One common question we get is this, “Why don’t we meet every Sunday?” And a common followup is, “What are we supposed to do on those Sundays?”

There’s a larger and longer response to the first question that we’ll tackle later. But for now, a simple response is this: there’s a greater goal of helping all of us nurture greater intimacy with Jesus and follow Jesus intentionally into the world to live out what he teaches us in the Bible. And believe it or not… we may achieve this by doing less, not more.

But let’s tackle the second question, “What are we supposed to do on those Sundays?”

Jesus says this

“Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.” [Matthew 22:37-40]

The pace of Silicon Valley lives is hostile to genuine relationships. Both with God and with people. There is so much pressure to achieve and produce; we have so much and yet have so little. We’re surrounded by tons of stuff and yet we’re so alone.

So what to do with those Sundays?

Love God

Spend time with God. Really. Talk to Him. Listen to Him. Not through a sermon or a choir. It can happen that way. But it can NEVER replace… you and God, together, face to face. These times will fuel greater intimacy with Jesus. These times will unearth areas where you’re mad at God and the world and begin a process to heal. These times will lead you to see the world differently… through His eyes and not your own.

Truth be told, we need to hear his voice daily, every moment. We need time daily to enjoy God’s embrace and embrace him back. But Sundays can be a jumping point into your week, to refresh, refuel and respond to a God that knows you inside and out and has way bigger dreams that you could ever have.

Don’t know how? Try this:

1. Carve Out Time – At least an hour. Take your time. Turn off your phone, computer, pager, fax, dog, etc. You’ll need some time to quiet your soul. Parents take turns taking care of the kids. Serve each other by giving the other some time.
2. Talk to God – Try this, “Father, thank you for loving me. What is your heart for me today?” And then listen for at least 2-5 minutes.
3. Bible – Choose a book in the Bible to read and start from the beginning. If you’re lost, try John. Ask God to show you what He wants. Read about a chapter [slowly] and listen for God as you read.
4. Journal – Write down what you’re learning, what you feel God is saying to you and whatever you want.
5. Pray – Talk to God. You can. In your normal voice, no need for big words. Share your heart with him and be quiet for a moment so he can speak to you.
6. Repeat – Throughout the week [sometimes in smaller time increments] and on other Sundays we do not meet.

Love People

What else might you do? Love people. We’re so busy that we often do not have time for people. Not just do stuff – but be all present, listening, engaging and being with people. Especially with people who have yet to know Jesus. How can our lives intersect with other’s lives? How about cooking breakfast, helping a neighbor paint, taking a hike with a friend? Help someone out or invite a few friends and go do something. It’s not rocket science… you know what to do.

The key is this… how will you give away the love Jesus gave you? Jesus said this:

“Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” [John 13:34-35]

So give it a go. Find simple ways to love people, be friends and be open to how God might use you to bless people with the message of Jesus or simple acts of love.

So if you’re thinking to yourself… “man, no Sundays… sleep in! AWESOME!” You’re missing the point. Really.

Questions? Comments? Objections? Throw ‘em out in the comments. Thanks all.