Q: How do you know when you know God closely?

A:  If you are looking for a way to measure how close you are with God, it would be rather difficult to "score" yourself.  Rather, I believe the fruit you bear in your life can testify to the maturity you have in Christ.  What I mean by this is, when people see you, do they see that you live, act and speak like Christ would?  Or...you bear no fruit in your life and your relationship with Christ does not trickle into all areas of your life?

The verse in James on faith and deeds come to mind.  Take a look at James 2:14-17

¹⁴What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? ¹⁵Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. ¹⁶If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? ¹⁷In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

A person who has faith must couple it with deeds.  As in, one cannot just merely say they are Christians but act nothing like a Christian would.  They also have an inclination (through the Holy Spirit) about what God wants them to do.  This cannot be measured by the standards of men.  But one who takes their faith seriously, reading the Word, serving God on a regular basis and growing in their faith through fellowship, discipleship and community worship should help the spiritual growth of a Christian. 


[answered by Pastor KJT]