The Importance of Giving Up Your Time

My love language, without a doubt, is quality time. If you ask me to choose if I want my friend to make me food, buy me food, or have my friend go out and get food with me...I'd choose going to get food with my friend 100% of the time. Okay, okay, I know that isn't the greatest analogy, but thank you for continuing to bear with me. To cut to the chase (if you haven't gotten to this conclusion already), I love spending time with people, and I think that it's good to make time for people. Maybe that's also my extroversion talking, but I think there's a bit more to it than that.

Last night, I was doing a Bible study in the book of Philippians. In chapter 2, Paul first looks at Christ's example of serving and obedience. Then, later in verses 19-30, he looks at two other examples found in his son in the faith, Timothy, and his “fellow soldier” Epaphroditus. As I was reading a commentary about this chapter, the writer spoke about what it means to have a servant's heart, how it effects your life, and your relationships with others. Then today, as I met with my friend for breakfast (speaking of my love of quality time), we were talking about how sometimes you can show how much you care about someone by the time that you give them--even if it's just making sure you're on time when you meet with them, or promptly responding to their text. For a quality time lover like myself, those little things go a long way.

But even deeper than that, giving our time to people is an example of self-sacrifice. Philippians 2:4 (ESV) says, "let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." When we are making time for someone, it's showing that we are taking away from our own time and giving it to them, willingly and happily. This can be a wonderful way to live out what the gospel teaches, which, God-willing, will allow us to have an opportunity to share about that Truth that we hold so dear. Not only does this benefit them, but it also benefits us as well because we are in fellowship with other believers.

Then, the question becomes, "how can I become more intentional about the time that I am given so that I may be able to give it to others in return?"

We must first realize that the time that you have is, in fact, a gift. Our life does not belong to us, but rather to God. If our hearts and minds are centered on Him, then our lives will be a reflection of that. It changes the way we prioritize our days, think of others, and ultimately helps us to live more like Christ. Secondly, if we are commanded by God to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20, ESV), one of the best ways to do that is by spending time with someone. Get to know them and listen to what they have to say, and consistently pointing them to Christ. This is something that even two believers can practice together, acting in obedience to this command that was given to us.

It's currently January of 2020, and this is the time of year where we begin to act out our New Years resolutions. This year, I challenge you to find one person you want to intentionally give your time to, and ask God to help you continually see the importance of giving up your time.