When I met Beth a few years ago, I remember that because of my interest in her, I would purposely go to places where I would run into her. Once we started dating, she became even more of a priority in my life. I was intentional about making time to go out with her. Naturally, there were other things that I used to do with my time that went on the back burner.
When the infatuation turned to love, however, then aside from the Lord, she became my number one priority in life. Everything else in life, like hobbies, interests, and even my job, took second place. I once quit a job simply because the schedule was such that it made it difficult to be with Beth. When you love someone, you will manage your time in order to be with them. You don’t have trouble carving out chunks of your busy schedule to prioritize the person you are in love with.
I’m sure we all make time for our spouse or our children. Even our hobbies.
How much time do we give to Jesus? Do we make daily prayer or Bible reading a priority in life? Or do we give God whatever is left out of the day?
Jeremiah 2:32 “Does a young woman forget her jewelry? Does a bride hide her wedding dress? Yet for years on end my people have forgotten me.”
Imagine how offended my wife would be if I gave her three to five minutes of communication a day, and I always rattled off the same words like a robot, never deviating from the script. It wouldn’t take long for her to wonder if my affection was really sincere.
Or suppose she wrote me a love note, but I ignored it for several days, and then when I finally dusted it off and opened it up, I fell asleep reading it.
If she dared to ask why I don’t hang out with her more often, I protest that it’s simply boring and that I feel most connected with her when I smell the nice clean laundry or taste the food she prepares. Isn’t that good enough?
Sadly, many ‘Christians’ are totally content with rattling off a memorized prayer every day (when they remember), they fall asleep at the mere thought of reading the Bible, and insist that enjoying His blessings or creation is akin to spending real, quality time with Him.
Does that a demonstrate a love for God?
Would you be convinced that the person you love loved you back if they treated you that way? If you want to cultivate a deep, intimate relationship with someone, the only way to do it is to spend time with them.
I know that sometimes we are guilty of taking advantage of those we love, and we end up unintentionally neglecting them because we know they are always with us. It’s not too late to change.
Let us take a moment to look at our busy schedule and ask ourselves, “Have I been neglecting my greatest relationships in life?” My spouse, my children, and especially my relationship with God?
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8