When we make resolutions for the new year, from making healthier choices to committing to learning a new skill, it’s because we want to see our lives change for the better. One of the best decisions we can make this new year is the intentional decision to grow our relationship with God. It might sound intimidating, but in reality, there are 3 simple choices we can make this year that will lead to strengthening our faith and our relationship with Jesus.
1. Make church a habit
This one may seem simple, but it’s crucial if we want to really see our relationship with God get deeper. When we make the intentional choice to gather together each week to worship and hear from God, we allow ourselves to be open to anything that he wants to say to us, and to spend time with other people who share our faith. That means getting to church more than once a month, just on holidays, or when your mom asks you to go! You’ll start to see the change in your outlook and attitude as you make church a consistent part of your week.
2. Spend time with God
Reading your Bible and talking to God doesn’t have to be extravagant or formal. It’s as simple as finding a time and spot that work for you and scheduling it in. Whether it’s early in the morning before anyone else is up or in bed before you shut off the light, take 10 minutes out of your day to read your Bible (or a passage from a Bible Reading Plan) and talk to God. If you’re not sure how to talk to God, start by thanking him for what you know and talking to him about what you don’t know. It may seem strange at first, but as you keep it up you’ll feel God’s presence more and more.
3. Get involved
One of the best ways to grow in your relationship with God is to make a commitment that keeps him at the forefront of your mind. Whether that’s filling a serving need at church, getting into a Group to grow with others, or actively volunteering to show God’s love in your community, when you choose to get involved in an activity that reminds you of all that God’s doing in your life and in the lives of others, you’ll see your relationship with him grow in the process.
Maybe you’re ready to try all three of these ways to grow your relationship with God this year, or maybe you’ll focus on just one. Whatever you decide to do, remember that the best way to grow in your faith is to stay intentional!
LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ, and we’re one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania with a mission to introduce people to Jesus and together fully follow him.