Growing Closer to God, Part 2

Part one of this essay discussed two ways of growing closer to God. This continuation will discuss further ways to achieve that closeness.

ONE WAY TO GROW CLOSER TO GOD IS TO LIVE BY THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, which are as follows:

(1) Thou shalt not have any other gods before God. (In ancient times, this referred mainly to statues and animals. In later times, including our own, it also warns against worshiping ourselves, our status, careers, wealth, or other people, among other things.) (2) Thou shalt not make yourself an idol. (3) Thou shalt not take the Lord’s name in vain. (4) Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it Holy. (5) Honor your Father and Mother. (6) Thou shalt not murder. (7) Thou shalt not commit adultery. (8) Thou shalt not steal. (9) Thou shalt not bear false witness against your neighbor. This includes the various forms of lying, all of which are a violation of truth. (10) Thou shalt not covet. This means being jealous of what other people have, such as their personalities, friendships, spouses, or station in life. Note: coveting is very different from admiring, respecting, or honoring a person, which are acceptable, and can be virtuous.

Each of the Ten Commandments concerns something that God has deemed wrong, in other words sinful. To violate them therefore separates us from God’s good graces. Unfortunately, such violation comes with great ease because as human beings we are tainted with the “original sin” of our first parents. Consequently, we tend to be attracted to sin rather than repelled by it. Our moral challenge is to be aware of our personal temptations to sin. Also, to remember that temptation can make sin seem pleasurable and fulfilling rather than harmful. We must therefore be alert for questionable occasions and circumstances, recognize their danger, and resist them.

ANOTHER WAY OF GROWING CLOSER TO GOD IS TO PRACTICE VIRTUES

One group of virtues began in Christian teaching and consists of Faith—belief in religious thought or proposition; Hope—belief and expectation that good will happen; and Charity— help for those in need. Another group of virtues began in Greek philosophy and was later adopted by Christianity. It consists of Prudence—avoiding hastiness in decision making; Justice—fairness toward others; Temperance—moderation and self-restraint in reacting; and Fortitude—courage in difficult matters.

There are, as well, habits that are not only considered virtuous by religious leaders but also by philosophers, educators, and cultural leaders. Such habits have become hallmarks of goodness, decency, and wisdom. They include Love—affection and concern for others; Humility—modesty about one’s own accomplishments or worth; Patience—calmness in responding to difficulty; Kindness- considerateness of others; Self-control—restraining one’s reactions, especially strong ones; Forgiveness—avoiding resentment or retaliation when offended; and Generosity—helping others without expecting something in return.

A THIRD WAY TO GROW CLOSER TO GOD IS TO RECOGNIZE THOSE WHO STRIVE FOR THAT GOAL

Learning from the example of others is a powerful way of shaping ourselves. The ancient proverb “we are known by the company we keep” testifies to this. This shaping process occurs continually whether or we are conscious of it or not. The more aware we are to the example of others—that is, the ideas they express and the behavior they demonstrate, the more we can control their influence on us and changes that result in us.

Together, living by the Ten Commandments, practicing virtues, and following the good example of those around us will bring us closer to God and more receptive to serving His intentions.

Copyright © 2026 by Vincent Ryan Ruggiero. All rights reserved.