Read: Genesis 3:1-12
But the Lord God called to the man . . . “Where are you?” (v. 9)

Many years ago, I was a fan of Guideposts, a magazine full of heartwarming, personal stories of relationships with God. One day I decided to try to write for this magazine, so I read back issues and the editor’s guidelines for stories. Finally, I had to face the truth. I didn’t have the personal connection with God that these stories described. My connection with God was purely intellectual.

I was not bothered by that truth until I understood the meaning of collaborating with the Spirit in the process of spiritual transformation—“being conformed into the image of Christ through a relationship of intimacy with God” (emphasis added). After decades of being a Christian, I learned that God is eager to journey through life with me. I understood that because I am created to have intimacy with God, I am also able to have feelings of rapport, affection, trust, and love with others.

Adam and Eve were well on the path of friendship and intimacy with God, “walking in the garden in the cool of the day” (v. 8). Then the trust was broken by a power grab. Jesus taught his disciples about Abba. Early church fathers and mothers sought out this intimacy. As Western culture fell in love with rational thought, however, the church paid less attention to friendship with God and more attention to strong doctrinal stances. It’s time to again cultivate not only our knowledge of God but also our walk with God.

Prayer:
Help me walk and talk with you as Jesus did.

Author: Karen Bables