In John 15 Jesus calls on his disciples to 'remain in me' (v. 4). But this is not a passive pursuit conducted in silence. This is active faith in our union with Christ, a faith that produces fruit in the world (v. 8). We are to remain in Christ's love (v.9). But remaining in Christ's love is synonymous with obedience to Christ's commands (v. 10). Christ does not take us out of the world, but sends us into the world to 'go and bear fruit' (15:16; 17:15-18). His command is 'to love each other as I have loved you' (vv. 12, 17). Biblical spirituality does not take place in silence; it takes place bearing a cross. It is not a spirituality of withdrawal, but a spirituality of engagement. You do not practice it on retreat in a secluded house; you practice it on the streets in the midst of broken lives.
Yes, there were times when Jesus withdrew for prayer and if you want to call that a "quiet time" OK - probably not the same as we think of as "quiet time". BUT, there is obvious truth to the paragraph above - spirituality is much more than withdrawal - it is engagement - engagement with a broken world who needs the gospel - not simply the gospel of heaven and hell, but the real gospel of redemption, of empowerment, of comfort and strength, and all that God is for us in Jesus Christ. So - if you want go and get all spiritual (and I pray you do) - get off the couch and into the world and engage with the gospel!
