That got your attention, didn’t it? For most of us, establishing a devotional practice was the first step in our discipleship. Someone taught us to spend intentional time with God, usually first thing in the morning. In essence, we were setting an appointment with Him. For years, mine was usually in the chair in the corner of the living room, reading the scriptures, pondering insights and applications, jotting some thoughts down in a journal, and praying. 

Seems like a pretty good habit. So, why would I say stop? 

Because a quiet time is not just a first step in discipleship. Unfortunately for most people who have stuck with it, it has become their last step in spiritual formation too. It has become a box to check, albeit a good box, but a box, nonetheless. And that’s what I’m calling you to quit. 

The incredibly meaningful time you have experienced with God at the beginning of your day is not an accomplishment to move on from like any other early morning agenda item. It’s an onramp for an ongoing conversation with Him throughout your day. It is the beginning of our daily formation, not the end. 

• I’m challenging you to quit leaving God at home when you head out to work. (I know that this is theologically impossible due to God’s omnipresence, but our awareness of Him throughout our day will wane if not completely disappear.)
• I’m challenging you to quit settling for a trickle of water from a dribbling pipe when there is a well gushing all around you. 
• I’m challenging you to quit going through the motions each morning and to remember that Jesus called us to an intimate connection with God throughout the day.

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) 

Abiding = fruitfulness

Apart = nothing

It doesn’t get any clearer than that. 

My years of experience won’t make me the exception to this truth. 

My charisma doesn’t give me a pass.

My knowledge doesn’t remove my need for abiding.  

One of the questions I get asked most is, “How do I abide in Christ at work?” Over the next three posts, I will offer some suggestions that you can try no matter what industry you are in or what type of job you have, but for today, I have one word: GRATITUDE.

In his book, Being With God, AJ Shirrell says, “Every moment of every day, the most significant happening in the entire universe is the radical availability of God’s presence. Yet in almost every moment of every day, we remain unaware of this generous gift.”

The easiest way of accessing God’s presence is with gratitude. For the rest of the week, say a quiet, audible thank you to God for the little moments, accomplishments, and surprises He brings your way. “Thank you, God, for those birds chirping this morning. Thank you for this job. Thank you for helping me work through this challenge.” 

In this, you will develop the habit of abiding and practicing Paul’s call to pray without ceasing. But most of all, you will develop an intimacy with God that an hour in the morning, no matter how rich, can provide.