There is a sign in front of you. On it are seven concentric circles. Each circle slightly smaller than the next and evenly layered in descending order to the centermost circle labeled “you.” This sign represents the people in your life and their level of importance to you.
The “you” in the center is not the you in the mirror or the you that everyone sees. It is the you mentioned in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew YOU.” It is the most intimate and real you. No pretense or false bravado. No makeup or designer clothes. Just you. Each circle outside of you represents groups of people in your life. The closer to the center, the more important it is to you.
Let’s go through the levels. Level seven is perfect strangers. Someone you met on the street and of whom you have zero knowledge. Level six is acquaintances. You’ve met them, forgotten their name and know very little about them beyond that. Level 5 is co-workers and neighbors, people you are paid to be around or paid to live next to. Some of them are nice, but if it wasn’t for the money, you wouldn’t be around them. For some of them you question if the money is enough. Level four is friends. They are people you choose to be around. They are beyond just nice people. You actually enjoy their company. Level three is family. We are back to not getting to choose this group, but you are obligated to do your best. These are people you are related to by birth, and they probably have some embarrassing stories to share about you. Level 2 is saved for immediate family. They do know you, and you know them. You may get cross from time to time, but there is nothing you wouldn’t do for them. Level one is you—your favorite person. It is important to note that some people can be in more than one circle. For example, you may have a friend that is closer than immediate family, or you may have family members that are just acquaintances.
Where does God fit in your sign of circles? Who is God to you? For many people, the answer is different. If you know nothing about God, then He is a stranger. If you think He exists but know nothing about Him, then He is merely an acquaintance. You can see where this is going. The more mature and deep the relationship, the closer you are to God and the closer He is to you. You have friends that you could spend hours with and never knew time passed. But sometimes, in worship or prayer, every moment is an eternity. When, where or how we worship will not change how close you are or are not to God. Spend time getting to know God in His word. I promise that your worship will deepen, prayer will come alive and your time spent in worship with the saints will not be a burden but a blessing.