Last Spring, I decided it was time to get a few new clothing items. A week before my birthday, I went to my favorite store and found a few pieces that I loved. When there was a sale—even better! There was just one thing keeping me from diving in and making the purchase.
Even though I loved the colors, style, and fabrics, each piece came with specific care instructions. Some had to be washed separately. (Like I have time to wash blouses individually.) Other pieces would require ironing after each wash. Since I’ve kind of gotten out of the habit of ironing, I wasn’t sure I wanted to commit to weekly dates with an ironing board.
But I really liked these pieces. More importantly, I needed some new things. I had two options: buy things I didn’t like, knew I wouldn’t want to wear but didn’t require high maintenance, or grow up and commit to washing and ironing like a big girl.
I chose the latter option, and I’m really glad I did. Today, as I was spending my weekly half-hour ironing, I thought how ridiculous it was to say that I didn’t have time to wash things separately and iron. Of course, I did!! The truth was that I didn’t lack time—I lacked desire. I didn’t want to iron. I’d rather do other things.
Then, I started thinking about how often we carry this behavior into other, more important areas of our lives.
For instance, Christians often say, “I don’t have time to read the Bible, and I definitely don’t have time to study it.”
“I don’t have time to pray.”
“Our family doesn’t have time for family devotions.”
And yet, as with all things, “I don’t have time” isn’t the heart of the issue because we all find the time for important things. It just sounds better than truthfully saying, “Bible reading and Bible study aren’t a priority for me. I don’t want to do it. I can find better things to do with my time than pray.” Or “I don’t see the value in family devotions.”
Believe me, I know saying these things will not make me popular. Still, I believe that it’s vital that we take an honest look at our hearts and access, “Why aren’t I making time for the spiritual disciplines that will help me grow as a Christian and strengthen my relationship with Jesus?”
Is it a lack of desire? Lack of motivation? Laziness?
Do we see prayer and Bible reading as foundational and essential to our lives?
The reality is that when I wanted to wear cute tops, I found time to iron. We always find time for the things that matter to us.
If we aren’t finding time for Bible reading, Bible study, and prayer, do they really matter to us?
Trust me. I’m not being judgmental…I’m preaching to the choir.
Prioritizing these practices is something we all struggle to keep in our schedules. The problem is that too many who call themselves believers have given up the struggle….they aren’t even trying to make time for prayer and Bible reading anymore. They just say, “No time,” forget about it, and lose the battle.
This attitude is not pleasing to God. When we accept our excuse of “no time,” we are really saying, “It’s just not important to me.”
What does that say about your relationship with God or the state of your soul?
Again, not judging…just asking.
The fact is that this question isn’t meant to offend you. It’s meant to motivate you to get back on the ball.
To honestly look at your schedule and say, “When can I read the Bible? When can I pray? When can we have family devotions?”
If these things are important to you, take a good, hard look at your schedule and make time for them.
Like we do for all the things we really want, stop making excuses and make time.
Don’t put it off. Start today.
I can guarantee the time is there—it’s up to you to find it.
I can also guarantee you’ll be glad you did.
Adessa Holden is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God specializing in Women's Ministry. Together with her brother, Jamie, they manage 4One Ministries and travel the East Coast speaking, holding conferences, and producing Men's and Women's resources that provide practical Biblical teaching for everyday life.
When asked about herself, she'll tell you "I'm a women's minister, a sister, and a daughter. I love to laugh and spend time with people. My favorite things are chocolate, the ocean, sandals and white capris, anything purple, summertime and riding in the car listening to music. It is my absolute honor and privilege to serve Jesus and women through this ministry."
