Why Knowing God Matters in Our Everyday Lives
Our neighborhoods, families, and communities often feel like they are “under siege”—full of stress, conflict, and uncertainty. In times like these, the most important thing we can do is to know God, not just know about Him.
What Does It Mean to “Know God”?
Years ago at a time when a I wanted to know more about God I read “Knowing God” by J. I. Packer, and it changed the way I thought about faith. The book has been around since the 1970s and is considered one of the best Christian books ever written. It taught me that God isn’t just an idea or a distant force. Even though I can’t see God with my eyes, I can know Him personally—just like I’d get to know a friend or a family member.
It’s easy to know facts about someone—where they live, what they do, what foods they like—without ever really knowing them. The same is true for God: reading about Him or hearing stories doesn’t mean we have a relationship with Him. If we want to know God, we need to spend time with Him—through prayer, reading the Bible, and being honest when we talk to Him. That’s where true understanding and real connection begin.
Why Bother Knowing God?
J. I. Packer used an illustration I’ll never forget: it would be cruel to drop someone from the Amazon into downtown London without any explanation or language skills, and then just leave them to figure things out. Trying to live life without knowing God is a bit like that—confusing, frustrating, and lonely. When we don’t have a relationship with the One who made us and who understands how life works, the world can feel strange and overwhelming.
Trying to make sense of life on our own, without God, is like trying to walk through life blindfolded. We might know a lot about religion or church, but if we don’t know God personally, we miss out on the purpose, love, and direction He wants to give us.
More Than Just Religious Routines
It’s easy to slip into a habit of just “doing church” or going through the motions—showing up on Sunday, taking part in rituals, or following traditions—without letting those things change our hearts. The prophet Amos and even Jesus Himself pointed out that God isn’t impressed by empty religious acts. In fact, God wants us to treat others with justice, kindness, and fairness. He values a sincere relationship more than ritual for the sake of ritual.
The Bible says we should let “justice flow like a river, and righteousness like a never-failing stream” (Amos 5:24). This means that our faith should show up in how we treat people every day, not just in ceremonies or songs.
Pursuing God Is for Everyone
The apostle Paul summed it up like this: knowing Jesus is more valuable than anything else in life. He was willing to give up everything just to know Christ and experience God’s power (Philippians 3:8-11). Anyone can have this relationship—regardless of their background, culture, or past mistakes.
God isn’t an abstract idea or just a Sunday tradition. He is a loving Father, a helper to those who are alone, and a source of purpose for everyone. The people God has used throughout history weren’t perfect, but they all shared a desire to know Him and walk with Him.
Real Change Starts with Relationship
If your faith feels routine or distant, you’re not alone. God invites us all to come closer, to experience a fresh relationship with Him. It starts simply: spend time in prayer, read scripture, be honest about your doubts and hopes, and let God’s love shape how you live and treat others.
Let’s not settle for just knowing about God or checking off religious boxes. Let’s pursue a vibrant, two-way relationship with the One who loves us most.
May God arise and bring new life, hope, and real change to our hearts and our communities.
Minister A Francine Green I July 2025
afrancinegreen.com 