I Thought I Knew Him… Until This Stopped Me Cold

Meaning of Matthew 7:21-23

As I was studying my Bible, I came across a few verses that stopped me in my tracks. I’ve read them so many times before, but this time… it hit differently. It didn’t just feel like words on a page. It felt like God was holding up a mirror. In the Gospel of Matthew 7:21–23, Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?’ Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers!’” And if I’m being honest, that should shake all of us a little.

These weren’t people who ignored God. These were people who talked about Him, who did things in His name, who looked like they were living a strong spiritual life… and still, Jesus says, “I never knew you.” That tells me something we don’t always want to hear. God is not impressed with performance. We can go to church, say we’re Christians, post Scripture, serve, lead, and still not actually know Him. It can look real on the outside and still be empty on the inside. And if I’m being real, I’ve lived that. I was one of those people who thought I was “good” because I checked the boxes. I believed in God, I was told I was fine, but I didn’t have a real relationship with Him. There was no depth, no true surrender, just surface-level faith that looked right but wasn’t rooted in anything real.

This Scripture isn’t meant to scare us—it’s meant to wake us up. Jesus isn’t talking about people who messed up or struggled; He’s talking about people who never truly knew Him. There’s a difference between knowing about God and actually walking with Him. One is information, the other is transformation. A real relationship with God changes you. It softens your heart, convicts you when you’re off track, and pulls you back when you start to drift. It’s not about being perfect, but it is about being real with Him. God doesn’t want your performance; He wants your heart. He wants your time, your honesty, your dependence. He wants you to know His voice, not just repeat His name.

So, the question isn’t whether you say you believe in God. The real question is, do you actually know Him? Because at the end of the day, that’s what matters most.

If you’re seeking more Encouragement today, you may find comfort in our Devotions or be strengthened by our Verse of The Day or Prayers, offering Scripture to carry with you throughout the day.