“Personal Relationship” with God
November 11, 2008
We hear a lot about having a “personal relationship” with God; how this makes Christianity unique and how important it is to our faith. But, what exactly does this mean for us and how do we know this personal experience with the creator?
I think there are many Christians that struggle with this concept, while others may not. Why is this? I’m really not too sure whether it is our hesitance to really commit to God, or whether God just relates in different ways to different people. I haven’t contemplated this enough to write a full entry on it (maybe another time), but I just read an entry on this topic in Brian McLaren’s blog, I recommend you having a read of it here.
In the entry, I like the emphasis placed on the desire to seek something more in your relationship with God and the discussion and openness with those around you. We are on a journey and everything never comes at once.
Please post your comments, I would love to hear what a “personal relationship” with God means for you. Is it like being in love, is it like having a good mate or are you struggling with the relationship at the moment?
For me it’s more like being this little bratty daughter who loves her Daddy very much, but doesn’t hesitate to spit the dummy when she don’t get her way and then apologising profusely afterwards.
It means putting in routine times to spend with God and recording stuff during the good times which is invaluable to look back on during the crap times. Also being diligent with this helps me from straying too far away. Although these times are routine I’ve learned to mix up what I do from walks, meditating, Bible reading, journaling, drawing and dancing so I’m always growing and never getting bored. I admit that I’m not great at being diligent!
The newest thing I’ve learnt (thanks to Dan) is also forgiving God for perceived issues I’ve had with Him even if they’re obviously not true. Like feeling rejected and forgotten by God. I thought this was stupid but it really changed my heart and my relationship with Him when I forgave Him for these perceived feelings.
Still there are times when I have to stop and check to see if God is real and I’m not just deluded.
I realise I’m very immature about my relationship with Abba and perhaps that’s because I’ve only be a Christian for 18 months. I look forward to growing up in my faith but don’t care if I never do – it’s more important to be real and honest with my relationship than pretend I’m super spiritual and have it sorted when that’s so far from the truth.