What Does It REALLY Mean to "Get Closer to God"? And How Can You Tell That You Really Are "Closer to Him"?

[seoulsearch]

Hey Everyone,

I know it's talked about all the time and surely seems like a no-brainer to any Christian -- "I Want to Get Closer to God!"

But what, exactly, does that mean?

Is it different for different people?

I know most people will agree that the WAY to get "closer to God" is through: more praise, more worship, more Bible study, more participation at church, more prayer, more volunteering and helping others...

But WHAT does that produce in you that makes you "closer to God?" What are the results -- the actual proof -- that all of this has indeed made you "closer to God"?

Does it mean:

* You now sin less than when you WEREN'T "closer to God"?

* You're now slower to anger?

* You now start hearing God speaking to you all the time?

As someone who has always been part of the Christian community, I'm always interested in "basic" topics like this -- because they're always talked about, but no one really defines them.

* What does "getting closer to God" mean to YOU?

* How can YOU actually TELL that you've "gotten closer to God"?

* If other people were to give you an evaluation, could they tell that you were now "closer to God"?

I'm going to create a multiple choice, anonymous (no one can see your answers) poll that will include some of these answers, but certainly not every answer people might want to give.

I'm hoping people will come back and explain why they chose what they did, or what they feel getting closer to God means to them -- because I know at the very least, it will encourage me to keep "getting closer to God" as well.

 

[Lynx]

All I know is, it's the number one answer when you ask the youth group what their goals are for the next year.

 

[Lynx]

What does it mean to be a Christian?

People named themselves after the people they followed, the people they believed were best able to lead them in finding a good life. Epicureans, for example, believed Epicurus was right and the main objective of a person's life should be to seek happiness and tranquility. So they followed his advice and his example, and patterned their lives after his.

So if we are Christians, what kind of example should we follow? Well, Jesus spend a lot of his time helping people. Healing people, encouraging people, showing people something they could do with their lives that really mattered... All he ever did for the woman at the well and Zacchaeus was be good friends to them and show them they could really make a difference in their area.

It seems to me that if we want to get closer to God, we should start helping people more.

 

[Lynx]

And they will say to God, when did we ever help YOU? How do you do anything for an all-powerful deity anyway? And God will reply, if you have done something to help somebody I care about, you have done something for me.

 

[seoulsearch]

All I know is, it's the number one answer when you ask the youth group what their goals are for the next year.

What does it mean to be a Christian?

People named themselves after the people they followed, the people they believed were best able to lead them in finding a good life. Epicureans, for example, believed Epicurus was right and the main objective of a person's life should be to seek happiness and tranquility. So they followed his advice and his example, and patterned their lives after his.

So if we are Christians, what kind of example should we follow? Well, Jesus spend a lot of his time helping people. Healing people, encouraging people, showing people something they could do with their lives that really mattered... All he ever did for the woman at the well and Zacchaeus was be good friends to them and show them they could really make a difference in their area.

It seems to me that if we want to get closer to God, we should start helping people more.

It's an interesting topic to me because it falls under a number of subjects I started labeling as a kid under: "Things I Hear About in Church All The Time But When Asked, No One Bothers Trying to Explain."

For example, let's say we have 4 separate, unrelated individuals and:

* Bill is cheating on his wife with a younger woman at work, while leading a men's group because he still sees himself as more spiritually mature than others.

* Sam is an alcoholic, drinks too much every night, and he contributes little to work or his family because of it.

* Rachel verbally berates and abuses her husband because her father abandoned her and she thinks she can't trust men.

* Sara gossips, is quick to criticize others, doesn't take care of herself, and overeats to the point of serious health problems.

Let's say all 4 of these people go on a 6-month endeavor to "get closer to God."

* If, after the 6 months, none of them have reduced their sinful behaviors, does this mean their they haven't really gotten any closer to God?

* If they HAVE gotten closer to God and their behaviors haven't changed (or have gotten worse,) then how does one know if they've actually gotten closer to God?

I know there are no concrete answers here -- it's a lot like taking medicine. Is the medicine working if you don't see particular results you think you should see? People can get closer to God without having observable results, or the results others think they should have.

But the fact that EVERYONE talks about "getting closer to God" but no one seems to know how to measure, define, or describe it keeps me troubled.

Because if no one really knows how to tell if they've gotten closer to God, how do we know "that getting closer to God" is even possible or has real results, rather than just being "something that everyone just says they want"?

 

[Kainos]

The more I trust God, the closer I am to God, which means more love and less fear, by extension.

It's known that love casts out fear, and the fear of what other people think used to be the biggest constraint on my personal growth. The nearer I am to God, the less concerned I am with how others might perceive my choices, knowing that the only approval I need is found in a spiritual connection with God, through Jesus Christ.

When I was alienated from God, I was trapped between two fears; not being noticed by others at all, or being visible, but altogether insignificant. I was very shy, but hid it well from my peers. It was only after I answered the knock of the One who stands at our door, that I was able to perceive the error of my ways.

When I was primed to receive God's love, my sense of self-worth was no longer conditional on whether people were prepared to receive me or not. As my mind has been renewed in conformance to God and serving others, I am no longer bound and distracted by the discomforts associated with shyness.

The dedication and perseverance of God's love persists to be shared by us. And the foundation for gaining mastery over my shyness was His love that I wanted to share.

The closer I am to God, the closer I want to be with His children. All I know, is that His children are worth my all, because the Father called you, Jesus called you. And if He called you, I can't see you as anything less than precious and important. And if I am fully committed to the Father, then a full commitment to His word will come through me.

 

[seoulsearch]

The more I trust God, the closer I am to God, which means more love and less fear, by extension.

It's known that love casts out fear, and the fear of what other people think used to be the biggest constraint on my personal growth. The nearer I am to God, the less concerned I am with how others might perceive my choices, knowing that the only approval I need is found in a spiritual connection with God, through Jesus Christ.

When I was alienated from God, I was trapped between two fears; not being noticed by others at all, or being visible, but altogether insignificant. I was very shy, but hid it well from my peers. It was only after I answered the knock of the One who stands at our door, that I was able to perceive the error of my ways.

When I was primed to receive God's love, my sense of self-worth was no longer conditional on whether people were prepared to receive me or not. As my mind has been renewed in conformance to God and serving others, I am no longer bound and distracted by the discomforts associated with shyness.

The dedication and perseverance of God's love persists to be shared by us. And the foundation for gaining mastery over my shyness was His love that I wanted to share.

The closer I am to God, the closer I want to be with His children. All I know, is that His children are worth my all, because the Father called you, Jesus called you. And if He called you, I can't see you as anything less than precious and important. And if I am fully committed to the Father, then a full commitment to His word will come through me.

Thank you for this beautiful, honest testimony.

I certainly would not have guessed that you were shy, even though the threads have had some recent discussions about shyness and introverted tendencies being less obvious in writing.

Thank you for mentioning the topic of fear, as that's been a revolving theme in my life for some time. I know the Bible says we're not supposed to fear, but I do. The last several years when I've felt God drawing me closer, it's mostly felt like He's preparing me for tragic outcomes, and that has indeed produced a lot of fear. But I know it's not God's will for us.

I find your story to be immensely inspiring and motivating.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share this heartfelt witness of what getting closer to God looks like -- in action! 💗

 

[Jimbone]

All the above honestly, but none of that is how I KNEW I was saved. I knew I was saved when He resurrected my spirit and reconnected it to Him, the Spitit. That was how I KNEW I was saved. Then the rest of this stuff followed as a result of being saved. I would have never done any of these things before He transformed me, this is why He gets ALL credit for anything good I do in His name. ALL glory to God, none to me.

 

[Cameron143]

Isaiah 64: 1-5 is a request by the prophet on behalf of himself and the people that God would be more profoundly evident in their lives. Rending the heavens is a plea that God would remove anything that would prevent the people from seeing God. Come down is that they might know His presence. The reference to flowing mountains and boiling waters is their plea for the presence of God to be great and very manifest. The reference to things God did is a request for God to again do things, particularly on their behalf. The reference to "terrible" is not so much meaning devastating as it is to meaning grandiose and incredible. They are not only asking to see God and experience His presence, but that His presence be made evident through the mighty works He will do on their behalf.
It is quite the ask, but certainly nothing greater than God has done for His people before. When I think of being closer to God and seek for Him to be closer, this is what I envision.

 

[Kainos]

Thank you for this beautiful, honest testimony.

I certainly would not have guessed that you were shy, even though the threads have had some recent discussions about shyness and introverted tendencies being less obvious in writing.

Thank you for mentioning the topic of fear, as that's been a revolving theme in my life for some time. I know the Bible says we're not supposed to fear, but I do. The last several years when I've felt God drawing me closer, it's mostly felt like He's preparing me for tragic outcomes, and that has indeed produced a lot of fear. But I know it's not God's will for us.

I find your story to be immensely inspiring and motivating.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share this heartfelt witness of what getting closer to God looks like -- in action! 💗

The shyness from my old way of life was not without purpose. It kept me from wantonly transgressing with the opposite sex.

The friends I mentioned in the blind date thread, they literally watched the old pass away for the new in my life. They didn't recognise my person any more, and we ceased from keeping in contact.

The disposition I now have is quite bold, so I wouldn't come across as being shy. And it goes without saying, all the glory belongs to God!

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Those are all qualities and virtues that often express walking in the spirit rather than the flesh. I think that's a good place to start. If someone is walking in the flesh, they are not in fellowship with the Lord at that time.

Ist John is mistaken by unbelievers, who are preachers, using it for a book of requirements to spread a false gospel.
It is really a book of instructions to believers on how to have fellowship with the Lord and other believers. There's a lot of details about walking with the Lord there.

As to closeness, I think that's a good epistle to study and apply properly.

I find that there's a big difference between the immature me and the one that loves the Lord more now, in spite of the failures.

 

[seoulsearch]

All the above honestly, but none of that is how I KNEW I was saved. I knew I was saved when He resurrected my spirit and reconnected it to Him, the Spitit. That was how I KNEW I was saved. Then the rest of this stuff followed as a result of being saved. I would have never done any of these things before He transformed me, this is why He gets ALL credit for anything good I do in His name. ALL glory to God, none to me.

I think that's the most amazing realization of all...

When you're clipping along, and suddenly -- God shows you just how much He's done in your life, and in your heart -- and you wouldn't have even really realized it unless He pointed it out.

Thank you so much for sharing!

 

[seoulsearch]

Isaiah 64: 1-5 is a request by the prophet on behalf of himself and the people that God would be more profoundly evident in their lives. Rending the heavens is a plea that God would remove anything that would prevent the people from seeing God. Come down is that they might know His presence. The reference to flowing mountains and boiling waters is their plea for the presence of God to be great and very manifest. The reference to things God did is a request for God to again do things, particularly on their behalf. The reference to "terrible" is not so much meaning devastating as it is to meaning grandiose and incredible. They are not only asking to see God and experience His presence, but that His presence be made evident through the mighty works He will do on their behalf.
It is quite the ask, but certainly nothing greater than God has done for His people before. When I think of being closer to God and seek for Him to be closer, this is what I envision.

I'm sure it's not by coincidence that I'm actually in the book of Isaiah right now in my Bible reading (somewhere around chapter 48.)

Thank you for mentioning this segment -- I'll have to be sure to mark it and pay extra attention when I get there!

 

[seoulsearch]

The shyness from my old way of life was not without purpose. It kept me from wantonly transgressing with the opposite sex.
The friends I mentioned in the blind date thread, they literally watched the old pass away for the new in my life. They didn't recognise my person any more, and we ceased from keeping in contact.

The disposition I now have is quite bold, so I wouldn't come across as being shy. And it goes without saying, all the glory belongs to God!

What an awesome reminder that God can use everything about us, even things society might see as a hindrance, for His own purpose -- including keeping us out of trouble!

Thank you for being willing to share this!

 

[seoulsearch]

Those are all qualities and virtues that often express walking in the spirit rather than the flesh. I think that's a good place to start. If someone is walking in the flesh, they are not in fellowship with the Lord at that time.

Ist John is mistaken by unbelievers, who are preachers, using it for a book of requirements to spread a false gospel.
It is really a book of instructions to believers on how to have fellowship with the Lord and other believers. There's a lot of details about walking with the Lord there.

As to closeness, I think that's a good epistle to study and apply properly.

I find that there's a big difference between the immature me and the one that loves the Lord more now, in spite of the failures.

Thank you for mentioning the book of John.

I was always touched by John referring to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." It's always a reminder to me that we are "the disciples whom Jesus loves" as well.

Thank you for sharing about the difference between being immature vs. a true love for God.

I think one of the issues for me is that I'm always trying to measure my spiritual growth in various segments ("Am I doing any better than last year?!"), though I know it's God who really knows our progress.

 

[Tall_Timbers]

I couldn't select any of those carefully considered poll answers.

When I was a young man, and I found Christ, or Christ found me, I was very emotional about it for a very long time. I came to understand what had happened to me by reading the Bible for the first times in my life. Not long after I got saved I went to Colombia S.A. as a Missionary and put my enthusiasm to work.

Fast forward a number of years and life's difficulties and responsibilities hammered away at that joy in the Lord. Sin also got in the way. I went through a period, several years, that I refer to as the dark night of the soul. During that time it was hard to read the Bible or pray. It was being chastised by God that finally got me back on my feet. It is wonderful to be chastised by our heavenly Father. Why? God chastises whom He loves!!!

Fast forward again and now I'm an old man. I'm very familiar with God because I've been on speaking terms with Him for a long time now. I love the Lord and still cherish with all my being that translation from death to life in Christ that occurred decades ago.

Am I closer to God now? I've certainly matured in the faith over the decades but as to being closer to God now... I'm not sure. I'm closer to being in His presence, that's for sure. I'm a lot more knowledgeable with regards to the Word, and hopefully wiser for it. You see, on the day I was saved by Jesus through the conviction by the Holy Spirit, at that moment I was all in. ALL IN! I've had ups and downs in life but since my salvation I've been all in. I'm still a sinner and I don't like that but I understand I'll have a sin nature until I pass from this life to the next, or am Raptured. I can't say whether I am closer to God, but I do believe I love God more each day. Joy in the Lord is my strength.

 

[seoulsearch]

I couldn't select any of those carefully considered poll answers.

When I was a young man, and I found Christ, or Christ found me, I was very emotional about it for a very long time. I came to understand what had happened to me by reading the Bible for the first times in my life. Not long after I got saved I went to Colombia S.A. as a Missionary and put my enthusiasm to work.

Fast forward a number of years and life's difficulties and responsibilities hammered away at that joy in the Lord. Sin also got in the way. I went through a period, several years, that I refer to as the dark night of the soul. During that time it was hard to read the Bible or pray. It was being chastised by God that finally got me back on my feet. It is wonderful to be chastised by our heavenly Father. Why? God chastises whom He loves!!!

Fast forward again and now I'm an old man. I'm very familiar with God because I've been on speaking terms with Him for a long time now. I love the Lord and still cherish with all my being that translation from death to life in Christ that occurred decades ago.

Am I closer to God now? I've certainly matured in the faith over the decades but as to being closer to God now... I'm not sure. I'm closer to being in His presence, that's for sure. I'm a lot more knowledgeable with regards to the Word, and hopefully wiser for it. You see, on the day I was saved by Jesus through the conviction by the Holy Spirit, at that moment I was all in. ALL IN! I've had ups and downs in life but since my salvation I've been all in. I'm still a sinner and I don't like that but I understand I'll have a sin nature until I pass from this life to the next, or am Raptured. I can't say whether I am closer to God, but I do believe I love God more each day. Joy in the Lord is my strength.

Thank you so much for this honest, heartfelt answer.

I love that you concluded by saying that you can't say for sure whether you're closer to God (because you don't see that honest of an answer very often,) but you know that your wisdom and familiarity with Him has grown.

I'm thankful to everyone who takes the time to answer these threads, and I'm sure the variety of answers help a variety of people.

For me, I'm always drawn to the testimonies of what's happened in people's lives. I can relate very well @Tall_Timbers, about discipline and chastening. I feel like I've been on a constant path of discipline for years and it's made me not exactly enthused about getting closer to God. I figure the closer I get, the more He's going to correct me.

God has led me to spend a certain part of my regular schedule with Him, with a part of my routine that's always mandatory so I pretty much have no choice but to do so! I believe God has told me that He is looking for people to bless, but in order to bless them, He has to correct them first.

Now whether or not I'll survive all the correction and get to the actual blessing part, we'll have to see.

But in all seriousness -- thank you for sharing a personal look at your own walk. What was most helpful to me was seeing someone else also going through stages that can sometimes be very different from one another, and sometimes be very dark.

I've been having many ups and downs in faith and it's helpful for me to see others experiencing the same, while actually saying there were tough times, rather than trying to say it was all smooth sailing.

True stories like this give me hope that there really is light at the end of even the rockiest tunnel.

 

[Kainos]

Thank I've been having many ups and downs in faith and it's helpful for me to see others experiencing the same, while actually saying there were tough times, rather than trying to say it was all smooth sailing.

True stories like this give me hope that there really is light at the end of even the rockiest tunnel.

You'll come to see your struggles in a different light when the Aha! moments start totting up. They're like a wellspring for our faith.

 

[HopeinHim98]

I feel like I'm close to God when I sense His peace and joy thru trials that normally would have me reeling and despairing. And all the things you listed, @seoulsearch, are results of the peace and joy He gives.

Something else I was thinking, what is it like when we're close to a friend? We wanna spend time with them, do things for them, and tell them everything. We sense their love for us and love them back.

 

[Mem]

All I know is, it's the number one answer when you ask the youth group what their goals are for the next year.

I don't know if I would have made this my idea of getting closer to God is accurate. For example, "For it became him,...to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings (Heb 2:10." and, "...He learned obedience from the things he suffered."

The moment that I came to see God "face to face" I fully realized the depth of His love... but also of His intention to proceed to give my backside a 'good whoopin' (figuratively speaking, of course). This encounter was after I had prayed, "...change me." (And boy, was my diaper loaded!)

Since then, I've learned how to suffer much more gracefully than I used to.