Have you ever watched the "American Idol" auditions?

Isn't it curious that a large number of people truly believe they can sing and wait many hours to audition?

When the judges disagree, some participants become visibly upset. Are these "normal" people delusional or in denial?

As I watch the auditions, I think about Christians and our relationship with Jesus.

How many of us truly believe that our relationship with Jesus is good?

Isn't it easy to say that we know Jesus and love him while our lifestyles reflect otherwise?

There's an old Asian proverb: "To know but not do, is not to know."

Are we professing to know but not doing?

Ever state these "I know comments"?

I know I should study more. I know I should be more patient. I know I should lose weight. I know I should read the Bible. I know I should be less selfish. I know my family is important. I know I should pray.

Enough already!

Still, we persist and think, "I know these things." But do we really know?

Is being aware of someone or something the same as knowing?

What is the essence of the Asian proverb?

To know is to do (practice, live) and to do is to know.

No questions. No debate. No other choice.

Conversely, to not do is to not know despite our protest that we know.

Certainly, we can rationalize, "I've been thinking of doing that."

Certainly, we can justify, "I'm really busy now but I'll get to it."

Jesus said if you love me, you will obey my commandments. Are we living or practicing the first commandment?

Do we really know Jesus or only know about him?

Are we merely hearers of scripture and deceiving ourselves?

Paul identified with Jesus at Calvary per Galatians 2:20 and Paul expressed his love by being a living sacrifice.

As Maya Angelou said: "You did what you knew how to do, and when you knew better, you did better."

Will we do what we profess to know?

Russell Stephen Pang attends Faith Baptist Church. Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes submissions from pastors, priests, lay workers and other leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles submitted to The Advertiser may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.