Signs You Are Growing Closer to Christ

Those that know me, understand how I like to go to the beach on the weekends to watch the sunrise and pray. For me, it is one of the more peaceful times in life as I feel nothing but calm and, more importantly, closer to God.

As good as all this feels I sometime ask myself, “Am I getting closer to you Lord?” I always hope I’m doing the right things, saying the right things and doing as God would have me do to get closer to Jesus.

For some of us, the journey to Jesus Christ is new. We’ve heard the Word and treasured it and now we want to get closer to God, closer to Jesus who sacrificed His life that we might be cleansed of our sins.

Don’t you want to grow closer to Christ?  Here are some signs I believe that you are, in fact, growing closer to our Lord and Savior.

Righteous Anger

Even though you’ve found Jesus, do you still get angry at things? Aren’t people often doing things that don’t sit well with you… get under your skin and simply just make you mad? We all get angry and the Disciple Paul tells us in his letter to the Ephesians that this is okay.

Ephesians 4:26-27 – “’Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.”

It is apparently okay to be angry at the right things.  Paul gave this as an imperative.   Jesus got angry but never sinned, so we know that being angry is not sin in itself and the difference is that Jesus got angry at sin…we can get angry about the wrong things but that would be a sin.

Remember how Jesus drove the money changers out of the temple and turned over their tables? He had a very good reason for being angry because they were making the temple of God into a den of thieves (Matt 21:12).

Don’t you get angry when you hear about a child being abused or an elderly person being robbed?  What makes me angry is when I see people distort the word of God for their own personal or financial gain.  I get angry when people twist the Scriptures to make it say what they want it to say and, in many cases, they are trying to justify their own sin.

So, when you get angry over sin, you are actually growing closer to Christ because what angers God, should anger you and that’s good…only “don’t let the sun go down on your anger.”  That means don’t let your anger linger very long because we must remember that vengeance is ultimately going to be served by God, in…

Romans 12:19 – “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

Compassion for the Downtrodden

How often, around our society, do we see people with torn clothing, holes in their pants and shoes that are ripped or too big for their feet. Doesn’t that just eat at your heart?

Sometimes, when I witness these people I actually begin to cry and feel great sadness. When this happens to me, I am immediately reminded of Jesus who showed compassion on so many people He knew were downtrodden.

Matthew 9:36 – “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”

Do you ever feel that way?  Do you feel compassion and, even though you don’t know them, feel Love for them? When I see these poor people, I get the urge to teach them about our God and Jesus Christ. Occasionally, and far too rarely, I will… if they will listen.

When I feel like this, I again remember from the Bible… when Jesus saw two blind men, hear what He felt and what He did…

Matthew 20:34 – “So had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.”

That’s why I love to share the Word with people. I certainly don’t have the power to heal them, but I can offer them the way to eternal life. Do you feel compassion for the downtrodden? If so, you are growing closer to Christ as He felt that way as well.

When God’s Name is Blasphemed

How many times have you heard people using God’s name in vain? I think it’s something I hear every day. Honestly, I think they just don’t know or understand what they’re doing but, nonetheless, it is difficult not to become angry.

God says that He will not hold him (or her) guiltless who blaspheme His holy name.

Exodus 20:7 – “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”

Deuteronomy 5:11- “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”

“Will not home him guiltless!” Well, that clearly tells us this certainly isn’t something that God likes.

When I hear people do this, I am sorry, but I get a little angry over it because God’s name is holy and should be spoken with reverence.

When people try to use “damn” as God’s last name, it just troubles me.  If you believe that God’s name is holy and should never be used carelessly, in vain, or as profanity, I believe you’re growing closer to Christ.

Making God’s Will Your Will

I know that Jesus taught the disciples how they should pray when they asked Him, and He gave them what we commonly refer to as ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ as in Matthew 6 but most importantly…

Matthew 6:10 – “Your Kingdom come. Your will be done. On Earth as it is in Heaven.”

Are you seeking God’s will more often over your own?  Jesus did.  Jesus always did the will of the Father.

John 8:29 – “And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”

And he also said in…

John 4:34 – “Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.’”

If you are seeking more and more to do the will of God at the cost of your own will, you are assuredly growing closer to Christ for Jesus always sought to do and always did the will of His Father.

Setting an Example

As Christians, we are watched. People know who we are, what we believe in and, in their minds, how we should act. Are we setting the right examples for God? Can His Love and compassion be seen in our actions? This is one of the best ways we can honor God and become closer to Jesus Christ. In doing this, we not only become closer to Christ but we build great strength in our relationship with God.

Ephesians 5:1-2 – “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

Are you setting an example. Read this Unspoken Bible Lesson

You Are Becoming Closer to Christ

In all the things you do today, do you not see the signs that you are nearing Jesus more and more with each day that passes?

• Righteous Anger
• Compassion for the Downtrodden
• When God’s Name is Blasphemed
• Making God’s Will Your Will
• Setting an Example

If you have any of these feelings throughout your day or doing any of these things you are, my Brothers and Sisters, becoming closer to Jesus Christ! Feel good, be of good cheer! Understand what great progress you are making in your relationship with our Lord.

You are doing well. Keep doing what you’re doing and find yourself in God’s favor. You are Loved, and your works are treasured.

Go with God; be good to one another; always stay humble; always be kind… God Bless!