Consider these 8 levels of intimacy.
What level describes each relationship in your life?
What level describes your relationship with God?

Levels of Intimacy:

1. Cliche- “How are you?”  “Fine”
2. Facts- “It’s been so cold lately.”
3. Opinions- “I don’t care for the weather.  I prefer the rain.”
4. Feelings- “I can’t believe our UH football team.  I’m so disappointed.”
5. Affirmation/Confrontation- “You really have God’s heart.”  “I don’t think you handled that situation with your son too well.”
6. Forgiveness & Reconciliation- “I’m so sorry.”  “It’s fine, let me give you another chance.”
7. Dreams & Disillusionment- “I believe my life calling is to be a missionary.  Will you be on my team?”
8. Spirit to Spirit- A deep intimate and often unspoken connection between two people, like a husband and wife.  This connection is sometimes shared among a worship team.

Authority comes from intimacy.  Parents will be able to speak into their children’s lives because of the depth of relationship.  Grandparents will do the same, but their authority will come through intimacy.  In a similar way, our intimate relationship with God will determine our spiritual authority to speak to issues and address life situations.

If indeed authority comes from intimacy, then it would be wise to monitor our intimacy with each other.  We would also be wise to intentionally increase the intimacy with some relationships and perhaps decrease the level of intimacy with others.  But the bottom line is that it takes intentional effort to improve any and all relationships.

I want to propose to you that God is working in the Church to bring all of his children to the highest level of intimacy.  That is what true church family is about. He is also longing for us to become more intimate with Him.

Please also note that God starts His relationship with us at Level 6: Forgiveness and Reconciliation.  While we were still sinners, God sent his son to die for us, forgive us, and reconcile us back into a right relationship with Him.

Hope this challenges your thinking as we March toward the New Year!

Pastor Arlen