Have you ever noticed that a lot of the things we buy are for the purpose of making our lives easier to live?
I walked down the aisles of Costco just yesterday noting all of the things I would like to buy. “Oh – I need one of those it would make cleaning so much faster.” I would love to get a new set of pans because I could cook more accurately with those pans.” “A new organizing system to stay better organized.” We want to buy things that will save time, money or energy – but our favorite thing to save on is effort. If you are selling something that will help someone do a menial task with little to no effort – you have a winning product. Every exercise apparatus that promises model –like results in five minutes per day with little to no effort on your part is sure to get some responses. Why? Because we are either really lazy or not stupid. If we can get those same results without having to work for it, who wouldn’t opt out of the work?
Unfortunately, we transfer our efficiency mode into our walk with Christ. Five minute devotional books are great – but they shouldn’t take the place of real heart-felt time with Jesus every day. Bible study at church is great – but it is not the same as just you and Jesus time. Recently I asked my son if he had read his Bible before going to bed the night before. We have taught our kids to have personal devotion time since they were very small. We started with just a Bible story picture book. Although we read them other books, this one was saved for “Alone-time” with Jesus. They could look at the book and talk to Jesus about whatever was on their mind. So, it has been expected as part of my son’s getting ready for bed habit, but lately I had noticed it was slipping – so I asked him about it. “Well….,” came the reply, “No, but we read the Bible every day at school.” He’s no dummy – efficiency at its best. Why do something twice when you can do it once? “Well,” I explained, “Reading the Bible at school is great, but it doesn’t take the place of your special alone-time with Jesus – I am sure He missed your company last night.” “Oh,” came the sad little reply, “I understand – I don’t want Jesus to be sad.”
Without even realizing it, we have “Effeciencied” ourselves right out of an intimate relationship with Christ. Our group Bible-studies, and Sunday morning gatherings are great – but if three’s a crowd – well, you do the math. We tend to think we are getting more accomplished the more people we are around. Don’t get me wrong, the Bible says “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” We definitely need church, but even Jesus withdrew to spend time alone with His father. The world quips, “I just need some ‘Me’ time.” Our Christian thinking should be, “I need some Jesus time.” and the cool thing about that is – Jesus wants some “You” time! I don’t know about you, but when I know someone wants to spend time with me, it makes me very excited to spend time with them. Have a great week – I would love to hear about how your “Alone-time” with Jesus is going.
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