The Vital Importance of Intimacy with God
A Message for Spiritual Leaders
by Danielle Mendoza, co founder of Connect Global and Hills Global Church
As spiritual leaders, pastors, and pioneers of missions and outreach, our calling is both a privilege and a responsibility. Leading others towards God's love requires more than just knowledge or belief; it necessitates a deep, intimate connection with the source of all wisdom and life – Jesus Christ.
The Call to Intimacy with God
Our journey as spiritual leaders begins with a call to intimacy with God. Just as Jesus called His disciples to "abide in Him" (John 15:4), we too are beckoned to dwell in His presence.
Intimacy with God isn't merely a religious duty; it's a relational pursuit.
Psalm 63:1 beautifully encapsulates this longing for intimacy: "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water."
Leadership Rooted in Relationship
Effective leadership stems from a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus invites us to "take His yoke upon us and learn from Him." This implies a close companionship, where we not only learn from Him but also emulate His character in our leadership. Our effectiveness as spiritual leaders is directly proportional to the depth of our relationship with Christ.
The Power of Knowing
Belief is one thing; knowing is another. In Philippians 3:10, Paul expresses his desire to "know Christ and the power of His resurrection." This intimate knowledge surpasses mere intellectual assent; it encompasses a profound understanding of Christ's personhood and His work in our lives. As spiritual leaders, we're called to lead others into a deeper, more personal experiential knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Nourishment for Spiritual Health
Just as physical health requires nourishment, our spiritual health necessitates intimacy with God. Psalm 1:2-3 paints a vivid picture of the one who “delights in the law (or instruction) of the Lord”, and “meditates day and night”, likening them to a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season. Our intimacy with God sustains and strengthens us, enabling us to bear fruit in our leadership endeavors.
Leading from Overflow
Intimacy with God isn't solely for personal enrichment; it's the wellspring from which our leadership flows. Jesus tells the Samaritan woman at the well, "Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:14). Our intimacy with Christ overflows, quenching the spiritual thirst of those under our care.
Dependence on the Source
As spiritual leaders, our dependence on God as our source is paramount. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to “trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our understanding.” Our wisdom, strength, and guidance originate from Him alone. Intimacy with God cultivates a posture of humble dependence, acknowledging our insufficiency apart from Him.
Intimacy with God isn't an optional addendum to our leadership; it's the very foundation upon which our effectiveness rests.
As spiritual leaders, our pursuit of intimacy with Christ isn't merely for our sake but for the sake of those entrusted to our care. Let us hear the urging of James 4:8 to "draw near to God,” and let us be witness that “He will draw near"
May our leadership be characterized by an unwavering commitment to intimacy with the One who called us and who equips us for His kingdom purposes.