The Importance of a Relationship with Christ

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts and minds, eager to hear Your Word. Help us to understand the importance of a relationship with You and how we can grow closer to You each day. Teach us that it’s not about our actions, but the intentions of our hearts that matter. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Good morning, church! Today, we’re talking about relationship. No, not the relationship status on Facebook—this is about your relationship with Jesus Christ. You know, that thing that’s far more important than any "It’s complicated" or "In a relationship" status. We're talking about the deep, personal, life-changing relationship with the One who created you, loves you, and wants to walk with you every day of your life. So, buckle up, because this is going to be a good one!

The Importance of Knowing Christ Personally

Now, let’s jump straight into Scripture. In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus says something that should make us all stop and think:

"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:21-23)

Ouch. That’s tough. Can you imagine standing before Jesus and hearing those words: “I never knew you”? That’s like showing up to a reunion and finding out you weren’t even invited. But that’s exactly what’s at stake here—a personal relationship with Jesus. It’s not just about what we do, what we say, or the miracles we claim to have worked. It’s about knowing Him and being known by Him.

Now, before you panic and wonder if your prayers are good enough, or if you’ve done enough good deeds, let’s be clear: Jesus is not looking for perfect actions. He’s looking for a heart that genuinely seeks Him. We need to remember that it’s not about ticking off a list of religious duties—it’s about being real with God and letting Him into our lives. Because at the end of the day, Jesus isn’t interested in our religious checklist, but in our relationship with Him.

It’s About the Intentions of the Heart, Not the Actions

Now, let’s get into something really important: our intentions. In the world we live in, we often put a lot of weight on actions. You know, if we show up to church, say the right things, and help out at the food pantry, we think that’s enough, right? But here's the twist: God isn’t checking your religious to-do list. He’s checking your heart. In 1 Samuel 16:7, God tells Samuel,

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 

And, oh, does He look at the heart! You might fool people with your actions, but God knows exactly what’s going on inside. He knows when we’re going through the motions and when we’re actually seeking Him with a pure heart.

This is why a lot of us can do all the “churchy” things—show up to services, participate in Bible studies, sing in the choir—and still feel distant from God. The problem isn’t the actions; the problem is the intention behind them. If we’re doing things to impress others, or because we think it’s a checklist that will make God happy, we’re missing the point. God desires a relationship, not a resume.

How to Strengthen Our Relationship with God

So, how do we get to the point where we’re so close to God that we feel His presence every day? I mean, who doesn’t want to walk around feeling like they’re in a divine hug all the time? Well, here’s the good news: it’s possible, and it starts with building a relationship with Him—just like you would with anyone else you care about.

Let’s break it down:

1. Spend Time with Him: You can’t build a relationship with someone if you never talk to them, right? So, if you want to feel closer to God, spend time with Him. That means praying—not just the “God, I need this” kind of prayer, but genuine conversations. Talk to Him about your day, your worries, your dreams, and your joys. Don’t just talk, but listen. Sometimes we talk so much in our prayers, we forget that God wants to speak to us too.

2. Read His Word: Now, God has already given us an incredible way to know Him more: His Word. The Bible is like a love letter from God, showing us who He is, what He wants for us, and how we can walk in His ways. When we read the Bible, we’re not just reading a book—we’re learning about the heart of God. And the more we know Him, the closer we’ll feel to Him.

3. Align Your Heart with His: Here’s the kicker—when our hearts align with God’s, we’ll start to naturally desire the things He desires. Our actions will change, not because we’re trying to check off boxes, but because our heart is now in sync with His. It’s like being in a relationship where you start thinking like the other person. You begin to want what they want, and it becomes second nature.

4. Live with Integrity: If we want to grow closer to God, we can’t live double lives. Living with integrity means we’re the same person on Sunday morning as we are on Tuesday night. It means being honest, kind, and humble, no matter where we are. When we live with integrity, we build trust with God—and trust is a cornerstone of any good relationship.

   
   

Feeling His Presence Every Day

So, how do we get to the point where we feel God’s presence every day? The answer is intentionality. We make a choice every day to invite God into our lives. It’s about choosing to see His fingerprints in everything—whether it’s the beauty of a sunrise, the joy of a good meal, or the peace in a quiet moment of prayer. God is with us, but are we aware of His presence?

We have to remember that God is not far away, waiting for us to do something to earn His love. He’s right here, ready to walk with us through every part of our day. So, the more we focus on Him, the more we’ll begin to notice how close He really is.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, a relationship with Jesus is not about following a bunch of rules, checking boxes, or trying to impress anyone. It’s about knowing Him—genuinely, deeply, personally. It’s about the intentions of our heart rather than the actions that others can see. When we intentionally pursue God, spend time with Him, and align our hearts with His, we begin to feel His presence more deeply, and our relationship with Him grows stronger.

And if you’re wondering how to start, it’s simple: seek Him with your heart, and He’ll meet you right where you are.

Let’s pray.

Father, thank You for the incredible gift of relationship with You. Help us to seek You not just through our actions, but through the intentions of our hearts. Draw us closer to You every day, and may we feel Your presence in our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.