Do you long for a transformed life? Do you lament the "slow road" you seem to be on with God? Do you wonder why some Christians seem to take huge leaps in their faith, while you seem to struggle just to stay interested? There is no single solution to these dilemmas, but there is one essential component: a faithful "quiet time". In a previous post, I gave a very simple answer to the question "what is a quiet time". Today, we’ll look at a second question I’m asked a lot:
Why should we have a quiet time?
First, let me list of poor reasons to have a quiet time. Don’t have a quiet time because I said you should. Don’t do it to check-off a spiritual "check-box". Don’t do it because you think it is the right thing to do. Don’t do it because you think it will help you feel better about yourself or about God. These things might motivate you to have a quiet time for a little while, but they are not the reason to have one.
So why should we have a quiet time?
A quiet time is the clearest way to develop a deeper relationship with Christ while becoming more like Him.
The prize of the Christian life is the character of Christ and intimacy with Him. It is to be more like Him and to know Him more. There are many places in Scripture that speak of its power to transform us. Here is a favorite one of many that is a prayer in and of itself:
The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. - Psalm 19:7-14
What are the results of spending time in the Word of God? A revived soul, wisdom, joy, insight, reverence for God, and more!
The book of Hebrews is also clear about the power of the living Word of God to change us from the inside out:
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13
As we spend time in the Bible and in prayer, we are literally transformed from the inside out as we know and understand God more completely. Conversely, we are able to know and understand Him more completely as our character becomes more reflective of Him. It is a great mystery and a great truth. We cannot grow and mature as followers of Jesus Christ without consistently spending time with Him and His Word.
A quiet time is the clearest way to develop a deeper relationship with Christ while becoming more like Him.
That is why we do it. Stay tuned for some thoughts on how to have a quiet time, including what to do, when to do it and some pitfalls you may encounter.
1 comment
Michael Blankenship says:
February 14, 2009 at 10:05 am (UTC -4 )
Thanks for this reminder, Tom.
My quiet time has to happen in the morning, before the kids are up. If my schedule gets changed because of an early appointment and I miss my time in the Bible, I have the feeling all day that I am forgetting something. Even though I tell myself I will get to it later in the day, there is no quiet time here later in the day unless I wait until everyone is back in bed. By then, I am trying to close out the current day in my mind and begin thinking about the next day’s activities – so again it is not true quiet time.
My point is to find “the” quiet time that works for you, your family and your schedule and stick to it. You can’t grow ANY relationship without spending time on it. So take the time to spend on your MOST important relationship – with Jesus Christ.
Thanks again Tom!