Why is maintaining a personal relationship with Jesus important?

Maintaining a personal relationship with Jesus is of paramount importance for several reasons that encompass spiritual, emotional, and practical aspects of our lives. This relationship is not merely a religious obligation but a profound, transformative experience that shapes our identity, purpose, and eternal destiny. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, I would like to explore why this personal relationship is crucial, drawing from Scripture, Christian tradition, and practical wisdom.

First and foremost, a personal relationship with Jesus is essential because it is the foundation of our faith. Christianity is not merely a set of doctrines or moral guidelines; it is fundamentally about a relationship with a living Savior. Jesus Himself emphasized this relational aspect when He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6, NIV). This statement underscores that access to God the Father is mediated through a relationship with Jesus. It's not about religious rituals or ethical perfection but knowing and being known by Jesus.

The importance of this relationship is also evident in the way Jesus described Himself as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and is known by them (John 10:14-15). The imagery of a shepherd and sheep is intimate and personal, signifying care, guidance, and mutual recognition. Just as sheep depend on their shepherd for protection, provision, and direction, we depend on Jesus for our spiritual sustenance and guidance.

Moreover, a personal relationship with Jesus brings about a profound transformation in our lives. The Apostle Paul speaks of this transformation in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" This new creation is not merely a change in behavior but a fundamental change in identity. When we enter into a relationship with Jesus, we receive a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26). Our desires, values, and priorities begin to align with His, leading to a life that reflects His love, grace, and truth.

This relationship is also the source of our spiritual growth and maturity. In John 15, Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate the necessity of remaining connected to Him: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). Just as branches cannot bear fruit unless they are connected to the vine, we cannot grow spiritually or bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) unless we remain in a close, personal relationship with Jesus. This abiding relationship involves regular prayer, reading and meditating on Scripture, and practicing obedience to His commands.

Furthermore, maintaining a personal relationship with Jesus provides us with a deep sense of peace and security. In a world filled with uncertainty, anxiety, and turmoil, the presence of Jesus in our lives offers a steadfast anchor. Jesus Himself promised, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27). This peace is not the absence of problems but the presence of Christ, who reassures us that He is with us in every circumstance. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Philippians 4:7, where he speaks of "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Another crucial aspect of a personal relationship with Jesus is the sense of purpose and direction it provides. Many people struggle with questions of meaning and significance, but in Christ, we find our true purpose. Ephesians 2:10 declares, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Knowing Jesus personally helps us understand that we are part of a larger divine plan and that our lives have eternal significance. This sense of purpose motivates us to live intentionally and to use our gifts and talents for God's glory and the benefit of others.

Additionally, a personal relationship with Jesus empowers us to overcome sin and temptation. While we all struggle with sin, knowing Jesus gives us access to His strength and grace. Hebrews 4:15-16 reminds us that Jesus, our High Priest, understands our weaknesses and invites us to approach God's throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need. This relationship does not make us immune to temptation, but it provides the resources we need to resist and overcome it.

Moreover, this relationship fosters a sense of community and belonging. As followers of Jesus, we are part of the body of Christ, the Church. This global community of believers supports, encourages, and holds us accountable. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts us to "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Our personal relationship with Jesus connects us to a larger family of faith, where we can grow and serve together.

Finally, maintaining a personal relationship with Jesus is crucial for our eternal destiny. Jesus Himself said, "My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am" (John 14:2-3). This promise of eternal life with Jesus gives us hope and assurance that transcends the temporal struggles of this world. It reminds us that our ultimate home is with Him, and this hope shapes how we live our lives today.

In conclusion, maintaining a personal relationship with Jesus is essential for a multitude of reasons. It is the foundation of our faith, the source of our spiritual transformation and growth, and the wellspring of peace, purpose, and strength. It connects us to a community of believers and secures our eternal destiny. As we cultivate this relationship through prayer, Scripture, and obedience, we experience the fullness of life that Jesus promised: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). This abundant life is not about material prosperity but about a deep, abiding connection with the One who loves us unconditionally and calls us His own.