Draw Near To God--3

    “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)

   Previous posts in this series indicated that we draw near to God by perceiving Him in His creation and by studying our Bibles wherein God reveals Himself more fully. But where else can God be found? Are there additional avenues whereby we might draw near to Him? The answer, or course, is yes, and this article and the one to follow will explore two other means by which we can draw near to God.

   God can be found in the church, that body of the faithful. The faithful are those who have dedicated themselves to being as much like God as they can possibly be. “But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16) If we willingly obey God, that is, be holy as He is holy, then we draw near to Him and He to us. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8) If we think like God, that is, fill our minds with the thoughts enumerated in Philippians 4:8, then we draw near to God and He to us. God always has our best interests at heart. The members of a church where God can be found always have each member’s best interests in mind. “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)

   We draw near to God, and He to us, every time we function collectively as the church. We draw near to God as we worship Him together. We draw near to Him when we read and listen to the public reading of the scriptures. We draw near to God when we encourage and assist each other to think honorable and lovely thoughts. We come closer to God when we exhort and encourage each other, when we lift each other up, when we help each other press on, when we mutually overcome all that Satan puts in our way, when we share our faith and work as a body to spread the gospel. If we are working to be a church that God approves of, then there is never a time that our work does not bring us closer to God, and He to us.

   “Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.

    Before our Father’s throne we pour our ardent pray’rs; our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our fears.

   We share our mutual woes, our mutual burdens bear; and often for each other flows the sympathizing tear.”

    Truly the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.