Proximity is a principle of art and design that describes the spatial relationship between elements. The distance between objects can communicate connection or separation. It can help organize information, establish importance, and give a design structure.
Proximity generally serves two purposes:
1. Creating connection. Grouping related elements together helps communicate that they belong together. It creates organization, establishes hierarchy, and gives a design shape.
2. Creating separation. Placing unrelated elements farther apart communicates that they don’t belong together. Separation can also help break up information and make a design easier to understand.
In other words, proximity helps communicate a message through the relationships between the elements, whether they are grouped together or separated.
In the first example, the information is in the four corners of this business card. There is no clear hierarchy to help the reader understand what is most important or which details belong together.
In the second example, related information is grouped together, making the business card easier to read and understand. The content hasn’t changed, but the arrangement makes all the difference. All the related info is grouped together. The owner’s name and the name of the business are on the left and the contact information is on the right.
The same principle can apply to our lives.
If we live our lives in close relationship with God, our lives begin to reflect that connection. The things we draw near to influence us, shape our priorities, and often become evident in the way we live.
James 4:8 gives us this invitation:
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (KJV)
But what does drawing near to God actually look like? How do we cultivate that closeness in the middle of everyday life?
In what ways do you feel closer or connected to God? How do you draw near to Him in your daily life? What helps you stay mindful of His presence?
The second part of James 4:8 says:
“Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (NIV)
Impure hearts and double-mindedness are some of the things that can keep us from experiencing the closeness God desires. But I don’t think it’s always sin itself that gets in the way. Sometimes it’s simply distraction.
Distractions aren’t necessarily sinful, but they can blur our priorities and, if left unchecked, lead us away from the closeness God desires for us.
Over time, I’ve noticed a few things both in my own life and in others that happen when we intentionally draw near to God.
1. He draws near to us.
James 4:8 reminds us, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
We are separated from God by sin, but His desire has always been for relationship with us. He’s the One who provided the way through Jesus Christ. God loves us so much that He sacrificed His Son so that we could come near to Him and live in relationship with Him.
Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) reminds us:
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
We don’t have to approach God timidly or wait until we have everything figured out. Through Jesus, we can come boldly before Him. We can bring our needs, our struggles, our questions, and even our distractions to the throne of grace.
We can live confidently in the closeness He has made possible.
2. We begin to develop Christlikeness.
You can often recognize family members by their mannerisms or speech. Even adopted children begin to mirror their families over time, they pick up phrases, gestures, and habits simply through closeness and living in the same house.
The same happens in our relationships and friendships. The more time we spend with someone, the more we begin to reflect parts of them.
My bird even repeats some of my phrases, like “I gotta check my email” or “Time to go to bed now” simply because she’s heard me say them so often.
In the same way, when we spend time with God, we begin to reflect His character, His words, and His ways. The more we spend time with Him, the more we become like Him.
It’s not about trying to imitate someone from a distance. It’s about knowing Him, walking with Him, and allowing His Word and His Spirit to shape who we are.
3. Others begin to notice.
People will start to see our faith in our reactions and behavior. When we choose kindness over retaliation, or refuse to gossip, others take notice.
They might wonder, “What’s different about her?” or “Why doesn’t she respond the way others do?”
That quiet difference speaks volumes, it points to the One we’ve spent time with.
One passage that comes to mind is the story of Mary and Martha. Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus, there’s no closer place to be. Her sister Martha was caught up in preparation and busyness, but Mary chose presence and proximity over activity.
In the midst of chaos, she prioritized proximity to her Lord.
That’s God’s design for our lives too, to stay near Him. Some days it’s easier than others, but the promise remains: when we draw near to God, He draws near to us.
Reflect
1. Are there certain times, places, or practices that make you more aware of His presence?
2. How can you intentionally “draw near” to Him this week?
3. How can you choose to “sit at the feet of Jesus” amid your own busyness or chaos?
Sometimes the most important thing we can do isn’t add something else to our lives, but draw closer to the One who matters most.
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