An Invitation to Grow In and With Christ

“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” — Philippians 3:8 (ESV).

From Knowing About to Truly Knowing Christ

As a pastor, leader, and mentor, I’ve discovered that many who serve Christ faithfully know a lot about Him, but often feel distant from Him. There is a wide chasm between knowing about and intimately knowing Christ. 

Over the next few weeks, I hope to help us bridge that gap—drawing from Scripture, the witness of the early church, and the wisdom of trusted voices in Christian spiritual formation—to guide us from knowledge about Christ toward intimacy with Him.

We live in an age overflowing with information about Jesus—books, sermons, podcasts, and devotionals. However, many sense an ache within their souls. As one minister openly shared with me: 

“I have a lot of head knowledge about Jesus, but there are days when I desperately need more than an understanding of who He is. I long to experience His presence.”

An Invitation from the Holy Spirit

That kind of longing isn’t evidence of failure. It’s a heartfelt invitation from the Holy Spirit — a gentle whisper calling us to be with Jesus. A nudge to move from study to surrender, from learning to loving, from information to intimacy.

Biblical Foundations for Intimacy with Christ

The Apostle Paul captures this longing beautifully:

“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”— Philippians 3:8 (ESV).

To Paul, knowledge of Christ is not merely doctrinal accuracy—it is relational participation in the life of the risen Lord. Jesus invites us into this same union when He says, “Abide in Me, and I in you.” — John 15:4 (ESV).

Growing In Christ and Growing With Christ

Throughout this series, we will explore what it means to grow both in Christ (through formation, obedience, and knowledge) and with Christ (through intimacy, presence, and companionship). 

This distinction isn’t intended to divide the Christian life into two paths, but to describe two dimensions of a love relationship. The two movements are not opposed; they are complementary. To grow in Christ is to be rooted in truth; to grow with Christ is to walk in relationship. 

Gregory the Great wrote, “For it is not by the grace of words that we draw near to God, but by the love of our hearts.” ¹ In other words, doctrine alone cannot sustain the life of faith; love must animate it. Henri Nouwen echoes this truth: “The spiritual life is not a life before, after, or beyond our everyday existence. It is in the midst of our days that we are invited to ‘grow in love.’” ²

Integrating Faith and Daily Life

There’s a common assumption that ‘spiritual life’ belongs to a sacred realm separate from everyday experience. We often want to separate our ordinary work from what happens in church, prayer, or retreat. But the truth is, when we grow in Christ and learn to walk with Him, all of life becomes sacred. Faith and ordinary life are not rivals—they are partners. Spirituality isn’t an ‘add-on’ after our responsibilities; it’s the way we live our responsibilities in His presence.

The spiritual life and human life are one and the same reality, viewed through the lens of love and divine presence. This is why we need knowledge of Christ and intimacy with Christ. This integration is what turns the ordinary into a classroom of grace.

As you begin this journey, take a few moments to reflect on where you are with Christ today—not to judge yourself, but to become aware of His gentle invitation.

An Invitation to Go Deeper

1. In what ways have I learned about Jesus without truly spending time with Him?

2. What might it look like for me to “abide” rather than “strive” in my walk with Christ this week?

3. Which spiritual practices have helped me experience—not just study—the Lord’s presence?

4. How do I sense the Spirit inviting me from information to intimacy right now?

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In the weeks ahead, we will journey through five reflections, each designed to help you not only think more deeply about Christ but also encounter Him more personally. Each post will stand on its own, yet together they will form a cohesive invitation toward a more intimate and transforming relationship with Jesus.

If you have questions about this person named Jesus, feel as if there’s something missing in your life, or a longing to experience a more intimate connection with Christ, I invite you to join us as we explore what it means to Grow In and With Christ.

Share the Journey

If this reflection resonates with your heart, consider sharing it with a friend, ministry team, or small group that desires to deepen their relationship with Christ.

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References

1. Gregory the Great, Moralia on Job, trans. John Henry Parker (Oxford: John Henry Parker, 1844), 10.9.2. Henri J. M. Nouwen, Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World (New York: Crossroad, 1992), 45.