In the Christian walk, there is a profound difference between knowing god (in a vague, cultural, or superficial sense) and truly knowing God—the living, holy, personal capital ‘G’ God of Scripture. One leads to religion without transformation, while the other leads to relationship, reverence, and revival.
1. "Knowing god": The Danger of Substitutes
When we say someone "knows god" in the lowercase sense, it often means:
These little ‘g’ gods are idols in disguise.
Common "little g" gods:"You shall have no other gods before Me." – Exodus 20:3 "Their gods are silver and gold, the work of human hands." – Psalm 115:4
These idols may not be carved statues, but they compete for our worship. They promise what only God can truly give—security, identity, purpose—but they always fail.
2. "Knowing God": The Real, Living RelationshipTo know God (capital G) means:
"Be still, and know that I am God." – Psalm 46:10 "Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent." – John 17:3
3. How to Move from "knowing god" to Truly Knowing God