In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, the quest for deeper spiritual understanding can leave us feeling a bit like a hamster on a wheel—running hard but not really getting anywhere. Recently, I found myself in a moment of reflection sparked by a thought-provoking quote from the late Tim Keller, which echoed the words of the esteemed Anglican priest William Temple: “Religion is what you do with your solitude.”
Let that sink in for a moment. When you finally carve out time for yourself amidst the hustle and bustle of life, what do you find yourself doing? Is it a moment of prayer, a dive into Scripture, or perhaps binge-watching your favorite series? The quote struck me hard, like an unexpected slap from a rubber chicken—startling but undeniably effective in getting my attention.
As I pondered over this, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of frustration and conviction. Keller’s reference to Temple’s words made me question my own habits during those precious moments of solitude. Am I spending that time in ways that truly reflect my faith, or am I just filling it with distractions?
It’s a relatable struggle. We often try to convince ourselves that our leisure activities—be it woodworking, gardening, or catching up on the latest Netflix drama—are just harmless escapes. But what if they reveal deeper truths about our priorities? As the insightful A.W. Tozer once said, “What we think about when we are free to think about what we will—that is what we are or will soon become.” Ouch!
This line of thought can lead to some serious introspection. Are we really prioritizing our relationship with God, or are we allowing the allure of worldly distractions to take precedence? The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:2 to “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This isn’t just a call to action; it’s an invitation to reflect on what fills our hearts and minds when the noise of the world quiets down.
As I sat there, wrestling with these thoughts, I recalled a quote from the missionary E. Stanley Jones: “What has your attention has you.” This is a profound truth for Christians. If our free moments are filled with thoughts of our favorite sports team or the latest celebrity gossip, what does that say about our spiritual health?
The Bible offers us guidance on where our focus should lie. Colossians 3:2 urges us to “set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” It’s a gentle reminder that our thoughts should be aligned with God’s will, and that includes our downtime.
But here’s the kicker: does that mean every spare moment should be filled with Bible study and prayer? Not necessarily. God has richly blessed us with the ability to enjoy life—our hobbies, interests, and even a good movie night. The key is to ensure that these activities don’t overshadow our devotion to Him.
St. Augustine hit the nail on the head when he spoke of “disordered loves.” Sometimes, it’s not that we love the wrong things; it’s that we love them in the wrong order. Our relationship with God should always come first, and from that foundation, everything else can fall into place.
So, how do we achieve this balance? It starts with honest self-reflection. What do you think about when you have the freedom to think about anything? Are your thoughts pointing you toward God, or are they pulling you away?
As I continue to grapple with these questions, I find solace in Philippians 3:12, where Paul admits, “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on.” The journey of faith is ongoing, and the goal is to keep striving toward a deeper relationship with Christ.
In the end, the challenge is to keep our hearts and minds aligned with God, even in our moments of leisure. As we strive to reorder our loves and priorities, let’s remember that God is faithful. He promises in Philippians 1:6 that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
So, the next time you find yourself with a moment of solitude, take a step back and ask yourself: what does my heart truly desire? The answer could lead you to a deeper understanding of your faith and a more fulfilling relationship with God.