5 Life-Changing Implications of Knowing God

As someone who has walked the path of faith for many years, it’s easy to fall into a routine where the profound truths of Christianity can sometimes feel like familiar scenery passing by. Yet, every so often, something jolts us awake, to remind us of the vibrant reality of our relationship with God. Today, that wake-up call came to me while reading the Catholic Catechism.

It felt like a gentle tug from above, as if God said, “Hey there, Leila. Pay attention. This is what it means to know and follow me.”

Below, I will share my takeaway from Part 1: The Profession of Faith, sections 222 to 227. As I reflected on what I read, the truths shared became a source of unexpected joy and renewed strength for my faith journey today. I want to share my excitement and insights with you in the hope that you, too, may be inspired and uplifted.

At the core of this section lies a fundamental truth: our life purpose is intricately connected to our relationship with God. It’s not merely about following a set of beliefs or religious obligations. Rather, it’s about entering into a loving, vibrant relationship with God that brings both fulfillment to us and glory to Him.

That said, here are 5 powerful implications of knowing and loving God.

Believing in God and loving Him with all our being means:

1. It means we put God first.

Life is filled with distractions and to-dos, and if we’re not careful, something will sneak its way before God. But true peace and happiness comes as we organize our lives around the One who created the universe, made us, loves us, and knows what’s best for us.

Having come to know God’s greatness, majesty, and purpose for our lives, our hearts yearn to make Him first. While it may not always be easy, God is ready to help us. Take a moment to ask God for help in prioritizing His agenda for your life and all of creation, as you care for all He has entrusted to you.

For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.

Psalm 95:3-7

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Matthew 6:33

Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?”

Jesus declared, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Matthew 22:36-40

2. It means we live grateful.

What do we have that did not come from God’s hands? Even our very breath is a gift. Take a moment to meditate on this profound truth, allowing thanksgiving to flow freely from your heart today.

Above all, cherish the reminder that our relationship with God, as our Father and Friend, is a priceless gift. We did nothing to earn this relationship: “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it” (1 John 2:8-9)

Our relationship with God is the greatest gift, laying the foundation for a heart of gratitude. Grateful living, deeply rooted in this connection, is incredibly healing—it restores joy and offers a fresh, hope-filled perspective.

What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?

1 Corinthians 4:7

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

3. It means knowing the unity and dignity of all people.

From the greatest to the least, we are all made in the image and likeness of God. When you look at someone today, let this mindset affect your thoughts, words, and deeds. Pray, asking God to help you see others through His eyes of love.

Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us.”

Genesis 1:26

Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32

4. It means making good use of our time, resources, and all created things.

True faith in God will lead us to consider carefully how we use our time, resources, and the earth God gave us. It is good if a pursuit or possession draws us closer to God and honors His will. But we must also recognize and detach ourselves from anything that distances us from God and His purposes for our lives.  

St. Nicholas of Flue offers this beautiful prayer saying:

My Lord and my God, take from me everything that distances me from you.
My Lord and my God, give me everything that brings me closer to you.
My Lord and my God, detach me from myself to give my all to you.

St. Nicholas of Flue

5. It means trusting God in every circumstance, even in hard times.

Friend, please don’t let anything worry you. Remember, everything happens for a reason, even if we don’t get it right away. God is holding you in love, and He sees the big picture. He’s got a plan for you, even when things seem unclear. Just trust Him, knowing He’s looking out for you and will never leave you.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5-6

We cannot always trace God’s hand, but we can always trust God’s heart.

Charles Spurgeon

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

What is your takeaway?

Friend, faith is a journey of discovery—a continual uncovering of the depth and richness of our relationship with God. These 5 implications of knowing God are about waking up to His presence in our lives and allowing that awareness to permeate every aspect of who we are and what we do. No doubt, as you journey together, God will uncover many more implications or fruits of knowing Him.

I encourage you to journal what He reveals to you. Then, pass it on to others. Let’s pray . . .

Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of knowing You. Help me to keep You first, live gratefully, love others, wisely use my time and resources, and always trust You. For in You alone, I find true fulfillment. Amen

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