John 1:12 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:”
There is a meaningful distinction between simply knowing about God and truly experiencing a relationship with Him. Many people settle for surface-level interactions—attending church, reading devotionals, memorizing verses—without ever drawing close to the heart of God. They accumulate knowledge yet miss the fullness of His presence.
The Scriptures themselves warn us about this. In John 5:39, Jesus reproached those who were studying the Scriptures earnestly but were failing to recognize Him, the very One the words were pointing towards. Knowing every biblical fact does not equate to knowing the Author Himself. Religious routine can never substitute for genuine connection.
John 1:11–12 makes it clear: When Jesus came, not everyone received Him. But to those who did, He gave the right to become children of God. Receiving Him is more than knowing His name—it’s accepting Him into your life and allowing Him to transform you from the inside out.
Many believers only know the Christ of tradition, viewing Him as a historical figure or the baby in the manger. But the true Christ is revealed by the Holy Spirit—a living presence, not just a story. As T.B. Joshua said, “In the church there are two—the Christ of the story and history, and the Christ the Spirit reveals.”
God desires intimacy, not mere ritual. He wants you to know Him personally through daily relationship—hearing His voice, following His guidance, and living in His presence. Don’t settle for secondhand faith. Seek a direct connection with God; read the Word, but always pursue an encounter with the One it reveals.
Ultimately, spiritual growth isn’t measured by the information you possess, but by the depth of your relationship with God. When you know Him personally, your life is truly transformed.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I don’t want a shallow or secondhand relationship with You. Help me to know You deeply and personally. Let the Holy Spirit reveal Christ to me—not just as a story, but as my Saviour, Friend, and King. I choose relationship over routine, in Jesus’ name! Amen!