Why Knowing God Matters for Every Christian
Introduction: Why Knowing God Matters
If you could describe God in a few words, what would you say? Loving? Powerful? Mysterious? It’s easy to have a picture of God shaped by things we’ve heard, life experiences, or even church traditions. Yet, truly knowing who God is—and what He’s like—makes all the difference in how we live our lives. When our understanding of God is off, even slightly, it can lead to confusion, frustration, or a faith that feels empty. That’s why getting to know God’s true character is not just important—it’s essential.
What Is God Like?
Describing God can feel overwhelming, but thankfully, the Bible gives us glimpses of His nature. God is not a distant force or an angry judge waiting for us to mess up. Instead, He is loving, just, trustworthy, and present. In Jeremiah 9:23-24, God tells us that the greatest thing we can do is understand and know Him—that He is the Lord who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth, and that He delights in these qualities. God is not only powerful but also good, caring, and deeply involved in our world.
Distorted Perceptions: The Problem
Unfortunately, many Christians—especially in the western church—have picked up distorted or shallow ideas about God. We might see Him as a strict rule-maker, a divine vending machine, or someone who only fits into our own agenda. These misconceptions don’t just make us uncomfortable; they impact how we relate to God and each other. Faith can start to feel more like a checklist than a relationship. The church, meant to be a beacon of hope, sometimes loses its flavor and light because it forgets the true nature of God.
Lessons from Israel and the Church
This isn’t a new problem. The people of Israel often drifted from really knowing God, even though they had His words and guidance. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God warns that trusting in wisdom, strength, or riches will let us down. He teaches that the only thing worth boasting about is knowing Him (Jeremiah 9:23-24). Church history shows that whenever God’s people lost sight of who He really is, they wandered into empty traditions or missed out on His power. We need to learn from these examples—not repeat them.
Boasting in Knowing God
Jeremiah 9:23-24 puts things in perspective: “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.” God wants a relationship with us, not just religious performance. Knowing God means experiencing His mercy, justice, and faithfulness. It’s about loving what He loves and being shaped by His heart. When we get to know God personally, our lives become living testimonies of His goodness.
Salt and Light: The Church’s Calling
Jesus called His followers “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-16). Salt preserves and adds flavor; light breaks through darkness. The church’s job is not to blend in, but to make a real difference—showing the world what God is like through how we live. Sadly, if we lose our saltiness or hide our light, we stop fulfilling our purpose. Our communities need authentic Christians who bring hope, peace, and the reality of God’s love into everyday life.
Beyond Politics: God’s Kingdom vs. Human Systems
It’s tempting to put our hope in politics, leaders, or systems—especially in uncertain times. But God’s Kingdom isn’t limited by our governments or elections. His ways are higher, wiser, and always just. While we should care about our world, our ultimate trust belongs to God, whose reign is unshakable and whose purpose is bigger than any human plan. Real change happens when we seek God’s will above our own agendas.
A Call for Authentic Christianity
What if Christianity looked less like a set of rules and more like a living relationship with God? The world is hungry for the real thing—genuine faith that acts, loves, and serves. It’s time for a radical realignment: returning to biblical values, practicing mercy and justice, and carrying God’s glory wherever we go. The church is called to be God’s representatives, living with honesty, kindness, and courage. This authenticity sparks hope and draws others to God.
The Promise of Glory
The Bible makes a stunning promise: “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14; see also Isaiah 11:9). God isn’t distant or hidden—He’s committed to making Himself known in every nation and every community. Haggai 2:6-8 reminds us that everything belongs to God, and He will shake the nations so that His glory is revealed. This isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s a picture of the future. There’s a global awakening coming, where authentic Christianity will shine brighter than ever.
Conclusion: Walking in God’s Ways
In a world full of opinions and uncertainty, one thing remains clear: knowing God—truly knowing Him—changes everything. Let’s pursue Him with open hearts, let go of shallow ideas, and choose to walk in His ways. As we do, we become salt and light, bringing hope and healing wherever we go. The invitation is for all of us: to rediscover the wonder of God, align our lives with His purpose, and join in His promise to fill the earth with His glory. Let’s be the generation that knows God, loves deeply, and lives boldly for His name.
Minister A Francine Green, April 2026
afrancinegreen.com 