The Deeper Christian Life: Intimacy, Surrender, and Spiritual Fullness

The Call to Intimate Relationship with Christ

There is far more to experience in our relationship with God than many believers ever discover. Most have barely scratched the surface of the profound intimacy possible with Christ—a closeness that releases His power to bring hope to a hurting world. Jesus invites us into this deeper life: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me” (Jn 15:4). What degree of intimacy do you have with the King of kings? He desires a vital, moment-by-moment connection with you, revealing more of Himself as you yield to Him. Do not settle for less than your divine inheritance.

This deeper life flows from abiding in Christ and obeying His Word. True friendship with Jesus is marked by obedience: “You are my friends if you do what I command” (Jn 15:14). Do you long

Self must decrease for Him to increase

for continual communion with the Lord, with a divine flow of life filling you and then gushing out to bless others (Ps 1:1–3; Jn 7:38)? As we give from the spiritual store within, we receive more—enabling us to sow and reap in increasing measure. We are not to hoard for ourselves. The Dead Sea is lifeless because it receives water but gives none out. Let your life be a flowing stream, not a stagnant pool.

The Cost of True Discipleship

The deeper life is the fruit of full commitment and an undivided heart (Ps 34:4–7; 86:11). God requires more of us than we have often given. Many profess to know God, but their lives tell a different story. True conversion is not merely a mental assent or an emotional response at an altar call—it is a heart decision that alters the trajectory of a life (Mt 7:21–23). The danger of the “cheap gospel” is that it produces counterfeit faith, leaving many unprepared for eternity.

Jesus’ words are piercing: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Lk 6:46). Are you inviting Him to guide your daily decisions? (Ps 37:3–4; Prov 3:5–6). The natural mind cannot grasp the glorious inheritance awaiting those who turn to

Beyond the shallows is much more to be experienced

Christ. But the Holy Spirit reveals these deep things of God to believers (1 Cor 2:9–12; Eph 1:18–22). As we understand our spiritual riches in Christ, we must pursue them with determination (Eph 3:14–21; Col 1:9–12).

Jesus declared, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (Jn 10:10). He came to destroy the works of the devil and to release us into the fullness of divine love and blessing (1 Jn 3:8). The closer we walk with Him, the more sensitive we become to His voice and the Spirit’s conviction. What once seemed acceptable, He now reveals as needing refinement—shaping our character for greater effectiveness in His kingdom.

Surrender, the Cross, and the Spirit’s Work

The deeper life is a life in the Spirit that far exceeds the norm among believers today. It is not merely victory over sin, but a transformed existence marked by acute God-consciousness, rapturous worship, separation from the world, and prayer without ceasing. It is the joyous surrender of everything to God and the daily practice of His presence.

This life demands a radical response: taking up our cross daily (Lk 9:23). Every area—our rights, reactions, desires, and thoughts—must come under the searchlight of the Holy Spirit. God will

He gave His all to get my all

challenge us: “Do you love me more than these?” (Jn 21:15). Everything must be laid on the altar of surrender. Some things He will remove; others He will return—but always to be held with open hands, not clenched fists. God owes no one; yet He promises that every sacrifice made for His kingdom will be abundantly rewarded (1 Sam 2:30).

To walk this deeper way, God requires stricter standards and complete obedience. There is an ongoing battle to die to self. Even what you believe is His call on your life will be tested. At times, it feels like being in a crucible, continually refined. Yet Scripture declares, “He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised” (2 Cor 5:15).

True spiritual depth is found in “heart to heart” aloneness with God—total honesty and sensitivity before Him, laying your life bare in His presence. This is deeper than the emotional responses often seen in corporate gatherings, as valuable as those moments may be. Allow the Spirit to search the hidden corners of your heart, for we can easily deceive ourselves (Rev 3:17). Cultivate this posture: “Lord, I commit myself entirely into Your hands—for Your keeping, for the unfolding of Your will, and for the fulfillment of Your call on my life.” Humble yourself before Him, and He will work within you—and ultimately through you.

Reflection and Application:

Are you truly abiding in Him daily, or is your relationship superficial? Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where you’ve grown distant.
Identify one area of your life—whether pride, fear, or attachment to comfort—that you’ve withheld from God. Choose to lay it on the altar today.
Reflect on whether you are obeying what God has already shown you. True friendship with Jesus is marked by obedience—ask Him for grace to follow through.
Decide to move beyond religious routine. Pursue God not for what He gives, but for who He is, desiring His presence above all else.