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Leisure – Time with Family & Friends

“After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside...” – John 3:22

What do you like to do in your leisure time? Watch sports? Go golfing? Watch movies? Have a pub lunch? Read a book? Go to the beach? Maybe all the above?

Well, how often do you like to do these things alone instead of with others? While some of us like to do things alone, or at least are fine with doing things alone at times, most of us would prefer to do social things in a social manner. We previously argued the importance of alone time. Today we are also arguing the importance of spending time with friends and family. Psalm 133 basically compares time well spent with loved ones and likeminded people to nourishment for the soul and the refreshment of our psyche.

Even if you are socially awkward, or a very big introvert, you still need others to share life with. One of God’s main focuses with church remains to be community – especially, creating a place of safety and security for the outcast and the loner. Yet today I want you to also recognize that being with people does not always require you to interact with everyone. It just means being present, staying involved and sharing life. Jesus is a prime example of this. Despite being the Son of God, who’s the able to walk on water, heal people, command nature, conquer death and sin, all on his own accord, He still chose to share time and experiences with people. Friends, family, and community was a regular priority for Him. It’s also central to the Jewish culture He grew up in. This sometimes even caused tension among his disciples and family members (Matthew12:46-50).

Jesus chose to be involved and influence the personal lives of many, but a lot of the time He also chose to simply just be with people. He chose to enjoy their company, listen to their stories, share meals, and often just relax while having a good time. And He managed to balance this between His close friends and followers whom He had in His inner circle. But also with strangers, sinners, and acquaintances alike.

If we are going to find happiness in holiness and stay whole while we operate in this broken world, we need to value time spent with our family and friends. We also need to be intentional with who that is exactly. If you’re a husband, your wife tops this list. If you’re a father, your household ranks a close second. Your closest friends should fall in next, and then all-extended family, other friends, and acquaintances need to be socially sorted in accordance. If you are still single, it might be easier to have a broader list of friends, but much harder to rank relationships. And yes, it is important to rank our relationships according to importance, since nobody can be everybody’s best friend. There are friends who stick closer than family (Proverbs 18:24), but they are fewer and much to be cherished.

In this broken world Jesus often operated behind enemy lines. Yet, as we read the Gospels, we see 12, and specifically three (Matthew 17:1, Mark 5:37) close friends He often prioritized to have times of both teaching and leisure with. It seems His human nature would have often been rejuvenated by going out, sailing, fishing, and dining with His closest friends and family.

Read Mark 2:13-17 & Luke 8:26-39 and reflect on the following…

1. What is your observation(s) from today’s scriptures and devotional?

2. How will you apply what you have learned today?

3. Pray about what God’s Word and the Holy Spirit is revealing to you…