Who Do You Spend Time With?

By: Kim Garrett

Thursday, January 9, 2025

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13

Who do you spend time with? Can anyone look at you and connect your behavior with who you spend time with? Most of us are probably perceived as average, ordinary people; we wake up, get ready, and head out to a busy day. We return home, eat dinner, get ready for bed, then repeat the same cycle tomorrow. Yet, it’s the time in-between that often feeds into who we are, what we believe, and how we behave. Who we spend time with influences what we value, so I ask again… who do you spend time with?

When Peter and John spent time with Jesus, other people didn't just notice, they marveled. Why? Because spending time with Jesus changed them, making them more like Jesus. Why spend time with Jesus? God's Word says the only way to the Father is through Jesus (John 14:6). It also says you and I were created through and for Him, and everything is held together by Him (Colossians 1:16-17).

Next, let’s review some practical benefits of spending time with Jesus. In Him we have God's peace (John 16:33). We also receive strength, encouragement, help, and support (Isaiah 41:10). When we spend quality time with Jesus, our lives begin to reflect His divine presence.

We spend time with Jesus when we read and study God's Word. When we open God’s Word, we are opening God’s heart. Every page reflects His thoughts, His love, and His voice. The Word speaks to us, providing wisdom and direction for our lives. As you open God's Word, ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what you read.

Psalm 91:1-2 instructs us to dwell and abide in God’s presence. The verses that follow (Psalm 91:3-16) are full of promises, and all are connected to remaining in God's presence. There is a bible story in Luke about two sisters named Mary and Martha. Martha works while Mary sits at Jesus' feet, listening attentively. When Martha complains, Jesus says Mary chose wisely by drawing close to listen and learn from Him. Mary decided to spend time with Jesus, and she gave Him her undivided attention. She wasn't being lazy; she valued and adored the time she spent with Christ!

God is inviting you and I to do the same; spend quality time with Jesus. Like those disciples, we should spend so much time with Jesus that others notice. If anyone notices you're different, point them toward the one who changed you, Jesus Christ!

Read: Psalm 91, Luke 10:38-42