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Quality Relationships: Quality Time

A quality relationship demands quality time. From my personal experience and the observation of other couples, giving each other undivided attention is key to having a quality relationship. Quality time tells your significant other, “I place a high value on you. You are more important to me than anything else right now. You matter.” The Oxford Dictionary defines quality time as, “time spent in giving another person’s undivided attention to strengthen a relationship.” In order to have a quality relationship we must implement an exclusive regular time with each other.

Life can be hectic at times. The responsibilities of childcare, career and life’s curveballs can be time-consuming. Hear me out. There are important things you must take time for in your life but if you don’t take time for marriage there could be dire consequences. If quality time isn’t a priority for your relationship then you need to make some changes.

If you are saying I don’t have time for everything you are probably not in the will of God. Don’t you think if God wanted you to do all that stuff He would give you time to do it? Hear me out again. The problem isn’t time. The problem is priorities. God has given us enough time to accomplish what we need to do. We only use the excuse of time to cover up our messed-up priorities. Always remember that the will of God will never make you so busy that you don’t have time for what’s important. Here’s some ways to get this principle working in your life.

1. Date Night: Have fun. Go see a show. Pursue an activity together. Go to a pottery class. Go to a dinner and a movie. Go for a walk by the river. Get creative. Leisure time is a must for any relationship. Don’t neglect date night. You know the old saying? Never stop dating your spouse. Schedule a set time to be together in a stress-free event that brings you closer together.
2. Prayer: I know. You don’t feel comfortable praying to God who you can’t see in front of your spouse. Get used to it. If God is the glue of relationships then why would we not pray? It’s a no-brainer.
3. Go to marriage conferences and retreats: “First things first” has great conferences. I guarantee that if you google Christian marriage conferences you’ll find one near you.
4. Have fun: This is an area where I struggle in at times. But I have a God who will help me if I ask Him which brings us back to our second point! God will help you have fun if you ask Him. Yes, it’s that simple. I have a habit sometimes of carrying things with me such as someone pulling out in front of me on the highway. Silly ain’t it? Forgive me for being transparent but I don’t want to write this article while leaving you the impression I have things figured out. You don’t deserve that kind of treatment.

Always remember that the will of God will never make you so busy that you don’t have time for what’s important. You may need to make some changes but if you really want to see change for the good you will take the initiative.

Overcome Any Obstacle

We can overcome any obstacle because of Jesus Christ. It’s essential to believe all our victories are rooted in Jesus Christ. We must always have the belief that victory is certain whatever obstacle we face.

• Maybe you are in a financial crisis
• Maybe you are experiencing marriage woes
• Maybe you are having a difficult time with your children
• Maybe you are struggling with the lies of the enemy

Friends, I’ve got Good News for you. 1 John 5:4-5 states, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world– our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

John writes to us on how we can overcome in this Scripture. So how do you do it?

1. First, we need a relationship with God. Simply having a relationship with God is the key to overcoming sin and any hindering obstacle. Until you believe you was created primarily to have a relationship with God you won’t overcome. See, overcoming isn’t mainly about your works or deeds. What you do will take care of itself if you focus on your relationship with God. Overcoming simply hinges on your union with God. It’s through a relationship you get wisdom and assurance. Spend time with Him and take your time with Him. He has so many things to say to you. Start talking to Him and I guarantee He will communicate with you.
2. A relationship with God is the victory that overcomes. You must have the faith God has already given you the victory. From the language tense used in this verse, John is saying we already have the victory before the battles even start! You are victorious before, during and after the battles you face. Believing this will change your spirit and perspective. When John says, “this is the victory that has overcome the world” he means overcoming anything that would hinder you from unbroken communion with Him. Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God! His victory is our victory. All the offers of the world are no match to the pleasure of victory we experience in Christ Jesus!
3. A relationship with God starts with believing. If we believe Jesus is the Son of God then we can have victory in every area of our lives. Our believing is the antidote to push away the hindrances of this world and cultivate our relationship with our Creator and Redeemer. The word “believe” means to “have confidence; to be persuaded.” The moment you have confidence is the moment you are born again, that is, able to have a relationship with God.

Victory is already achieved but to walk in victory we must focus on our relationship with Him and what He has done for us. What you are going through may not indicate victory but that’s why it’s our faith that overcomes the world.