P.E. Not just locker rooms and dodgeball any more!!

I had a very encouraging conversation with my friend Adam (as I normally do) this past week. We get together to talk about what's going on in our lives and help each other talk through things. I believe that it is very important for guys to do that, practice regularly what can be uncomfortable. Any ways, we got to talking about this whole Christian phenomena of 'Quiet Time' and 'Devotions'. This activity which is designed for the individual believer to be more disciplined and purposeful about having a relationship with Jesus, has been a huge struggle (as for many) to do this in the way that one is 'supposed to'. I know this sounds skeptical but let me just make a few statements.

1. Relationships will never be a regular structured thing. (if its truly a relationship)
2. 'Quiet' is one mode of human attitude, some are more prone to this than others.
3. I have never read 'though shalt be quiet before the LORD' or any of its equivalents

Yes, I Know that Psalm 46:10 says 'be still and know that I am God'. But I hardly think that God was saying that the only way to be before him is still. Let's continue...

4. I have heard many times from the Christian culture (yes, literally heard from different believers in different settings) that preparing for a talk or doing theology or other biblical schoolwork is not Quiet Time, I would like to disagree.
5. I have also heard, specifically from theology professors, that theology is not properly commenced without the theologian, at least in attitude, first being on their knees.

What I am getting at is a call for change in our attitude and representation of this time spent with God. It is not just quiet time, it should be thought more of as encounter time. and there is an important aspect of our relationship that should be Personal Encounter time. But this should be emphasized. There is time for time alone, there should also be time for corporate time before God (duh!) There is a place for quiet time, and that should be encouraged for people at different times. (many Jr. Highers need more of that) But IT just bothers me that we restrict young believers to just one way to have a relationship with God

This concerns me not for those who I have gotten some of these ideas from, they obviously understand the relationship that they are trying to have with Our heavenly Father. I am concerned for those that are learning from these voices. What are they learning? that the only way to 'truly' have a relationship with God is if you spend 5 to 55 minutes a day in quiet prayer and reflection on God's word? That's not bad, but What honest sinner can do that everyday. In a word of Assignments, schoolwork, and demands for proper attention and calm dispositions, we are not helping God to find willing participants in a relationship with Him.

Yes, We need to be teaching new believers to study the word and pray and discipline and reflection, YES, YES, YES, Yes, yes, yes, all wonderful and good (I do mean that, don't mistake my many 'yes's for too much sarcasm) But I think that God has a more perfect way, in addition to and along with all that. 1 Corinthians 10:31 'so whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God'. Lets show them how to Seek God in Literally ALL things that we do. From brushing our teeth to caring for the broken hearted, lets hold the bar high and help everyone to hop over. But let's not settle and only focus on one way to encounter God.