We live in busy times. The average American works 47 hours per week, driving 26 minutes each direction to and from work. School and sports are sponges that absorb every free second in our children’s lives. When we play, we play hard and constantly find ourselves running short on time. Since time is a finite resource, we never will be able to do everything we want to do. Retired people tell me all the time that they’re busier than they ever were before.
Here are a few ideas for spiritual development for busy people. I’d love to hear what you’ve added:
- Use lunch for the kingdom. When you take your lunch break, be intentional about using that time to serve God. If you usually eat by yourself, choose a day to eat with non-believers. If it’s medically feasible, give up a lunch break for fasting and prayer.
- Redeem your commute. Download a free audio Bible app and dedicate a portion of your commuting time to hearing the words of scripture. Does hearing the news really bring you closer to God? Doubtful. You won’t even miss it! Find a Christian podcast, audiobook, or sermon series that will teach you while you drive.
- Think about one of your chores at home or work that is mindless. Make that time a special time in prayer for something specific.
- Gospel interruptions. We are slaves of the urgent. The phone ringing interrupts our thinking—even when it’s a telemarketer. Why not plan a gospel interruption? When you plan your calendar on paper or electronically, set reminders that will pop up memory verses or a principle you’ve been praying on.
- Signs, signs, everywhere. Place visible reminder signs in front of you in strategic places that you’ll see throughout the day. Swap them occasionally when you begin to ignore them. A Bible verse on your rearview mirror might calm your commute. Using a Bible verse for a computer password might help you think before you send that email.
- Make Bible study easy. When clothes are piled on the elliptical, there’s no chance you’ll use it. Make sure that your “spiritual tools” are easy to access and visible. Give them a special home other than the floorboard of your car. Plan to succeed.
- Learn to say “no.” I’m almost certainly a hypocrite for writing these words, but that doesn’t make them any less true. Every time I say “yes” to something, I am saying “no” to something else. Be willing to say “no” to some good things so that you’ll make time for the best things.
What would you add to this list?
One reply on “Spiritual Growth for Busy People”
Fix up a spiritual toolbox for the kids so they can sign/color cards of encouragement, crayons/markers/stickers/coloring books to make pics for others, any creative gifts they can work on when “big kids” are busy in kitchen or home, appts outside home, car commutes, etc.