As a christian why do i feel closer to God when I am serving vs. hanging out with other Christians?

Question

The Christians I fellowship with are not as on fire as I am? Do I need to find a different group of friends? or does God have me here with them to encourage them. I feel drained! Please help.

Answer 1

Do you have an HIV clinic you can volunteer at, or a homeless shelter? Do you know where they are in your town? Ditch the religious folk, and go on your own. Never talk about Jesus, and just serve. Get to know these folks and you will find they are just like you, wonderful, kind and sometimes arrogant and self-righteous. Before you know it, you will think you are back at church with the redeemed.

Answer 2

You're spiritual gift is probably helps, and when you are utilizing your gift, you naturally feel closer to God. As for hanging out with other Christians, sometimes it is very draining. It could be that you are the person that is to be the encouragement to the group. However, being drained and exhausted spiritually is not how God would have you feel. You might need to be around people who are more uplifting in spirit. I have noticed a big difference between 'lukewarm' Christians and those who are on fire for the Lord. When I am around those who are on fire, I get energized!

Answer 3

Everyone is called to serve just like Christ served. He didn't come to be served but to serve. That's why you feel closer or connected to God when you do things for other people without expecting anything back.

You can make a difference in other people's lives and you shouldn't disregard them just because they're not as "on fire" for God as you are. You can't judge how connected or disconnected people are from God. That's Gods job. All you can do is be their true friend, love them, respect them and pray for them. Remember, Jesus hung around the lowest of the lowest. But he always made a difference everywhere he went. Our job is to be a reflection of God's unconditional love on this earth without judging or condemning others for not being like us. Hope that helps. God bless.

Answer 4

First of all people should know what they are talking about before they answer you, but anyway we are called to be living sacrifices. Worship is not a few slow songs before the pastor comes out it is a lifestyle we worship him in EVERYTHING we do that's why we must always be mindful of our witness we are here to fulfill the great commission which is to evangelize and bring people to christ he says invite some, bring some, and compel some, so maybe be more mindful of your witness by being a great witness by your actions and this will inspire your friends but as far as working when you are sitting at the feet of God it is very humbling. He tell us that obedience is better than sacrifice and rebellion is the work of witchcraft. The more we seek His face and further His kingdom the more intimate you become with God. He will then step by step on your level reveal your purpose. Remember many are called but few are chosen He also says says many will call me Lord, Lord did i not do things in your name ect and he replied depart i never knew you make sure you are really seeking the kingdom of God and not just cultural- going to church, working in ministry ect- He foreknew, predestined, called and annointed you now thaat's something to shout about Hallelujah!!!! oH, IF YOUR FRIENDS ARE DRAINING YOU make sure you have other prayer partners, accountability partners, and other intercessors that are restoring energy back into you that you are giving out. People who are prayer warriors, will admonish you in the Word of God, strenghten, encourage, and love you.

Answer 5

I have felt the same way. Serving is a very good way to become closer to God. Maybe it is because your friends don't live by the standards of your church. I would get new friends honestly. Just because you aren't around your old friends doesn't mean that you cannot be a good example to them. You could invite them to do things with you that you know are good. I find that being a good example to other people is a great way to help them change.

Answer 6

well of course when you are serving GOD you should feel closer to him because you are allowing the holy ghost to fill you up and you are allowing the holy spirirt to have its way with you, you cant say your fire is greater than your friends because for one if you truely had the holy ghost then you dont recall what your friends are doing you cant even recall what you are doing if its true worship, everyone fire is different and it should be what matters is that you are all serving 1 GOD and studying the same word after the holy ghost has came upon me i too feel drained i think that GOD is removing certain sins when i feel that stop worrying about your friends fire and stay prayed up if GOD wants you to move he will do just that

Answer 7

When you're serving the Holy Spirit moves within you and brings you closer to God , I feel the same way when I Worship, isn't it a great feeling?

Answer 8

As a human being in need of answers for questions you are uneasy about asking, you need your ideology reinforced by your social group. That's how religions got invented, and why people have always been persecuted for being different. Hope this helps.

Answer 9

Serving is an example that Jesus emphasized to His disciples. Thinking you are better in God's view shows that you do not understand. You are better than Jesus? You are where you are to currently serve, be humble and be an example. You are not there to criticize. Just do it.

Answer 10

No, you need them there. Maybe that's your calling, to serve and having your fellow Christains there may be the support needed to keep your distance to set an example to them.