There are only twenty-four hours in a day. That’s all we get, and it’s God’s design. If we are to stay physically healthy, a certain amount of time is required for the basics, like sleeping and eating. Then there’s school or work or taking care of family—probably a combination of those things. And then there’s everything else.

We all spend our time differently. What is essential and life giving to one person may seem like a complete waste of time to another. But this precious resource is limited, so it seems reasonable to invest a little time in thinking about how we spend our time.

Jesus said the most important thing in life is loving God. He called this the “greatest commandment”. and said that loving our neighbor is a close second. These two things−loving God and loving our neighbors− provide a framework for life, and for how we spend our time.

Practically speaking, how do we love God? Jesus talked about that a lot. Consider his words in John chapter 14:

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth.”

Loving God and learning to follow His ways is not something we can do alone. That’s why Jesus promised to be with us through His Spirit who is our advocate, or helper. When we spend time with God, read His words, get quiet and really listen, His Spirit guides us. God loves us so much He is never too busy for us. When we are intentional about spending time with God, life makes more sense. We tap into the resources He has available for us, like deep peace no matter what circumstances we are walking through, and abundant joy that makes us stronger.

And what about that second most important thing, loving our neighbor?

Stories like the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 make it clear that a “neighbor” is not just someone who lives next door, and real love is much more than a warm, fuzzy feeling. Love requires action, and that means time.

There are many verses in the New Testament that describe ways we can actively love those around us. Some people call these New Testament directives the “one-anothers.” You’ve probably read them. Here are just a few:

  • Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10
  • Therefore encourage one another and build each other up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
  • Serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13b
  • Be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2b
  • Bear with each other and forgive one another…Colossians 3:13a

These are just some of the ways we can love our neighbors. But it takes time to pay attention to people and relationships—to actively demonstrate love. And we are often in a hurry, because, well…TIME. And when we are always in a hurry, we can be less than kind to others, especially those we love the most.

Here’s a personal confession: If I am not careful, my good intentions to spend time with the Lord and invest time in loving others well can get swallowed up by the busyness of life. If I am not mindful and intentional, the things I really want to do—the most important things—don’t happen.

But I’m not alone. Moses also struggled with the passage of time, and Psalm 90 records his prayer, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

So how are you managing your time these days? Does your schedule include time for what Jesus said was most important—loving God, and loving others?

As we choose to spend time with God, we can experience new levels of healing and freedom in our lives. And as we invest time in loving and serving others, we have opportunities to grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, and self-control. These are the fruit of the Spirit of God, who is at work in and through us.

Here are a few closing thoughts from Moses about the benefits of spending time with God:

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.”
Psalm 90: 14-17

Need a fresh perspective and some practical suggestions for spending time with God? Check out  Hearing from God, a free, downloadable resource from Mercy Multiplied!