting or quickly asking forgiveness for yelling at another motorist. This is the extent of their prayer life. When they think about a personal problem, it is often dealt with by means of a sentence prayer. Now praying throughout the day is a great and commendable practice. However, too many people neglect the “prayer closet” (Matthew 6:6) which involves extended blocks of time. These times really develop a deeper relationship with God. People don’t say it, but they don’t want to talk to God extensively.

Neglecting necessary time in the Bible and prayer is the sad, but in many cases true testimony of too many America Christians! Many of us need to ask for forgiveness and then scrap our current schedules and make a new schedule with “God time” set in first place. Intentional prolonged periods of time in the Word of God and in prayer conversation with God can transform our attitudes and relationship with God.

I suggest a study of the Bible that follows this pattern. Read a paragraph or two per sitting. With your Bible and notebook in hand; read the paragraph and answer three questions.

1) What?
2) So what?
3) Now what?

What does the paragraph say? So what does this mean to me? And Now what do I do today with what I just studied?

Don’t forget or neglect the importance of prayer coupled with Bible study. It can come before, after, or during the study. Practice thanksgiving--it reminds us of how God has worked, prayer is real, and God loves us. Build a relationship that transforms you into a tight friendship with God.

Dick Crosby, Senior Pastor