There are words in the Bible that deeply shake the heart.
And probably one of the strongest things Jesus ever said was this:
“I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!”
— Matthew 7:23
What is most shocking is that Jesus was not talking about atheists.
Nor about people who had never heard about God.
He was talking about religious people.
People who spoke about Him.
People who appeared spiritual.
People who even did things “in the name of Jesus.”
And that should make us seriously reflect today.
Because we live in a time where it is very easy to appear spiritual.
You can post Bible verses every day.
You can sing in church.
Preach.
Serve.
Have many followers.
Speak beautifully about God.
And still… be far from the heart of Christ.
Matthew 7 begins by talking about false prophets.
Jesus said they would come dressed like sheep, but inwardly they would be ravenous wolves.
In other words, people who outwardly seem good, spiritual, and close to God… but whose hearts and way of living reveal something completely different.
That is why Jesus said something very important:
“You will know them by their fruits.”
He did not say: “By their words.”
He did not say: “By their miracles.”
He did not say: “By how many followers they have.”
He said:
“By their fruits.”
Because anyone can pretend for a while.
But sooner or later, fruit reveals who we truly are.
And this is where this teaching touches our daily lives.
Because fruit is not only what we do inside a church.
True fruit is revealed in how we live when nobody is watching.
In how we treat our family.
In how we speak when we are angry.
In how we handle money.
In how we act in secret.
In how we treat people who can give us nothing in return.
In how we live outside social media and outside the church building.
That is where the true heart is revealed.
Then Jesus said something even stronger:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father.”
That means repeating the name of Jesus is not enough.
Because one thing is talking about Christ…
and something completely different is surrendering your life to Christ.
And honestly, we see a lot of that today.
People who use the name of God to appear holy while living full of pride, lies, selfishness, immorality, hatred, or lack of love.
And be careful… because this reflection is not only for “other people.”
It is also for us.
Because sometimes we can fall into an outward faith only.
We go to church, listen to sermons, share Christian messages… but little by little we stop truly seeking God.
Our relationship with Him becomes routine.
Habit.
Appearance.
And that is exactly what Jesus was confronting.
What is most impressive is that the people in Matthew 7 were convinced they were right with God.
They said to Him:
“Did we not prophesy in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and do many wonders in Your name?”
They were using their religious works as proof.
But Jesus answered them:
“I never knew you.”
Not because He did not know who they were.
But because they never had a real relationship with Him.
And here is one of the most important truths in this passage:
God is not looking for spiritual actors.
He is looking for sincere hearts.
Not perfect people… because nobody is perfect.
But people who are repentant, humble, and willing to truly obey Him.
Because someone can have gifts… and still live far from God.
They can speak beautifully… and not truly know Him.
They can impress people… and still have an empty heart.
That is why Jesus said:
“You will know them by their fruits.”
Not by appearance.
Not by fame.
Not by spiritual performance.
But by the evidence of a transformed life.
And maybe today the most important question is not:
“Do I go to church?”
“Do I post Christian things?”
“Do people think I’m a believer?”
The real question is:
“Am I truly walking with Jesus when nobody sees me?”
We are still on time to sincerely draw near to God.
We are still on time to leave behind a double life.
We are still on time to stop pretending and begin living a genuine faith.
Because Christianity is not only about talking about Jesus.
It is about knowing Him… and allowing Him to transform our lives.
I leave this reflection in your heart… because nobody wants to hear one day:
“I never knew you.”
I invite you to join me in this prayer:
“Lord, I do not want to live a faith that is only an appearance. Search my heart and show me what I need to change. Help me bear true fruit and walk with You sincerely, even when nobody sees me. Do not let me get used to talking about You without truly seeking You. I want to truly know You and live a life that pleases You. Amen.”
Somos Cristianos, connecting hearts with Christ.
