Quality Time
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord, my time spent in your word is so special. Show me your desire for my life today.
READ:
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 1Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV)
REFLECT:
In the first couple of years of my marriage I never felt like what I had was good enough. We had a nice house that was plenty big to fit our small family, but all my friends seemed to be moving. They were upgrading to bigger and better homes. My car, my first large purchase as an adult, was running fine but did not seem nice enough anymore. My friends were getting new cars that were nicer and fancier than the car I owned. I felt like there was so much pressure to keep up with my friends even though what God had blessed my family with was more than we needed.
Have you ever felt this way? Have you ever felt the pressure to “keep up with the Joneses?” This idea of bigger and better does seem to permeate our society. We need a bigger house, a better car, and a more massive TV. The world may be calling us to reach for bigger and better, but this does not mean that we will be happier and more content.
1 Timothy 6:10 tells us that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. The Bible does not say that money is the root of all kinds of evil but that the LOVE of money is the root of evil. This might also mean the love of material possessions. God seems to be trying to steer us away from the idea that bigger is better and that money, or possessions, will make us happy.
So, what should we value if we are trying to live as God calls us to live? 1 Timothy commands us to do good and to be generous. God is calling us to DO something. This might mean investing more time in your family or your community. Focusing on experiences and making memories together as a family is a great way to counter our culture of “stuff”. Spending quality time with those closest to you is a great way to help keep you focused on what is most important. Loving others and making disciples is what God tells us to fix our eyes on.
APPLY:
Plan a family activity or outing. Find something that your family would enjoy doing together. This activity does not even have to cost any money. Get creative. Consider serving together as family to help firm up your foundation in Christ.
CLOSING PRAYER:
God open my eyes to the ways that I am focusing on the wrong things. Help me to put aside the notion that I need to keep up with everyone around me. Give me courage as I go against the culture and focus on spending quality time with my family.