Reflections on God’s Nature, Our Perception, and the Journey to True Relationship
Introduction: Why Knowing God Matters
When we talk about knowing God, it’s easy to think of it as something mysterious or complicated—maybe even out of reach. But the truth is, the journey to understand who God is lies at the heart of Christian faith. It’s not just about facts or religious rituals; it’s about a relationship that shapes every part of our lives. I often find myself challenged by how little I truly grasp God’s nature, even after years in church. The quest to know God is ongoing, and it’s the single most important pursuit we can undertake.
What Is God Like?
So, what is God really like? If you ask ten people, you might get ten different answers. The Bible describes God in ways that are both simple and profound: He is loving, just, holy, merciful, and faithful. God is a Father who cares deeply for His children, a Creator who delights in beauty, and a King who rules with goodness and wisdom. Yet, our understanding can be clouded by misconceptions. Sometimes we imagine God as distant, angry, or indifferent, shaped by our experiences or what we’ve been taught. But Scripture invites us to see God as He truly is—a God who is near, compassionate, and eager for relationship.
Our Perception of God
How we see God affects everything else—how we pray, how we treat others, and even how we see ourselves. When our view of God is distorted, our faith can become weak or shallow. This isn’t a new problem. In the Old Testament, the people of Israel often misunderstood God, chasing after their own ideas or idols. The same thing can happen today, especially in the Western church, where our understanding can be limited by tradition, culture, or personal preference. The prophet Jeremiah warned about this, challenging people not to boast in wisdom, strength, or riches, but to seek true understanding of the Lord.
Biblical Insights: Knowing God
Let’s look at a couple of key passages. In Jeremiah 9:23-24, God says, “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength… but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight.” God’s greatest delight isn’t in our achievements but in our desire to know Him and reflect His character.
Jesus, in Matthew 5:13-16, calls His followers to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” This isn’t about showing off our own goodness but about living in a way that reveals God’s nature to others. When we know God, we can bring hope, flavor, and brightness to a world in need.
The State of the Church
It’s no secret that the Western church faces challenges. Sometimes, our churches can seem more focused on programs, comfort, or reputation than on God’s mission. There’s a real need for radical change—a renewal that brings us back to God’s eternal purpose. This means moving beyond surface-level faith to a deeper, more genuine relationship with God. It’s about aligning our hearts with what matters most to Him, letting go of anything that distracts us from truly knowing and loving Him.
Authentic Christianity and Global Awakening
Throughout history, God has raised up prophets—like Amos, Hosea, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Isaiah—to call His people back to Himself. Their messages were often uncomfortable, but they pointed to a crucial truth: the health of God’s people depends on their view of God. A high concept of God—seeing Him as He really is—brings life and strength to the church. When we settle for a small or distorted view, our faith loses its power and relevance. Today, more than ever, there’s a need for authentic Christianity—a faith that is real, vibrant, and alive.
Relational vs. Intellectual Knowledge
There’s a big difference between knowing about God and actually knowing God. It’s easy to accumulate facts, attend Bible studies, or recite verses, but the goal is relationship, not just information. The prophets and apostles remind us that intimacy with God brings true transformation. As Jesus said, eternal life is to know the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. When we experience God personally, our faith becomes more than a theory—it becomes our reality.
The Goal of Life: Knowing Christ
The apostle Paul put it simply in Philippians 3: “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” For Paul, the highest goal wasn’t success, reputation, or even religious activity—it was knowing Christ. This kind of knowledge changes us from the inside out. It’s not a one-time event but a lifelong journey, filled with ups and downs, questions and discoveries. But as we grow in knowing God, we experience true freedom, peace, and purpose.
Conclusion: Moving Forward
Where do we go from here? The invitation is simple: seek God sincerely. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you in new ways. Spend time in Scripture, prayer, and honest conversation with other believers. Be willing to let go of old ideas that don’t line up with God’s true character. Most importantly, remember that God wants to be known—He delights in those who seek Him. As we pursue a deeper relationship with God, we’ll find our lives transformed and our churches renewed. The journey is worth it, because the goal is nothing less than knowing Christ Himself.
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026
afrancinegreen.com 