It was years after becoming a Christian that I realized my need for a relationship with God. I mean, I could learn about Him and appreciate who He was, what he did for me, and what He wanted me to do. However, did I know Him personally, like a friend or as my heavenly daddy to whom I could go for every need and care. No, at that time, it was only a positive connection with a concept in a special book, the Bible.
It wasn’t until I attended a women’s retreat that I really focused on my personal relationship with God. At that point, I made an agreement with Him, a covenant of sorts, that He would be my God and I would be His child. Our partnership began.
Over the years since then, I have deepened this association with God the Father, welcoming this unknown experience with my own biological father and substituting it with a dad who is perfect and will never leave or forsake me.
My friendship with Jesus came alongside this, especially as I became more familiar with His loving personhood through the gospels. He provided me with an example of how to live and love in a Christian manner besides His gift of salvation.
The third member of the Trinity has become more a part of my life lately as the mystery surrounding Him has been increasingly unveiled. This happened through my friendship with a Spirit-filled new friend. I’m adjusting to the idea of the Holy Spirit’s power and residence within me. How much more personal can it get?
All of this personalization of God in my life has led to a greater emphasis on Christian community and fellowship in general. Rather than an earlier focus on doctrine, I’ve learned that our opportunities to serve God almost always come within the context of relationship.
The saying “They don’t care how much you know unless they know how much you care.” would fit nicely here. If I’m to follow the Great Commission and make disciples, I have to do that with people with whom I’ve formed some sort of kinship.
This became clear in my condo neighborhood when the Lord made me aware of my need to get to know my neighbors before I sprang something like a Bible Study on them. I got father by serving them with transportation, gifts or time spent together, than by using them as guinea pigs in a spiritual experimentation.
I remember how God uses kindness to win people over, and it’s not just as a sneaky way to sell Himself, nor would it be for me. It comes from a heart of love that cares for that individual and wants the best for them.
So, that’s my motivation and I hope to use it in all my relationships, with God helping me. I’m sure I will mess up occasionally in my attempts to do this, but am assured God will continue to show me the way.