Growing Closer – The Levels of Relationship with God
Scripture:
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:8 (ESV)
In every meaningful relationship, growth doesn’t happen by accident—it takes time, trust, and intentional steps forward. Whether it's in friendship, dating, marriage, or our relationship with God, we move through levels of connection. Each stage invites us to lean in more, give more, and open our hearts more fully.
In human relationships, we often move through levels of connection. Each stage builds on the one before, drawing us closer to one another. Consider these five levels:
Attraction – Initial interest or curiosity.
Mutual Connection – Both parties begin to care, share, and invest.
Commitment – A decision to stay, grow, and be present.
Intimacy – Deep trust, vulnerability, and shared life.
Unity – Two lives working as one, building something greater together.
Now consider this: Our relationship with God follows a similar path.
Let’s look at these five levels of relationship, not just as a progression of love between people—but as a mirror of how we grow in our relationship with God.
Level One: Attraction
This is where curiosity begins. You sense something pulling you in—maybe through a moment of wonder, a time of crisis, or a quiet ache in your heart for something more. With people, it's a spark. With God, it might be a stirring in your soul you can’t quite explain.
At this level, you're aware of God's presence, but there’s little personal connection. Many stay here, attracted to the idea of God, but never taking the first step to truly know Him.
Level Two: Mutual Connection
This is where the relationship starts to form. With another person, it’s where you both start investing, sharing, and caring. With God, it's when you start praying—not just in emergencies, but because you want to talk to Him. You open your Bible and find verses that seem written just for you.
It’s not one-sided anymore. You begin to see that God doesn’t just tolerate you—He delights in you. There’s a mutual give-and-take. You’re learning to trust Him, and He’s faithfully drawing you deeper.
Level Three: Commitment
Connection without commitment doesn’t last. Whether with a person or with God, there comes a point where you have to decide: Am I all in?
Commitment to God isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. It’s showing up daily. It’s saying, “Even when life is hard, even when I don’t understand, I’m staying with You.” At this level, faith becomes more than a Sunday routine. It becomes the foundation of your life.
And here’s the truth: moving from connection to commitment requires intentionality. You won’t drift into commitment. You must choose it.
Level Four: Intimacy
Commitment lays the foundation, but intimacy builds the house. This is where you open your whole heart. You trust God with the things you’ve been hiding. You begin to hear His voice more clearly, feel His presence more deeply, and rest in His grace more freely.
Just like intimacy with a loved one, spiritual intimacy requires vulnerability. You stop performing and start being. You’re no longer trying to earn God’s love—you’re living in it.
Level Five: Unity
This is the highest level of relationship—when your life and God's will become one. You’re not just walking behind Him anymore, you’re walking with Him. You want what He wants. You love what He loves. His mission becomes your mission.
This kind of unity doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of choosing, day after day, to draw closer, surrender deeper, and trust more fully.
Intentional Growth
Each level requires a decision. You don’t accidentally stumble into intimacy. You don’t drift into unity. Growth takes intentional steps:
Making time for God, even when you're tired.
Trusting Him when it's easier to rely on yourself.
Obeying when you don’t feel like it.
Worshipping when life is painful.
Choosing His way when yours feels more comfortable.
The beauty of it all? God isn’t distant. He’s not waiting at Level Five, tapping His foot. He meets you at every level—inviting you closer, loving you patiently, and celebrating every step you take toward Him.
Reflection Questions:
Which level best describes your current relationship with God?
What’s one intentional step you can take this week to move forward?
What fears or distractions might be holding you back from a deeper relationship?
Prayer:
Lord, I want more of You. I don’t want to stay in the shallow waters of attraction—I want to move into the deep places of intimacy and unity with You. Help me take intentional steps forward. Give me courage to trust, strength to commit, and a heart that desires You above all else. Thank You for always drawing near. Amen.
