Why A Personal Relationship With Jesus Is Not Enough

Image of the Holy Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit — Image by David Mark from Pixabay

A personal relationship with Jesus is not enough. There, I said it! Even though it feels wrong to write those words, it is a true statement. Let me clarify. I have a personal relationship with Jesus and you should have one too, but it’s not enough. In addition to knowing and loving Jesus, we should also have a relationship with our Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit.

How do I know? Because Jesus said so!

The Holy Spirit leads us to Jesus

Following Jesus is difficult. If we try to do it on our own, we will fail. Before ascending into heaven, Jesus didn’t tell his followers to take good notes and try to remember all that he taught. He promised that the Holy Spirit would be sent to help us.

The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that [I] told you. (John 14:26)

Without the assistance of the Holy Spirit, you will not be able to know, love and follow Jesus.

Jesus leads us to the Father

Jesus became man to reveal and draw us into a deeper relationship with God the Father. When one of his disciples asked for a lesson in prayer, how did Jesus respond? He directed him to the Father.

He was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say:

Father, hallowed be your name,your kingdom come… (Luke 11:1-2)

Note that the Father didn’t get shoved to the side once Jesus came on the scene. Throughout the gospels, Jesus constantly points his followers to the Father.

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

The Holy Trinity

Today we celebrate the The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. As part of the mystical body of Christ (the Church), we not only have the capability to have a personal relationship with Jesus, but with the Father and the Holy Spirit as well. Yes, you need Jesus. You also need the Father and the Holy Spirit. When we are true followers of Christ, we not only speak to him, but also to the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Happy Trinity Sunday!