As a longtime professor at a Christian university, I have had many conversations with students who seriously seek to live for God.

When I was an elder, some of the best dialogues I had were with preachers, other elders and dedicated Christian people who were concerned that they were missing out on something really significant in their walk with God.

I have those feelings in my life and have come to realize that few ever believe that they are as close to God as they desire. A small number of these believers have thought that some great sin was wedged between them and God, but most only were longing to have a greater sense of God’s presence.