by Rob Price

Created on: June 25, 2010   Last Updated: June 26, 2010

Run from Religion and awaken to relationship

I’ve heard the phrase used countless times about a person being “too religious and fanatical,” but what is pure religion anyway. I think the typical image this idea brings to life, is an idea of regular church attendance, reading of the Bible, participating in Church-related activities, and talking the “Christian vocabulary.” However I believe this is a gross miss-interpretation of what pure religion really looks like.

When studying the life of Jesus we find over and over he had confrontations with the religious rulers of His day. They were called the Pharisees and were supposed to be the beacons of God’s love and truth; instead they turned what could have been an open door for people to know God, into a formula of religious practice and if not obeyed, severe consequence would follow. Jesus never intended for His people to be loaded down with a bunch of rules and regulations in order for there to be communion with Him. Instead Jesus came and died to lift the burden of keeping the law by keeping it perfectly himself, and imparting that perfection to His people.

The Bible is very clear that the Law kills but the spirit gives life! How much life are you experiencing today? Could it be that you have turned your relationship with God into a set of rules, standards, and accomplishments; instead of a loving, close, intimate relationship with Him? Whenever we try and follow a difficult list of rules in order to be in relationship with someone, it immediately becomes harsh, boring, heavy, and leaves us with a sense of burden, not joy. Imagine one of your friends setting up standards for you to follow to be a friend of theirs. How long would you call this person a friend? How long could you keep the standards and still enjoy the friendship? I believe we have relationships with people because we enjoy their company, not because we have an agenda to follow to stay in their good graces-the same applies with God! Religion in its purest form is simply our communion with a Heavenly Father who loves us and gave His son to die on our place. Religious activities can be a bi-product of our relationship with God; however, rules, regulations, and obligations should never be the basis for our relationship with the Lord - only Jesus is!

God wants His people to enjoy Him. God sent His son to pay for our sin-ridden lives so that we could be made righteous again. Once you truly know this dynamic, I believe life becomes more freeing. No longer are you trying to appease God by your works and good deeds-you simply rest in what He has done for you. No longer are you oppressed, weighed down, and burdened with your faults, sins, and failures because Jesus paid the price for all your sin. Take a moment today and reflect on the awesome payment Christ gave and when your religion truly become a relationship!

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