One of the most valuable things that a person could possibly have is an intimate relationship with God. That same God who is big enough and powerful enough to create the whole universe is also small enough and caring enough to desire a personal relationship with you–a relationship that will last for eternity.

Of course, such an intimate friendship won’t happen by chance. Your relationship with your best friend didn’t come overnight, and your relationship with God is no different. It requires time.

There is a principle that can be seen both in the Bible and in the world, which basically states that you reap what you sow (see 2 Corinthians 9:6;l Galatians 6:7-8). However, you can’t expect to reap a harvest on seeds you’ve never sown. In other words, you can’t expect to know God well if you don’t invest significant amounts of time and energy into the relationship.

Therefore, it is very important how you use your time. No wonder Paul, in Ephesians 6:15-16, wrote this: Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Here, Paul is encouraging us to use our time wisely–that is, to make the most of it.

The way to make the most of your time is to invest it into something of great value that lasts forever–an intimate relationship with God.

A practical tip that I have found to be true in my own life is this: Reserve a specific slot each day to spend time with God. Don’t do anything else during that time; make it your time specifically for you and God. You can’t use the excuse, “I’ll read my Bible and spend time with God, as soon as I can find some time.” You will never find time! You must make time. Therefore, reserve time for God, remembering that time is the price you must pay for intimacy with God.

Many Christians are so enveloped in “church world” (i.e. a continuous Christian environment) that they have very few opportunities to reach out to nonbelievers. In such cases, the church turns into a social networking place to meet other Christians. Instead, the church needs to be a place where believers can be built up and strengthened in faith, and then encouraged and empowered to be sent out into culture for the ultimate cause of sharing Christ with all people.

That’s exactly what Jesus was getting at in Matthew 28:18-20, when he told his disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The Greek word for “nations” (ethnos) means a multitude of people. So, Jesus is simply saying that as you’re living and as you’re going about your business, make disciples of the people you’re around.

Even back in the Old Testament, God was trying to get his people to spread his name, his glory, and his fame among the people of the Earth. In Psalm 96:1-3, the psalmist writes, Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

God calls us to share his story with people. That call requires that we be in the world in order that we have opportunities to witness. That’s why the church needs to be a sending place for Christians.