Head Knowledge vs. Heart Knowledge: Understanding True Faith

Recognizing Superficial Connections

Every time I look back at old Facebook posts from 5, 7, or even 10 years ago, I notice comments from people I neither recognize nor remember—friends from the past who, for some reason, no longer hold a place in my life. I marvel at how little impact they made on my heart or life. I don’t even know when they deleted me as a “friend.”

God’s Lessons Through Life’s Moments

God often uses everyday situations to teach us profound lessons about Himself and ourselves. This reflection made me realize how many people know of God—His existence, His works, and His teachings—but only on an intellectual level. They possess head knowledge of God without experiencing true heart knowledge—a deep, personal relationship with Him.

A Personal Encounter with Head Knowledge

Last night, I spoke with an old acquaintance who is struggling emotionally, physically, and spiritually. He repeatedly said, “We were raised in this, we know about God. I believe in God. God has brought me through many things.” Despite his declarations, I could sense his turmoil. As he spoke, I paused often, silently praying for guidance before responding.

Wisdom in Our Words

This moment reminded me of a verse I shared on Facebook years ago:

Colossians 4:5-6

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

This verse challenges us to let our speech be gracious and wise. It’s not always easy. Our human nature resists extending grace, especially when we’ve been wronged. Yet, Yeshua instructs us to forgive endlessly (Matthew 18:21-22). When speaking to my acquaintance, I prayed for the right words, but he hung up before I could fully share what God had placed on my heart.

The Difference Between Knowing and Believing

Many of us grow up with a head knowledge of God. We learn about Him, His commandments, and His expectations. But knowledge alone isn’t enough. Even demons believe in God and tremble (James 2:19), yet they remain condemned. Without heart knowledge—a personal, transformative relationship with God—our intellectual understanding is empty.

A Personal Journey to Heart Knowledge

God became undeniably real to me about four and a half years ago. I faced a pivotal choice: continue living in the “mud and muck” I had made of my life or repent and return to my Father’s house. For months, I felt deep conviction. I knew my actions were wrong, but knowing wasn’t enough. True repentance required action—I had to stop sinning, ask for forgiveness, and change my life.

This was the moment my head knowledge transformed into heart knowledge. I submitted fully to God, allowing Him to guide my life.

Submission: The Key to Heart Knowledge

The difference between head and heart knowledge is submission. Since Adam and Eve, humanity has struggled to submit to God’s commandments. Even with only one command in the Garden—don’t eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil—man rebelled.

We now have ten commandments, summarized by Yeshua as:

1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.

2. Love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:36-40)

Yet, many still resist full submission. I once did. I thought I was a Christian because I believed in God, went to church, and felt sorry for my sins. But I had never fully submitted my life to Him.

Repentance Requires Action

Repentance isn’t just feeling sorry; it’s a verb. It demands action—a complete turnaround from sin. Saying “I’m sorry” isn’t enough if we keep returning to the same sins.

Sin is rebellion against God. Its consequence is death, as God warned Adam. But God is a gentleman—He won’t force His will upon us. We must choose to submit.

Do You Have Head Knowledge or Heart Knowledge?

Ask yourself:

• Do I submit to God’s authority?

• Do I follow His commandments?

• Do I have a personal relationship with Him?

Some argue that Yeshua’s life, death, and resurrection abolished the need to obey God’s commandments. But Yeshua Himself said:

Matthew 5:17-20

“I did not come to do away with the law or the prophets but to fulfill them.”

He even deepened the commandments’ meanings, teaching that looking at someone with lust is adultery in the heart (Matthew 5:27-28).

John 14:15

“If you love me, keep my commandments.”

Knowledge Without Action is Useless

Knowing God’s commandments but choosing to ignore them is willful sin. James 4:17 reminds us:

“To him that knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin.”

While I can’t judge someone’s salvation—that’s God’s role—we are told to discern people by the fruit they bear.

Choose Heart Knowledge Today

Life is too short to rely solely on head knowledge of God. It’s time to seek a heart knowledge—a deep, personal relationship that transforms your life. Submit to God, follow His commandments, and experience the fullness of His love and grace.

I used to have a shirt that said, “If you don’t like my peaches, don’t shake my tree.” I still giggle at that expression, but at the same time, isn’t it true? The fruit that you produce, is exactly what will fall when your tree is shaken. The person I spoke with last night did not want to hear the Word of God, but that is the fruit that falls when you shake my tree. Eight years of psychology classes and my heart and mind return to the living Word of God when I am sought for counsel.  God says…the Word of God says…that’s the ultimate authority.

Head Knowledge vs. Heart Knowledge

Do you only know about God, or do you truly know Him? Do you walk with God daily, talk with Him, and seek His guidance first in your life? It’s time to take a hard look at the fruit growing on your tree—your life, your actions, and your relationship with Christ. Are your fruits worthy of offering to the King of Kings? Or are they bruised, rotten, or full of worms? Maybe your tree stands barren, offering nothing to those in need. Or perhaps your fruit shines—ripe, delicious, and ready to nourish the hungry traveler.

What Is Your Soul Worth?

Ask yourself: Is there anything in this fleeting life that feels so good in the moment that it’s worth losing your soul for eternity? In Mark 8:36-37, Jesus asks, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

What would you trade your soul for? Money? Fame? Power? Drugs? Alcohol? Lust? Lies? Gossip? Pornography? The enemy knows your weaknesses and will use them against you. What’s your favorite sin—the one that tempts you the most? And more importantly, is that fleeting pleasure worth sacrificing your eternal life?

Take Action Today

This article challenges you to move beyond head knowledge of God and embrace a deep, personal heart knowledge. Knowing God exists isn’t enough—walking with Him, submitting to Him, and bearing good fruit is what matters. Take inventory of your life today. Evaluate your relationship with the Most-High God and the fruit you’re producing.

The call to action is simple but urgent: Choose eternal life. Turn away from the things that rot your soul and reach for the One who offers forgiveness, restoration, and everlasting peace. Don’t wait until it’s too late—your soul is priceless.

 

If you want a deeper understanding of the Most-High God’s laws, I highly recommend The Moses Scroll by Ross K Nichols. You can learn about the Father’s laws and their profound connection to developing a true heart knowledge of YHVH. Nichols offers what many believe to be the oldest version of the Ten commandments. The enlightening revelations in the Moses Scroll can transform your spiritual journey.

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