Developing Deeper Intimacy

In our study of the spiritual disciplines of a Christian, we have paused to look at a passage of scripture that helps us keep a godly perspective of our life with God.  We are looking at James 4:7-10 but we started with verse ten.  Here we are reminded that our attitude in practicing the spiritual disciplines is influenced by how we approach God (type "spiritual disciplines" in the search box on the right side of the blog to see all the articles relating to this topic).  In studying this passage, I realized that before we can draw near to and submit to God, we have to recognize the error of our ways.

Humility is the first step in developing our intimacy with God.  

God has already done everything that needs to be done for us to live in perfect fellowship with Him. Jesus came to earth as a man, was tortured and murdered, and He has risen from the dead.  His life, death, and resurrection completely paid in full our debt to sin and made us right with God, the Father.  As He said on the cross, "It is finished."! The ball is now in our court.

James teaches us about the layers in our hearts and lives that will bring us into genuine intimacy with God but they are written in reverse order. So we started last time looking at how humility helps us to see and acknowledge our sin before God without fear, shame, or condemnation.  Humility is the foundation of our intimacy with God because until we can identify our sin, we cannot move past it and live closer to God.  

             Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 

                        James 4:8-9 ESV

There is only One way to God and that is through Jesus Christ.  But in order to come to Jesus, we have to see our sin for what it really is.  Too many people "play church" by attending a religious happy hour once a week.  They spend the rest of their time struggling with the ups and downs of life in this world.  God is not a vital part of their daily lives, therefore, they have no conviction of sin and no relationship with Him.

Unrepented sin separates us from God.

When we identify and acknowledge the sin in our lives, it produces a godly conviction (not condemnation) that causes us to repent of our wrong doing and receive the mercy of God.  Now we are ready to move nearer to God.  We cannot draw close to God with our sin in the way because God cannot dwell where sin lives. 

These two verses tell us that regretting our sin is part of moving closer to God.  We develop intimacy with the Lord when we grieve over our filthiness.  Sin is no joke - it's wages are death.  Sin is nothing to laugh about because it caused all the suffering of Christ on the cross.  This is serious business as it will result in many church going people missing out on their place in heaven.

Now is a great time to check yourself.  Are you trying to hide anything from God?  Is there an issue you are avoiding?  A topic you refuse to discuss?  

Whatever you are dealing with, today is the day to expose it to the Light of Christ so that you can be set free from it's power and develop deeper intimacy with God.  Until you address it,  your relationship with God can go no further.

Go deeper in God.  Allow Him free access to your heart.
Heidirn