How to get more of God
Serious single Christians want to get more of God, but there are right ways and wrong ways to go about that.
The difference has a lot to do with how you understand your salvation in the first place. If you believe you can add something to what Jesus Christ did on the cross, you'll pursue God one way. If you think Jesus did everything you need to get to heaven, you'll take a very different approach.
Some Christians emphasize spiritual disciplines: praying, devotions, meditation, fasting, service, Bible study, journaling, evangelism, and tithing. With the exception of journaling, all are found in the Bible. In a sense, all of these are works.
While most of us draw the line at working for our salvation, we believe spiritual growth in the Christian life comes only from working at it. But who controls our growth, us, or God?
It's been said truth about God is not discovered; it's revealed, and only God can do that. It's also true that God draws us to him and sets the pace of our growth. Only he knows when we're spiritually mature enough to learn important truths.
Let's see if we can sort this out.
Wanting God for himself
When you want to get more of God, you first need to check your motives. Why do you want more of him? Do you love him for himself or for what he can give you?
If you've been influenced by the Prosperity Gospel, you may think it's God's duty to bless you, especially materially. You may believe in "seed-faith giving" or "name it and claim it." You may want to receive more of God's "favor" in your life.
To some preachers, God's favor can consist of anything from a better job to a nicer house or car. More subtly, it can entail healing or good health.
This is all wrong and unbiblical. If you got into a relationship with a member of the opposite sex, how would you feel if all they liked about you was the gifts you gave them? You would feel used, and God will not be used.
God himself is the gift. Nothing in existence is greater than God's love and friendship. To be loved by God and to love him in return is our greatest calling. It is the very meaning of life.
We are sinful beings and have a hard time being completely honest, both with God and ourselves. God knows that. He forgives our selfishness because when he looks at us, he sees the righteousness of his Son, Jesus.
Confess your mixed motives. Ask God to cleanse you and he will.
Demoting other Gods
To get more of God, we need to demote the other gods who have taken over our life. We all have them. Here are some common false gods:
If you don't see your god (little 'g') here, ask yourself what takes up most of your time and thoughts.
Each of us has only so much time in a day and so much space in our head. To get more of God, we have to push aside something else to make room for him. That's sacrifice, but if you're serious about God, it's worth it.
I worked for a living. I know how it consumes both your time and thoughts. God expects us to support ourselves (unless we're physically or mentally unable). When we consider our career more important than him, that's when we sin.
Look, when you're sincere about your relationship with God, ask him to show you how to change your perspective and he will. He wants a close bond with you even more than you do. The Bible says when you seek him with all your heart, you will find him. That's desire, not works.
What about spiritual disciplines?
When you try to get more of God through spiritual disciplines, you run the risk of becoming activity-focused instead of God-focused. I know that flies in the face of much of what you've read, but we humans feel motivated when we're doing something. That's why working for your salvation is such an insidious temptation. We relish the sense of accomplishment.
In my own life, getting more of God has been the result in a change of mindset rather than adding activities. An attitude of receptivity has helped. That has worked for me.
I'm not trying to discourage you from spiritual disciplines. I'm simply saying that like prayer, disciplines shouldn't be turned into a formula. If you enjoy journaling and other disciplines and find they help you, by all means, do what works for you.
Let's not turn spiritual disciplines into legalism. Don't feel you're not as good a Christian as your friend if you don't do daily devotions or if you don't fast. It's not a contest. You don't accrue points by doing these things then get a reward of a special audience with God.
God doesn't need or want your works. He wants you!
Get more of God: The problem with prayer
Most of us are not very good at prayer. I'm not. We find it hard to talk to someone we can't see and who doesn't talk back. It feels more like monologue than dialogue.
Sometimes we make the mistake of talking in King James English when we pray, with "thees" and "thines." That's not natural. That's not how we talk to our friends.
When I pray, my mind wanders like a curious puppy. That's a problem for many people. I hate it, but often I can't help it. I've found that when I'm home alone (or with just my dog), praying out loud helps. It keeps me on the subject. It feels right because, after all, God is there, even though I can't see him. He is listening.
That's really how we get more of God: talking to him and listening to him. No relationship grows without spending time together.
When I was working, I prayed silently in small bursts all day. I thanked and praised God. I asked him to help me decide things, and I prayed for my coworkers.
Today, as a retired guy, I still do that. I don't worry that sometimes I don't use complete sentences or that I lose my train of thought. God understands. He sees our hearts.
I listen to God when I read the Bible every morning during breakfast. I really look forward to that time with him because God's word helps me get closer to him. Sometimes he answers my prayers through Bible reading, and as I understand God better, I love him even more.
Before bed I'm usually too tired to concentrate on the Bible. It may be different for you. It is a good way to calm your mind before you try to get to sleep.
I am in awe of God, fear him (in a good way), and respect him. I am comfortable in his presence because I know he loves me. How about you?
It's an astonishing feeling to grasp God's love for you.
As you seek to get more of God, know that the Holy Spirit has actually planted this longing in your heart. God will give you as much of himself as you're able to take. You can never get enough of him in this lifetime, and when it's over, you will experience the fullness of his love forever.
