Quiet Time Series: When “Lord, Lord” Isn’t Enough

Knowing God vs Just Using His Name

There’s a verse that haunts me in the best way.

“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 who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” — Matthew 7:21–23 (NIV)

This passage speaks to people who were already in the faith—serving, speaking, showing up—yet never truly walking with Jesus. They were in the circle but never in relationship.

It should humble every one of us.

⚖️ Spiritual Activity vs Spiritual Intimacy

The difference in these people:

Spoke in Jesus’ name Did “big” things for God Looked impressive on the outside But Jesus says: “I never knew you.”

The Greek word for “knew” here (ginōskō) doesn’t mean “knew about.” It means relational, experiential knowing. It’s the difference between quoting someone’s book and having a conversation with them every day.

Jesus isn’t impressed by our output. He’s seeking relationship.

“I am the vine; you are the branches… apart from me, you can do nothing.” — John 15:5

🫀 A Confession: I’ve Been That Person

I’ve had seasons where I served God publicly but barely talked to Him privately.

I quoted scriptures in blogs and prayed for others—while quietly ignoring the whispers of conviction in my own heart.

I was so busy doing things for God… that I wasn’t being with God.

And if I’m being honest, that verse in Matthew 7 made me ask the scariest question of all:

What if I’m busy working for a God I’ve stopped walking with?

📍 So How Do I Know I’m Known?

“This is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.”

— John 17:3

Knowing Jesus isn’t about spiritual performance. It’s about abiding.

It’s about surrender. Softness. Obedience. Returning. Letting Him lead even when you don’t understand the way.

God doesn’t want religious transactions. He wants relational trust.

“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” — Maya Angelou

But maybe more importantly…

When Jesus shows us what matters to Him—intimacy over activity—we should believe Him the first time, too.

🧭 Soul Inventory

Do I serve God to be seen—or because I see Him?

Am I using God’s name, or walking in His nature?

Is my private worship as alive as my public faith?

✨ Final Thoughts

Spiritual credentials don’t equal spiritual connection.

Proximity to church doesn’t equal intimacy with Christ.

You can say all the right words—“Lord, Lord”—and still miss the heartbeat of the One who wants to know you, not just be referenced by you.

This post isn’t meant to scare you.

It’s meant to wake something up in you.

Because the truth is: if you’re asking this question… if you’re searching your heart… if you want to be aligned…

then you’re already on the path of those who are known.

🙏 A Prayer for the Known

Jesus, I don’t want to just speak Your name.

I want to know You—and be known by You.

Pull me back when I drift into performance.

Let my heart stay soft. Let my soul stay open.

Let me walk with You, not just work for You.

Because in the end, I don’t want applause. I want You.

📣 Call to Action (Optional CTA)

What are you doing for God that’s replacing time with Him?

Have you ever slipped into performance mode while neglecting presence?

💬 Reflect in the comments.

🙏 Bookmark this post for the days when your heart starts drifting.

📌 And if you’re feeling far from Him, take five minutes today. No agenda. Just say: “Jesus, I want to be near You again.”

Soul Path Insights