So many people in this world profess they don't need a religion to worship God, but I say to truly worship God we need to and must gather together! I've heard it explained that we are like embers from a fire. The fire is God and his church that gives light to all who seek it. We are the embers that glow and burn bright. Sometimes embers fall too far away from the fire and eventually their glow fades and they extinguish. By putting the ember into or nearer the fire again however, it will begin to glow once more. Try as we may, I don't think God can trust us to set aside time for him each week without attending a religious service of some sort. Sure we have good intentions, and want to put aside time for scripture study, or prayer and worship: but how many people really do it? Granted, some people are better about than others, but if we do set aside time, isn't that religion? In Matthew 18:20 the Bible states, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." So even those who don't believe in organized religion are practicing a religion if they gather in his name!

We go to church not just to worship God, but to put our beliefs to work. God wants us to love others, so what better way to serve than those in our congregations! Baby sit for someone who is ill, make a meal for a family with a new baby, or drop off cookies to brighten a day! I have done all these things and it enriches my life because I'm learning to love and serve others. From there we reach out not only to our family and congregation, but to our neighbors and community. Being a member of an organized religion also helps strengthen your beliefs by listening to others experiences and testimonies, and applying what we learn.

Most importantly, Jesus Christ instituted the sacrament so that we may all partake of his body and blood, and therefore remember him. Each of us needs to participate by attending communion or a sacrament service each week. This sacred religious ceremony gives us the blessing of renewing our covenants with Christ, and we can take those few moments to reflect on His life and gift to us. We can only partake of these blessings if we attend a service with one in authority to administer it. So yes, we absolutely need a religion to be spiritual! Without out it, we would all burn out like the cold embers of a fire. We need to gather together in His name and keep our lights burning bright!

Learn more about this author, Karan Reno.
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