3 Ways to Find More Time to Love People
Last month, we spoke about the importance of using time wisely to bring glory to God. But where exactly are we going to get this time from? It already feels like we never have enough time. And when it comes to walking out our Christian faith, we definitely feel like we don't have enough time. Luckily, with a few tweaks, we can open our eyes and see we have plenty of time—making way for more opportunities to love people like Christ loved people.
#1. Make Better Use of Dead Time
One of the most significant periods of dead time in our days is our daily commute. For many of us, the driverless car movement can't happen soon enough. But until that movement kicks off, we have to make the best of what we have.
For example, at least once a week, we should make a point to call a friend, mentor, or mentee during our daily commutes. This is a valuable touch-point that will go a long way in relationship building.
1 Peter 1:22 - Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. (NIV)
#2. Give Up Some Leisure Time
Honestly, this may seem harsh, but as Americans, we have entirely too much leisure time as it is. For instance, we spend 43 full days watching television per year. So giving up some of our leisure time for a higher purpose shouldn't feel like a huge burden.
For example, if we are fortunate enough to have multiple one-hour lunch periods per week, let's give up one of those lunch periods for doing administrative work for our local churches. By the end of the month, that's four solid hours of serving in a significant area of need for most churches.
John 3:30 - He must increase, but I must decrease. (ESV)
#3. Use Paid Time Off to Volunteer
We all have those paid holidays and paid vacation days in which we are just sitting around the house watching Netflix. While we all love Netflix, we should love people more.
For example, if we have 11 holidays per year, let's use one of those days to volunteer at a Christ-centered non-profit organization. If we have 15 vacation days, let's use two of those days to attend a conference for our local church. If we have summers off, let's use that time to go on a domestic or international mission trip.