When knowing about God isn't enough.

 

At the age of 22, I entered into marriage with a man who served as an associate pastor at a church in north central Texas. At that time, my faith was still in its early stages; I had a deep love for Jesus and firmly believed in His resurrection, recognizing Him as the Savior of the world.

I was completely unfamiliar with biblical theology, a term that felt overwhelming at that stage of my life. Now, I realize the significance of understanding one's beliefs and the reasons behind them, particularly regarding biblical truths. My ex-husband frequently questioned his salvation, which deeply troubled me. It was perplexing that someone who dedicated so much time to studying and immersing himself in scripture would have such doubts. He had an incredible ability to recite verses with grace; for instance, he could effortlessly quote any chapter of the Bible. Until then, I had never encountered anyone with such a remarkable talent, and it truly left me in awe.

A few months ago, I began revisiting the study of theology after a close friend shared a video with me, asking for my honest opinion on its accuracy and biblical soundness. This request, as you can imagine, plunged me into a deep exploration of the subject.

 I was confident in my beliefs and the reasons behind them, and I was fortunate to have mentors to consult for guidance. From the moment the video began, I sensed something was wrong. When discernment kicks in and you feel that inner prompting from God urging you to pause, it becomes clear that something is definitely not right.

Looking back on those years, I see how my ex-husband's spiritual struggle has shaped the way I approach my own faith journey today. Reflecting on Chance made me recognize that he genuinely lacked assurance of his salvation. In the stillness of my salon, I found myself in tears. His relentless pursuit of biblical knowledge overshadowed the essential aspect of having a personal relationship with Jesus. The reality is that this can happen to any of us.

Are we merely reciting beautiful prayers and reading the Bible out of habit, or are we sincerely seeking a deeper connection with Jesus to gain wisdom and guidance for our lives? A true relationship.

It's easy for many of us to become consumed by our daily lives, feeling the pressure to elevate ourselves and accomplish more for Christ. However, actions devoid of genuine heart intention are merely good deeds. It's essential to regularly connect with Jesus to ensure you're following the right path and aligning with His will. Trust that He will guide you and provide clarity.

What I’ve come to learn—through marriage, heartbreak, and growth—is that knowing about God isn’t the same as truly knowing Him.