The Cost Of Connection: Reclaiming Time For What Truly Matters
As we wrap up our four-week series, The Cost of Connection, we come to perhaps the most personal and universally challenging topic of all: time. Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored the real cost of being vulnerable, of stepping out of our comfort zones, and now — we’re looking at the cost of connection in terms of our most valuable commodity: time.
We All Crave Connection — But It Comes at a Cost
There’s a deep, God-given desire in every human to be connected — to be known, loved, and in community. It’s how we were created. God is a God of connection, and because we are made in His image, we’re hardwired for relationship.
But here’s the tension: while we long for connection, relationships are hard. They demand time, effort, and emotional investment. Marriage is hard. Parenting is hard. Friendships are hard. So what do we do when we know we’re made for connection, but we’re stuck in a life that feels too full for it?
Busy Isn’t a Badge of Honor
If I asked, “How are you?” what would your answer be?
Chances are, many of you would say: “Busy.”
And you wouldn’t be lying. We really are busy. No matter what stage of life we’re in — whether we’re students, professionals, parents, or even retired — our culture idolizes busyness. We’ve tied our busyness to our worth. The more packed our calendars, the more valuable or important we must be… right?
But the truth is, when we overfill our schedules, something important is lost — and often, it’s connection.
As a pastor, I’ve had the unique opportunity to sit with people at the end of their lives — young and old. And nearly all of them say the same thing: “I wish I had spent more time on what really mattered. I wish I had prioritized people over work, relationships over achievements.”
So What Do We Do With Our Time?
The Apostle Paul gives us some timely (no pun intended) wisdom in Ephesians 5:15–17:
“Be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.”
Let’s break this down through three essential filters Paul gives us: Use Time Wisely, Redeem Time, and Align Time with God’s Will.
1. Use Time Wisely
Paul urges us to be intentional — not careless or thoughtless with how we live. That translates directly to how we spend our time.
Time is more valuable than money. We can always make more money, but once time is gone — it’s gone. Jesus was a master at time management. He intentionally carved out space for solitude, for deep connection with His disciples, and for spontaneous moments of ministry. He left margin in His life — not everything was scheduled. Some of His most powerful interactions were interruptions.
Are we leaving space in our lives for divine interruptions?
2. Redeem Time
Paul says, “Make the most of every opportunity.” The original Greek here paints the picture of rescuing something that’s about to be lost — like buying up discounted items before they’re gone forever.
In modern terms, maybe it looks like checking your screen time and realizing how much is being spent on things that don’t matter. When we allow time to be drained by unintentional activities, we lose opportunities for real connection.
We must rescue time from the things that don’t align with our values.
3. Align Time With God’s Will
Paul wraps up by saying, “Understand what the Lord wants you to do.” God has given us time, but He’s also given us purpose. The question is: Are our schedules aligned with that purpose?
Do we consult God about our calendars? Do we make space for what He values — like connection, rest, and generosity? If our time doesn’t reflect our values, something’s off.
Landing Place Values — A Compass for How We Spend Time
At Landing Place Church, we’ve boiled our values down to 10 simple words. These aren’t just words on a screen; they’re the filter through which we make decisions:
- Love God
- Love People
- Be Real
- We’re Family
- Live Generously
These values are rooted in Jesus’ teachings — especially from the Sermon on the Mount. When we’re clear about our values, it becomes easier to say yes to the right things and no to even the good things that might distract us.
“When values are clear, decisions are easy.”
Three Practical Steps to Prioritize Connection
Here’s where it gets real. If you want to make connection a priority in your life, here are three game-changing actions you can take:
1. Track Your Time
Yes, this sounds tedious — but it works. For two weeks, write down what you’re doing in 15-minute increments. Just like tracking calories changes how you eat, tracking time changes how you live.
You’ll discover where your time really goes — and chances are, you’ll find more margin than you think.
2. Prioritize Connection First
Don’t squeeze people in after everything else. Put connection on your calendar first. Whether it’s joining a small group, having dinner with friends, or spending quality time with your kids — schedule it like you would an important meeting.
If half of us say we don’t have close Christian friends (and many of you did), then connection needs to be elevated on our priority list.
3. Establish a Legacy
Parents and grandparents — your kids are watching. They’re learning what’s important by observing how you spend your time, not by what you say is important.
Are we modeling what a life of connection, balance, and purpose looks like? Or are we unintentionally teaching them that busyness is the goal?
Final Thoughts: Good is the Enemy of Great
There are lots of good things you can do with your time. But as we close this series, let me remind you of this:
“You’ll never have time for what matters, until you make time for what matters.”
You were made for connection. Yes, it’s costly — it may mean saying no to some good things. But it’s worth it.
So audit your calendar. Prioritize relationships. Align your schedule with your values. Because when you do, you won’t just be busy — you’ll be fulfilled.
Want to get connected at Landing Place Church?
Visit landingplacechurch.com/groups and take your next step toward meaningful connection today.
“Be careful how you live. Make the most of every opportunity.” — Ephesians 5:15–16
Let’s not wait until the end of our lives to wish we’d lived differently. Let’s choose connection — today.