Religion isn’t enough

 

Religion can only get you so far.

The dictionary defines religion as this:

Belief in a divine or superhuman power or powers to be obeyed and worshipped; any specific system of belief, worship, conduct involving a code of ethics and a philosophy

So, reading that, we could classify Christianity as a religion. But Christianity has a key difference that separates it from all other religions. That difference is relationship!

Most religions of this world are man centred. They are built on the concept that man can reach a higher state of being through their own efforts, through good works and following a set of rules.

Let’s contrast this with Christianity.

Christianity is first and foremost a relationship. 

A relationship with God.

God did for us what we couldn’t do for ourselves. He bore our sins on the cross. (2 Corinthians 5:21). Our sin separated us from his presence and needed to be punished. But God, through his unconditional love, took on our punishment and extended grace towards us, urging us to accept his gift of salvation through faith. (Ephesians 2:8,9).

This grace-based relationship between God and man is the foundation of Christianity and it is vastly different from the man centred religions of this world.

Let me take you to a very well-known Psalm that might help to illustrate the importance of relationship over religion.

Psalm 23:1-6

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Religion can only get you so far.

Religion might help get you through the green pastures. It might help you as you walk by the still waters. But you’re going to need something greater and stronger to get you through the dark valleys.

Have a closer look at the way David speaks as he penned this Psalm.

In the first 3 verses, David is speaking about God. He says, “He maketh. He leadeth. He restoreth.”

He speaks of God as his kind shepherd. He lists some of the things the shepherd does for him. He speaks lovingly ABOUT him. But then he comes to the valley.

And valleys are where the rubber meets the road. Religion isn’t gonna cut it anymore. Something stronger is needed.

Valleys have a way of changing us. They have a way of transforming our lives.

In this verse, we see a shift. We begin to see ‘thou’ and ‘thy’. In modern English, you!

YOU are with me. YOUR rod and YOUR staff comfort me. YOU prepare a table. YOU anoint my head.

Do you see what happened here? David went from talking ABOUT God to talking TO him!

Religion can do no more than talk about God. But relationship? Relationship talks TO God!

Jesus didn’t just come to this earth to die on a cruel cross bringing forgiveness for our sins for us to simply talk about him. And yes, we need to do this regularly.

Jesus came to this earth so that we could have a personal relationship with him! He wanted connection with us. He wanted us to be able to talk TO him and come TO him with our cares.

Hebrews 4:16 KJV - Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Religion might walk you through the easy times of life, but when you go through those dark valleys, you need more. You need the Father. You need more. You need RELATIONSHIP!

It’s not about rules. It’s about relationship!

The next time you read Psalm 23, take time to think seriously about whether you are stuck in a pattern of focusing on rules and rituals and instead, begin to develop a deepening relationship with God.

Christianity is not about signing up for a religion. Christianity is about being born into the family of God (John 3:3). It is a relationship. God wants us to know Him, to draw near to Him, to pray to Him, and to love Him above all else. He wants us to come to him, to talk to him, to put him first.

That is not religion; that is a relationship.

What will you do? Will you stay stuck in your religious rut, relying on your knowledge of God to get you through the hard times? Or will you make the decision to begin a relationship with God? Will you talk to him and let him speak to you? Only then will your cup run over. Only then will you experience his peace. His presence. His joy. His comfort.

Prioritize daily communication with God through prayer and Bible study.

Be vulnerable with God and pour out your heart to him.

Open your heart to God’s love and practice forgiveness towards others.

Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and listen for his voice.

 

Religion is not enough! You need relationship!