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As Halloween approaches, we’re surrounded by images of things that are meant to scare us—ghosts, haunted houses, spooky costumes, and creepy movies. But on my way to drop off my kids at school this morning, I heard something on the radio that really sent shivers down my spine.

The host was talking about “the scariest things you can hear from your kids.” It was a lighthearted conversation about the innocent, funny moments that can make us parents jump or worry. But then he brought up something truly chilling, something that reaches far beyond Halloween scares. He said the scariest words you could ever hear aren’t from a child or even from the world around us—they’re words that could come from Jesus Himself.

In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus tells us about people who think they are following Him, people who have even done good works in His name. Yet to many, He will reply, “I never knew you. Depart from me.” Just thinking about hearing those words really stopped me in my tracks. Imagine standing before Jesus, thinking that your life is safe in Him, only to hear, “I’m sorry, I never knew you.” The fear and finality in those words are unlike anything we could ever experience in this life.

Knowing About Jesus vs. Knowing Jesus

In our culture, it’s easy to think that being a Christian is about attending church, listening to Christian radio, or even posting Bible verses on social media. But the truth is that we can know all about Jesus without ever truly knowing Him. Jesus wants a relationship with us, not just our good works or cultural habits. He calls us to commit our lives fully to Him, to let Him transform us from the inside out.

So, how do we know the difference? How do we know we’re truly His? A relationship with Jesus isn’t just about doing the right things; it’s about opening our hearts to Him, talking with Him, spending time in His Word, and letting Him guide our lives. It’s about surrender—letting go of our own ways and allowing Him to be the Lord of our lives.

The Mask of Cultural Christianity

Cultural Christianity can easily make us feel like we’re close to God when we’re actually just close to the idea of God. We might say all the right things, attend all the right events, and even live what looks like a “good” life. But without a true, surrendered relationship with Jesus, those outward signs won’t matter. Jesus makes it clear that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). He doesn’t just want us to be “fans” of Him; He calls us to be fully committed followers.

Halloween is often about playing pretend, dressing up, and putting on masks. And sometimes, without realizing it, we do the same thing in our faith. We put on the “mask” of Christianity but keep our hearts distant from God. Jesus isn’t looking for us to play the part—He’s calling us to real, deep faith.

Remember True Fear

So, where do you stand with Jesus? Have you given Him your whole heart, or are you just playing a part? Are you trusting Him with everything, or are you still trying to do things your way? This life is your opportunity to make that choice and know the peace of being truly known by Him.

If you feel that pull, that nudge in your heart, know that it’s never too late to start fresh with Jesus. He’s waiting for you to draw near, to leave behind any pretense or “churchy” habits, and just come to Him as you are. This Halloween, as you’re surrounded by images of fear, remember the kind of fear that really matters—the fear of missing out on a relationship with the One who loves you most.

Open your heart and commit to knowing Him fully, deeply, and truly. After all, the greatest words you could ever hear from Jesus are, “Well done, good and faithful servant; come and share your Master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23).