1 - Reality Check | Growing in a Relationship with God

In our relationship with God, we are called to take an honest look at reality: What is the true state of our hearts? Do we live out of an unconscious, vital connection to God – or out of self-deception and lukewarm religiosity?

God created human beings in such a way that they are unconsciously and automatically bound to Him through trust and faith. This connection is the true “fuel” of our lives – the love, security, justice, and freedom we receive from God. Without this bond, we become sick, yet through self-deception, this vital connection has been severed. Since then, we have been unconsciously bound to people instead of to God. Our thoughts are no longer free, and every action stemming from this false identity leads to dependence, frustration, and self-destruction – even if the delusion makes us believe we have a free choice between good and evil.

This condition is particularly evident in the church at Laodicea (Revelation 3:14–22): it is lukewarm, self-satisfied, rich, and believes it lacks nothing. Yet in reality, it is poor, wretched, blind, and naked. Many of us live exactly the same way today. We are religiously active, but inwardly separated from a genuine heart relationship with God. The battle takes place within our will. The error is powerful and makes the way back difficult. Yet grace gives us the opportunity to change our hearts again. When we give up our old life and believe that God is love and knows better than we do, then our will is reunited with His.

Jesus stands at the door and knocks. To whoever hears His voice and opens the door, He desires to have fellowship. He bestows true riches, white garments, and spiritual sight. Whoever overcomes will sit with him on the throne. The liberating truth is this: True growth in our relationship with God begins with this honest reality check and the personal opening of the heart. This and more will be explored in depth in the first part of the new series “Growing in a Relationship with God.”