Knowing God is More Than Just Information
There is a fundamental question in the Christian Faith: "Do we know God or know about God?"
This strikes right at the heart of our faith. It's a challenging distinction, yet one that's vital for a deep and meaningful spiritual life. Many of us, with the best intentions, find ourselves caught in the trap of accumulating information about God without ever truly knowing Him personally.
The Trap of "Knowing About"
We are diligent students of the faith. We are present in church, our Bibles are open, and our notes are filled with insights from sermons and Bible studies. We can discuss theology, debate doctrine, and confidently share the historical context of scripture. We may even stand up and sing and talk about God and what it's like to be up there with Him.
This is all good—even necessary—but it can become a subtle barrier. We can become so focused and involved in knowing about God—His attributes, His plan, His word—that we miss out on knowing God Himself.
Think of it this way: You can read a biography of a famous historical figure, memorize their achievements, and analyze their letters. You would know a lot about them. But you would never have shared a meal with them, laughed with them, or offered them comfort. You wouldn't know them.
The problem, is that God wants to be known, not just discussed. He is not an abstract concept to be mastered; He is a living Person who desires a relationship.
The Call to "Know God"
God’s call to humanity has always been a call to intimacy. The entirety of scripture points to this:
• In the Old Testament, God walked with Adam and Eve in the garden. He spoke face-to-face with Moses, who treasured that personal communion more than all the riches of Egypt. The prophet Jeremiah speaks of a day when people will no longer need to teach their neighbor about the Lord, “for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest” (Jeremiah 31:34).
• In the New Testament, Jesus invites us not merely to follow His teachings, but to follow Him, saying, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me” (John 10:14). His very mission was to reveal the Father so that we could have eternal life, which He defined as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent (John 17:3).
Knowing God is experiential. It's the difference between reading a travel guide to a city and actually walking its streets, breathing its air, and meeting its people.
How Do We Move from "About" to "Knowing"?
The shift is often more about intention and posture than adding new activities to our schedule.
• Transform Study into Encounter: When you open your Bible, ask God to reveal Himself, not just a fact. See Bible study less as a research project and more as a divine appointment. The words on the page are the foundation, but the Holy Spirit is the connection.
• Move from Discussion to Dialogue (Prayer): Our prayer life should be more than a monologue of requests. True knowing requires listening. Dedicate time in prayer to simply be silent, allowing space for the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart. It’s in that two-way, vulnerable communication that relationship deepens.
• Apply Truth, Don't Just Acquire It: The Apostle John wrote, "Whoever claims to know God yet does not keep his commands is a liar" (1 John 2:4). Knowing God is demonstrated by obedience and a life transformed by His character. When you put what you know about Him (His love, His patience, His justice) into practice, you experience and deepen your knowledge of Him.
Knowing God is the profound journey of faith—a life spent drawing closer to the One who already knows us completely and loves us unconditionally.
Reflection and Action
• When you spend time in Bible reading or prayer, are you primarily seeking information about God or an intimate encounter with Him?
• What is one concrete way you can create more space for listening and true dialogue in your prayer time this week?
Comments
Post a Comment