Do you have a relationship with God or something else?

Are you following the map or are you following the guide? If you were caught in the wilderness somewhere unknown to you, which would you prefer to help you get un-lost—a map or personal guide?

Do you only read your Bible and not converse with the author of that same Bible (the Holy Spirit)? When you read ordinary books do you think you are in a relationship with the author? Is the author of that book you’re reading getting to know you? Are you really getting to know that author or only a tiny sliver of their life?

Are you always looking for a list of “how-to’s” to live the Christian life? Are you trying to follow a set of rules instead of following the person of Jesus? Has following rules ever made you feel close to God?

Even following biblical principles pales in comparison to following a person— the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Bible is our map. It contains principles to live by. But the author of that very same book is so very anxious to be your living guide. Focus on following Him, not rules.

So do you have a relationship with God or something else? If you check an ordinary dictionary you will see that a relationship boils down to: talking and listening back and forth. Are you talking and listening back and forth with God on a regular basis (preferably all day long)? If not, it’s never too late to start!

Comments

Do you have a relationship with God or something else? — 12 Comments

Kim Avery on May 7, 2012 at 12:24 pm said:

Hi Cheryl,

This is such an important distinction, and one that I didn’t know growing up. I really thought it was all about reading the Bible and keeping the rules.

I am so thankful that God stepped in and showed me as an adult that this is an interactive relationship with the King of the Universe and the Lover of my Soul. It doesn’t get any better than that.

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- Cheryl Cope on May 14, 2012 at 2:18 pm said:
  
  Yes, you’re right, it doesn’t get any better than that!
  
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Debi on May 9, 2012 at 2:11 am said:

I totally agree! This goes for the people who visit church once a week but never pray or take time for themselves to be in the spirit of prayer. I believe prayer itself should not have any ‘rules.’ Your post helped me realize that I don’t pray as much as I just ‘talk’ to God …all day long and that little voice in my heard…well I like to think it’s Him talking back.

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- Cheryl Cope on May 14, 2012 at 2:18 pm said:
  
  Yes, that little voice in your head is God a lot of the times. To be sure, that’s where comparing it to scripture comes in. Does the voice agree with The Word?
  
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CoachNicole on May 9, 2012 at 3:35 pm said:

As someone who is directionally challenged, my first thought was, “I need a map AND a compass!” 🙂 Your article shows that’s true for all of us.

I have felt for a long time that the teaching I’m currently under focuses almost solely on the principles and the rules, and shows us that adherence to these is the way to develop a relationship with God. In my previous churches, there has been a strong emphasis both on the written word of God, and on the ministry of the Holy Spirit. There’s no way that a Christian can truly grow, change and accomplish the things of God without accessing both of these resources.

Thanks for your insight, Cheryl.

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- Cheryl Cope on May 14, 2012 at 2:17 pm said:
  
  Yes, that’s true, we really do need both!
  
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JesusRx on May 11, 2012 at 3:12 pm said:

I have been “guilty” of following rules to try to be close to God. He loves me the same no matter what. I know how important it is to read God’s word and allow God to speak. You hit it on the head (or me on the head) with the words Following HIM not rules. When I follow God in Jesus Christ I don’t have to “worry ” about rules. I need to talk and listen and then act upon what I’m being told. Thank you for the reminder to JUST FOLLOW HIM.

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- Cheryl Cope on May 14, 2012 at 2:16 pm said:
  
  I’ve been there, too! By God’s own grace He is helping me follow Him and not rules.
  
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worryfreemom on May 14, 2012 at 2:09 am said:

Cheryl,
This is such an important point! Too many times, our focus on following the letter of the law, rather than the One who wrote it, causes us to lose focus on Him–and it also causes strife between believers. Thanks for the reminder!
Karen

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- Cheryl Cope on May 14, 2012 at 2:15 pm said:
  
  Yes, we do sometimes tend to idolize even the Book, instead of the author.
  
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LaGina on May 14, 2012 at 2:28 am said:

I really enjoyed your article! I love the fact that you stated that a relationship works both ways and requires communication. Many people will talk to God but forget to listen to His response. Great post!

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- Cheryl Cope on May 14, 2012 at 2:15 pm said:
  
  I think the listening part is the most important, but also the most neglected!
  
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