It's important that we have an ongoing relationship with God through reading His Word and talking to Him in prayer. There is something that is even more important though. Do you know what that is?
It is wonderful to know God, but it is even more wonderful and important that He knows us!
Jesus said-
"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’" Matthew 7:21-23
In the end, each one of us will come face to face with the Lord. Many will say that they worked in His name, but He will say to some that they were never His friend and He does not know them. The Bible says:
"But if anyone loves God, he is known by God." 1 Corinthians 8:3
"You are my friends if you do what I command you." John 15:14
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27
When we accept God's free offer of salvation and forgiveness of our sins, we become His children. As His children, we belong to Him and because we do, we try our best to live our lives in a way that honors Him and shows others His love. Are you known by God?