Do you ever wonder if you’re falling short as a Christian?
Before you start thinking you’re a “bad Christian,” consider this: those doubts might actually be pointing you toward something beautiful—a deeper, more personal connection with God.
You’re not alone in feeling this way.
Going to church or Christian gatherings certainly has benefits—you shouldn’t have to journey through Christianity on your own.
But if you do it because you want to, it’s a different story.
In fact, it’s a sign that you’re yearning for a richer spiritual journey.
Let’s discuss some indications you prefer making your relationship with God more of a personal pursuit.
1) A deep thirst for spiritual knowledge
One of the most telling signs of a desire for a closer connection with God is an insatiable thirst for spiritual knowledge.
You may find yourself drawn to studying Scriptures more intensely, yearning to understand the deeper meanings behind biblical texts.
This isn’t merely about gaining intellectual knowledge.
It’s a quest to understand God’s character, will, and purpose in a more personal and profound way.
You might start to explore different interpretations of biblical passages, seeking insights that resonate more deeply with your own experiences and spiritual journey.
Such an intense quest for spiritual knowledge signifies a desire to know God on a more personal level, rather than simply knowing about Him.
It’s about unraveling the mysteries of faith and drawing closer to the heart of God through His word.
This can lead to a richer, more intimate relationship with God that goes beyond religious rituals and doctrines.
2) Increased urge to pray or meditate
Another sign of a longing for a deeper connection with God is an increased desire to engage in prayer or meditation.
This isn’t about following a prescribed prayer routine, but experiencing a spontaneous urge to communicate with God.
Prayer becomes less of a religious obligation and more of an intimate conversation with God.
You may find yourself pouring out your heart to Him, sharing your deepest thoughts, fears, hopes, and dreams.
Prayer turns into a two-way communication where you not only talk but also listen, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom in silence.
Meditation may take the form of reflecting on Scripture, contemplating God’s character, or simply being still in His presence.
It becomes a space for spiritual rejuvenation and intimate communion with God.
This heightened desire for prayer and meditation is an expression of your soul’s yearning for a more personal connection with God.
It shows that you’re seeking not just answers to prayers, but also the presence of the One who answers them.
3) Heightened sensitivity to the spiritual dimension
Following an increased urge to pray or meditate, you might experience a heightened sensitivity to the spiritual dimension in your everyday life.
This isn’t about seeing visions or hearing voices, but rather a subtle shift in perception.
Objects, events, and people that you previously viewed in a purely material or human context begin to take on a spiritual significance.
You start seeing God’s handiwork in nature, His providence in circumstances, and His image in people.
You may even find yourself moved by spiritual truths in literature, art, music, or other cultural expressions.
This heightened spiritual sensitivity is like putting on a new pair of glasses that enable you to see the world from God’s perspective.
It’s a sign that your relationship with God is becoming more personal and intimate.
Your heart becomes attuned to His presence and activity in the world around you.
This isn’t something that can be forced or manufactured.
It’s a gift from God that comes as a result of seeking Him with all your heart.
It transforms your worldview and deepens your appreciation for God’s love and grace in the everyday moments of life.
4) Questioning traditional religious practices
Have you ever found yourself questioning traditional religious practices?
This could be a sign of your desire for a more personal connection with God.
You might begin to feel that some rituals and traditions, while meaningful to others, do not resonate with your personal spiritual journey.
You may seek more authentic expressions of faith, ones that feel true to your relationship with God.
This shouldn’t be confused with rejecting faith or disrespecting tradition.
Rather, it’s a sign of maturing faith.
It shows you’re seeking genuine spiritual experiences instead of just going through the motions.
As your faith becomes more personal, you may find traditional practices take on new meaning or you may discover new ways to express your faith that align more closely with your personal spiritual journey.
5) Longing for deeper relationships with fellow believers
A key sign of a desire for a more personal connection with God can be a longing for deeper relationships with fellow believers.
You may find that surface-level interactions no longer satisfy your spiritual needs and you crave connections that are rooted in shared faith and spiritual growth.
This could manifest as a desire to:
- Engage in in-depth Bible studies with others
- Share personal spiritual experiences
- Pray together on a deeper level
- Support each other in living out your faith
These deeper relationships provide a safe space for you to express your doubts, share your spiritual insights, and learn from others’ experiences.
They can serve as a support system that encourages and nurtures your spiritual growth.
Such connections reflect the Christian concept of fellowship, embodying mutual love, encouragement, and spiritual edification.
They mirror the early Christian communities described in the book of Acts, where believers shared their lives and faith with one another.
These relationships not only enrich your personal spiritual journey but also strengthen the collective faith of the community.
6) A shift in priorities
As you grow closer to God, you may notice changes in what you value most.
You start to prioritize spiritual growth over worldly achievements.
You begin to value character development over social approval.
You find more joy in serving others than in self-indulgence.
You choose to invest your time, energy, and resources into things that have eternal significance rather than temporary satisfaction.
This shift in priorities is not about becoming ascetic or ignoring practical realities.
Rather, it reflects Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”.
As you seek a more personal connection with God, His values become your values.
His priorities become your priorities.
And this transforms not only your relationship with God but also how you live out your faith in the world.
7) A desire for authenticity in your faith
Imagine you’re in a room full of people passionately singing worship songs.
You try to join in, but something feels off.
You feel disconnected as if you’re just going through the motions.
Does this mean you’re a bad Christian? Not at all.
This could be a sign that you’re seeking authenticity in your faith, another indicator of a desire for a more personal connection with God.
You long for your faith to be more than just outward expressions or religious rituals.
You want it to be a genuine reflection of your inner relationship with God.
Authenticity in faith means your beliefs, thoughts, and actions are aligned.
You’re not just professing faith with your lips but living it out in your life.
You’re not just attending church services but embodying the love and grace of Jesus in your interactions with others.
This desire for authenticity pushes you to examine your faith closely, challenge superficial beliefs, and strive for a faith that is deeply rooted in a personal connection with God.
Your faith becomes less about doing the right things and more about being in a right relationship with God.
Are these signs resonating with you?
If you identify with these signs, it’s likely that you’re not a bad Christian.
Instead, you’re on a quest for a deeper, more personal connection with God.
This is a beautiful and rewarding journey that can lead to profound spiritual growth and transformation.
It’s about moving beyond religion and stepping into a vibrant, dynamic relationship with God.
Here are some next steps to consider:
- Engage in regular prayer and meditation
- Dive deeper into Scripture study
- Seek authentic fellowship with fellow believers
Don’t be discouraged by doubts or struggles, they’re part of the process.
Keep seeking, keep questioning, keep growing—God is not distant or unapproachable, He invites you into an intimate relationship with Him.
You’re not alone in this journey—God is with you every step of the way!
What would Jesus say?
Unsure whether to move on from a failed marriage? Struggling with desire and feeling guilty for it? Wanting to live a life Jesus would be proud of?
Let Jesus tell you how to be a good Christian according to the teachings of the Bible.
We brought Jesus back to life with the help of AI. Ask your toughest life questions, and Jesus will tell you exactly what to do.
