If you hang around a group of Christians for an extended period of time, it won't be long until you hear the phrase, "intimate relationship with Jesus Christ." Generally, this means a deep, more than surface level relationship with their Savior.

Though this is something that many Christians desire and strive for, many times it can be elusive and hard to determine whether or not intimacy with Christ is one's reality.

In an effort to measure my own walk with Christ, I have come up with the following 4 "Intimacy Indicators" that I hope serve you in deepening your relationship with Him as well.

1. AM I HUNGERING FOR GOD'S WORD?

You cannot have a deep relationship with someone who you do not know. One of the primary ways to know God is to know His Word. Do you find yourself yearning to know God, hear from God, and see God through the reading of the Scriptures?

2. AM I TRUSTING GOD WITH MY SIN?

You cannot have a deep relationship with someone who you hide things from. One of the primary ways to be honest with God is to be honest with Him about the sins that separate you from Him. Do you find yourself committed to bringing your faults and failures before God even though you may feel ashamed?

3. AM I ENJOYING THE BEAUTY OF GOD'S GOSPEL?

You cannot have a deep relationship with someone who you doubt loves you. One of the primary ways you can assure yourself of God's love for you is by proclaiming the truths of the Good News over your life and resting in its' benefits. Do you find yourself dwelling more on the implications of what God has already done for you through Christ or on what you have yet to do for Him?

4. AM I OFFERING GOD MY WORSHIP?

You cannot have a deep relationship with someone who you have a hard time affirming. One of the primary ways you can affirm the greatness and grace of God is by using your words to praise and adore Him. Do you find yourself compelled to invest your emotional energy to thank God for who He is and for what He has done in your life?

Which of these indicators assures you of the quality and depth of your relationship with Christ? Which of these indicators explain why your relationship with Him may not be as deep as you would like it to be?

I encourage you to ask yourself these questions and begin to employ the self-discipline necessary to make these spiritual disciplines a part of your life in a greater measure.

A level of fulfillment and joy awaits that no other relationship on this earth can provide you!