by Eloisa G.

Created on: March 13, 2011

 The difference between being religious and being a Christian lies in one great defining act which is consistent with these words of Christ, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13: 35). Yes, the defining act which proves a person to be religious or a true Christian is observed by their behavior. God commands us to love one another and if that statement is too general or subtle to some; then read the Ten Commandments which outline the spiritual law of love. The bible tells us to seek knowledge because, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4: 6). The knowledge is everywhere both within and without us. It begins within because in order to discern the difference between being religious and being a Christian; a truthful look within our own spirits is necessary. Knowledge is without because the Scriptures along with the history of humanity and the sciences are available to our disposal.

 A religious person is one who follows rules and regulations of human origin which appeal to his carnal nature. Even though the bible contradicts the very things which they espouse, they continue knowingly traveling the wide path to destruction. Jesus was opposed to men assuming control over his fellow man for their own selfish interests. The religious leaders were accused of being ‘hypocrites’. In other words they were merely acting out a holy role in their fictitious dramatic performance; much like an actor playing out his character. The Lord indicted them as guilty because they were not ignorant of the Scriptures; he said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains” (John 9: 41). The religious disobey God’s Word and use it as a second rate opinion of a wish-washy god. Religiosity was condemned by Jesus who insists that without the lifestyle that demonstrates love; it is a sure indication that the devil exists.

A Christian is a person who recognizes the Creator and his redeemer and who strives with earnestness to know the will of God. When that is accomplished then he will submit to that Will. If you see people following the way of Christ then know that he is a Christian. A loving person is one who helps the poor, the widow, clothes the naked, and visits those in prison. Those are the things which please God because Jesus says, “Come, you blessed of my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and your invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me” (Matthew 25: 34-36).  Jesus concludes this parable with the clear statement leaving no room for doubt, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25: 40). So, it is safe to conclude that a religious person seeks his own goals without regards to his fellowman; and one who is a Christian cannot close his eyes to the poor and suffering casualties of war happening all over the world. A religious person demonstrates by his actions his lack of love but being a Christian is shown also by his behavior. The difference is obviously portrayed with the person’s every action or lack thereof.

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