“Religion is a guy in church thinking about fishing. Relationship is a guy out fishing thinking about God.”
This upcoming weekend Christians around the world will be celebrating the Risen Savior and flocking to churches on Resurrection Sunday – April 17. For the rest of the world, it will be fun Easter complete with bunnies and painted eggs and for the final few it will be another Sunday before the work week begins. As I was flipping through TV channels and scouting topics for this week’s post, I noticed there was an over abundance of articles related to religion, spirituality, and the difference between the two. What struck me, however, was a Wikipedia page devoted to a support group for persons recovering from religion – Recovering from Religion is an international non-profit organization that helps people who have left, or are in the process of leaving religion, or are dealing with problems arising out of theistic doubt or non-belief.
A couple of things dawned on me. First, there is entirely too much information out there serving as a distraction to the truth of their religion. Second, the distraction includes focusing on a bunch of rules, regulations, and practices and very little on the why’s and how’s behind what one may believe.
So, let’s get a few things straight. Bookstores and websites are teaming with books, reference materials and sites with all types of opinions and insights on the authenticity and truth of God. Depending on the faith or denomination, there is an association and hint of god attached. The Scriptures known as the Bible is the definitive work that defines and illustrates the living God and Savior Jesus Christ. While there are arguments concerning the legitimacy of the various versions of the Scriptures, one thing is abundantly clear – every version is consistent and is inspired by the very Words of God. The Believers’ faith is hinged on this truth.
Many people like saying things like Christianity is not a religion it’s a relationship. This is true, but it’s not the entire truth. Christianity is a religion, but as Believers we treat it as a relationship. There are aspects of religion that says you must do something to be right with God. There are so many who tries to put legalistic rules upon Believers. However, the evidence of your faith in Christ is that your life will change. Evidence of your faith in Christ is that you will have new desires for Christ and His Word.
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
James 1:26
Jesus hates hypocrisy, false religion, and He hates when people try to appear religious to show off. However, in John 14:23 Jesus says, “if anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.” As Believers, we obey not to maintain salvation. We obey out of love and gratitude. When you have true relationship, you are jointed to the very heart of God. He is not looking at what you do but delights in our intensions and motives behind what we do that moves Him. You act as you are which is a new creation. Matthew Henry Commentary for James 1:26 says, “True religion teaches us to do everything as in the presence of God.”
Finally, it’s a relationship that God desires! God is not impressed by our trying to be religious. He wants you to seek Him in your quiet time whether reading the Bible and prayers or times of rejoicing and praise. Yet again, words mean nothing if the heart is not right. The questions you want to ask yourself (what I refer to as a “heart check”) are you involved in religion or are you involved in a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ? When you pray is your heart looking for Christ? What’s a relationship without intimacy? Is your prayer life boring? If it is, then there is a strong possibility that you are involved in religion.
When God is present our heart is filled with joy and excitement. One way to examine the current condition of your heart is to pray for more of Him and wait on Him in prayer. Are you willing to wait for more of His presence? Do you cry out all night to know Him? Your mouth can say, “Lord I want to know You but if you leave after 5 minutes, does that show a heart that truly wants to know Him?
You say the right words, but is your heart right? One thing I always say in prayer is “Lord I don’t want religion I want a relationship.” Sometimes my heart is so burdened, and I say, “Lord I won’t make it through the night if I don’t have You.”
Deuteronomy 4:29 “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Recovering from religion requires your relationship with Him to be characterized by love and not duty. The love that you use to love others and the love that you use to love Him is from His great love for you. We will never understand His great love for us.
Hosea 6:6 “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”
Mark 12:33 “and to love Him with all your heart and with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, which is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
The next step is yours.
…now what, Linda
now what, Linda? 