Do You Really Know Him?

This year, I’ve been praying for greater boldness to share the good news of the gospel with the people I encounter—not primarily with the irreligious or openly agnostic, but with those who already claim the name of Jesus. Those who would say without hesitation that Jesus is God.

The challenge is this: many people wear the jersey of “Christian” without truly understanding what it means to live out this holy calling in relationship with a living God. In that sense, they can be just as lost as the atheist.

I believe the core issue is a distorted understanding of what it means to be a Christian. Common claims sound like this: I was raised in a Christian family. I walked down the aisle when I was ten. I attend church regularly. None of these things are bad—but on their own, they can amount to little more than smoke and mirrors: outward signs that don’t necessarily reflect a transformed life.

There is a difference between knowing Christ as a follower and knowing about Christ as a fan. Scripture is clear that belief alone is not enough—even the demons believe (James 2:19). What matters is repentance and restoration:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Let me be clear: I have no desire to judge hearts, draw hard lines around who is “in” or “out,” or place myself in the role of spiritual authority. Christianity spans many traditions and theological differences. I love the saying often attributed to Augustine: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”

Still, it’s hard to ignore how casually the phrase “I am a Christian” is used today.

To illustrate: I’m a big fan of Tulsi Gabbard. I can list facts about her life and speak highly of her character. But if I showed up uninvited at her front door, I’d probably be arrested. Why? Because, despite my admiration, we have no relationship. I’m a stranger.

In the same way, many people place their confidence in denominational labels or outward religious identity. Yet Paul repeatedly warned against forms of religion that lack inward devotion. True faith is not merely intellectual; it is personal. Christianity is not just a religious activity—it is a relationship rooted in trust in the character of Jesus.

And how do we come to know His character? Through His Word.

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword… discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

If someone identifies as a believer but never opens Scripture—the very place where God reveals Himself and invites us into communion with Him—then that relationship is, at best, distant. We study His Word to learn what He loves and what He hates. Yes, there are things God hates. If that surprises you, I encourage you to open His Word.

Jesus Himself made a clear distinction between fans and followers by teaching that faith is revealed by its fruit. Fruit must be connected to a source:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

The keyword is abides—to remain, endure, persist, to reside. A branch has no life apart from the vine.

Living faith shapes our actions, attitudes, and choices. It empowers us to practice love, humility, and forgiveness—especially when those things are costly.

I can’t shake the sense that time is growing short before the return of Jesus. My deepest desire is that people understand the difference between belief and transformation. Transformation requires repentance—a turning from the direction we were once heading. Living faith means ongoing change over time, not merely adopting Christian language or labels.

Being a true follower of Christ doesn’t mean we are perfect, but that we are being perfected—made whole and mature—by a loving Father. Following Jesus means aligning our lives with His teachings, not treating Him as a silent partner while we make our own rules.

Calling yourself a Christian may describe an association—but being a Christian is a lifelong journey, one that continually shapes us to look more and more like our Father. It is a pilgrimage, not a destination, and it is only possible through faithfully living by the words He left to guide us from this life into the next.