The soul level of relationship often requires little or no physical interaction. This is why relationships that start off as long-distance relationships often end up being some of the best marriages. Without the potential distractions of physical attraction, the couple is able to focus on the development of their soul connection.

The Highest Level of Relationship

The highest or deepest level of relationship is the spiritual level. This is the level Jesus was referring to in His conversation with Thomas. Paul once said, “For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him?” (1 Corinthians 2:11 NASB). In other words, you cannot know the true thoughts or motives of a man unless you are in tune with his spirit.

As I previously mentioned, Lisa and I recently celebrated our thirtieth anniversary. Some of my favorite memories from that time together are of us sitting by the pool and discussing the things of God. We even spent a lot of time talking about this message. As I shared what God was putting in my heart, she responded with wisdom and revelation that further illuminated what the Spirit had been revealing to me. Since we both have an intimate relationship with the Spirit, we are able to commune on a deep, spiritual level.

This is also one of the main reasons why Lisa and I pray together. It connects us spiritually because we are fellowshipping together around the things of the Spirit. For a similar reason, we have mandated that the staff of Messenger International spend the first fifteen minutes of every day in corporate prayer. We do this because we want our team to be spiritually connected. It is amazing what this time of prayer has done for the relationships between our staff members. The same is true in any relationship: fellowship around the Word and prayer will develop the deepest level of intimacy between individuals because it is a spiritual connection.

There is a difference between an intellectual discussion of spiritual things and true spiritual fellowship. Sometimes people start talking to me about the Bible, and I know they are merely relaying information. How do I know this? What they are saying is very tiring, and my mind becomes exhausted. They are speaking from their minds, not their spirits. Then there are others who speak of spiritual things from their spirits. I have talked with these people for hours without tiring because we are connecting on a spiritual level.

Day 5

Knowing God by His Spirit

Now let’s look at 1 Corinthians 2:11 in its entirety:

For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. (NASB)

The Greek word here translated as thoughts is best defined as “state of being or the composition of.” Paul is essentially saying that one cannot know the true “composition” of God (meaning the deep matters of His heart) without coming to know the Spirit of God. By “know,” I mean have an understanding that is much more than the superficial knowledge that can be obtained with little or no effort. Practically everyone in the United States knows who our president is, but most of us do not have a personal relationship with him. We do not know his deepest desires, what drives him, or what he truly believes. Likewise, we will never possess anything more than “common knowledge” about God if we do not discover Him by His Spirit.