How to Measure Your Relationship With Christ

In his great book, Knowing God, J.I. Packer gives four marks of a person who truly knows God.  These can be used as tests to gauge your intimacy with Christ and the health of your spiritual life.  I'm going to use the apostle Paul as an example.   

One:  Those who know Christ have great energy for Christ.  They serve the Lord with great effort.  Paul wrote, "I labor for this, striving with his strength that works powerfully in me (Col 1:29)."

Two:  Those who know Christ have great thoughts of Christ.  They see Christ as coequal and co-eternal with God the Father.  The Son of God.  The only mediator between God and humanity.  Without sin.  The creator, sustainer, and redeemer.  Paul said of Christ, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities -- all things have been created through him and for him (Col 1:15-16)."

Three:  Those who know Christ show great boldness for Christ.  They take great risks for Christ and are willing to endure great sacrifices for Christ.  Paul said, "But I consider my life of no value to myself; my purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God's grace (Acts 20:24)."

Four:  Those who know Christ have great contentment in Christ.  They are not chasing money and pleasure and earthly rewards.  Their minds are set on things above.  They are happy in Jesus.  Paul said, "In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content -- whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.  I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me (Phil 4:12-13)."

So how's your relationship with Christ?  Do you know Him?  Or do you only know about Him?  Are you close to Him, or is it time to renew your relationship with Christ?