Practical Steps to Grow Your Relationship With Jesus

Growing a relationship with Jesus is a progressive experience that requires a total surrender of the heart, daily communion through prayer and the Word, and a commitment to follow His example of self-denial and service to others2SM 123.4+2.

The Foundation: A New Heart and Complete Surrender

• Heart Conversion: The first step in following Christ is receiving a new heart, as the carnal heart is naturally hostile to His divine willARSH November 12, 1861, page 185.7.

• Dying to Self: A meaningful connection with God cannot exist alongside a self-centered life; you must be willing to crucify self and surrender your will unconditionally to Him1EGWLM 559.2+2.

• Choice and Responsibility: God gives you the freedom of will to choose life or death, but you must take the initiative to place your will on the side of Christ Deuteronomy 30:19MYP 120.1+1.

Cultivating Daily Communion

• Secret Prayer: To grow in grace, it is essential to have regular seasons of secret communion with the Lord Matthew 6:6BHB 70.12.

• Bible Study: Diligent examination of the Scriptures sharpens your discernment, fortifies the soul against temptation, and provides the "bread of life" necessary for spiritual growth1888 892.2+2.

• Constant Connection: True spiritual life is maintained by abiding in Christ as a branch abides in a vine, drawing daily nourishment and strength from Him John 15:5HLv 453.2+1.

Following the Pattern of Christ

• Imitate His Character: Growing in Christ means catching His spirit of meekness, lowliness, and tenderness in every relation of lifeST August 22, 1895, par. 2+1.

• Obedience to Commandments: Loving Jesus is synonymous with keeping His commandments; a soldier cannot be said to follow a commander while disobeying orders 1 John 5:31888 1303.2+1.

• A Life of Usefulness: As you grow, your life will naturally flow out in channels of love and beneficence, seeking to save those who are perishingCOL 197.1+1.

Practical Christian Living

• Watch Your Influence: Be careful of your thoughts, words, and dress, ensuring they reflect the purity of Christ rather than the frivolity of the worldST February 22, 1905, par. 3+2.

• Unity with Believers: A true connection with Christ will bind you in holy fellowship with others, leading you to be kind, patient, and forbearing rather than critical or jealousGW92 444.3+1.

• Physical and Mental Health: Since your body and spirit belong to God, you should maintain temperate habits in eating and drinking to preserve the mental and moral power needed for His service16MR 131.1+1.

• Active Labor: Growth is not found in spiritual idleness but in active warfare against the world and the devil, and in diligent labor in the Lord’s vineyard16MR 131.1+1.

Persevering Through Conflict

• Expect Trials: Following Christ does not mean freedom from conflict; the more you imitate the divine Pattern, the more you will be a mark for the attacks of Satan16MR 131.1+1.

• Faith Over Feelings: Your standing as a child of God is not based on fleeting emotions but on a steadfast resolve to do His will5T 515.2+1.

• Progressive Sanctification: Character-building is a lifelong work; you are to move forward and upward daily, ever reaching for higher attainments in the Christian lifeHF 290.3+1.

Through this constant exercise of faith and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, you will be transformed into His image, reflecting His light to the world until the day of His comingBEcho April 15, 1893, par. 6+2.