25 Ideas For Growing In Your Relationship With God

1. Carve out a time for prayer in your busy schedule.

My friend in college said no matter what was happening, there was a specific time reserved for God alone and his appointment was more important than anyone else. I find that admirable and noteworthy of imitating.

This world has so many distractions. Smartphones, social media, television, the internet, etc. Carving out a time to pray, even if it’s for just 5 minutes, will make a huge difference in your relationship with God.

2. Meditate daily on God’s Word.

King David writes his first psalm, sharing with the world that the blessed man is one who meditates on the Law day and night (Ps. 1). When we meditate on Scripture and introspect on its wisdom and truth, it affects our outward character immensely.

3. Attend church service weekly. 

When we neglect to worship with our local church, opportunities for spiritual growth can suffer. That’s why it’s important to attend church services weekly in order to maintain a strong relationship with God and others.

The Pew Research Center has shown a steady decline in members worshipping consistently every week, from 2007 (39%) to 2014 (36%). While this doesn’t seem like a significant percentage drop, I personally know of pastors and churches who have tried to accommodate the best they can to get their members to be committed to their church.

4. Read a Bible passage at dinner and discuss it with your family. 

There is a great resource from Crosswalk that gives 11 tips for studying the Bible at dinner time with your family. A few of these include: asking for prayer requests, encouraging your children to talk about how their day went, having the parents co-lead the discussion, and finding relevant ways to share the gospel as a family.

5. Serve your local homeless community.

When I was serving as an associate pastor in Indiana, I made sure that we served the local homeless community. The reason for this is because James says pure and undefiled religion is to visit the orphans and widows in distress. In other words, the outcast, the people who are most vulnerable in society. I feel like the homeless community is part of this group, even if they are not all orphans or widows.

6. Explore nature and be thankful.

Romans 1:20 states: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” When we explore God’s creation, it reminds us of his power, grace, and love.

7. Study various theological positions.

This is crucial. When I went to seminary, we were only drilled in the Calvinistic position. I found this to be one of the weaknesses of the school I went to. It was very narrow-minded. Instead, you should study various theological positions that challenge your own so that you can be confident in whatever doctrinal position you take. This will help you grow in your relationship with God because you are studying to show thyself approved unto God (2 Tim. 2:15).

8. Limit your internet and television time.

Like I said before, there are many distractions in the modern age. While the internet can be a good thing, such as sharing the gospel or creatively writing on various topics, it can also be a place of wasting time.

I don’t know how many times I have looked up youtube videos, and about an hour later, I am just asking myself: “What am I doing with my life?” Surely I can be more productive than this. Therefore, how about we all agree to be more productive with our time by spending precious moments with God and family.

9. Exercise at least 3 times a week.

The apostle Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we are to honor God with our bodies. By being a good steward of our physical health, we are worshipping God. Next time you lift weights or swim, just think to yourself: This is worship!

10. Place internet filters to protect you and your family.

Have you heard of Covenant Eyes? They are a ministry devoted to helping people fight against lust on the internet. They help you stay accountable to one another and protect your family from lewd content on the internet. The internet can be a dangerous place so it’s integral that you build a strong tower so that the deceitfulness of sin doesn’t creep into your lives.

11. Involve yourself with the city council.

Romans 13 says, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” God is concerned with the local government. He has instituted the city council as an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoers. Therefore, it is important to shine light in your city and be a leader in the community.