"It's Not About Religion, but Relationship"

There are many worldwide that are hurting, broken, or looking for answers to what seems to be irresolvable questions. In our quest for answers or for a remedy, many of us turn to alcohol, drugs, multiple relationships, or maybe overeating just to name a few.  We use any and everything to attempt to resolve the hurt and brokenness we feel inside. After a while we come to realize by the grace of God, that our attempts of healing are only temporary; that eventually the hurt and pain we suppressed momentarily resurfaces after the high or the ‘feel good’ feeling has dissipated.  

Some of us eventually gravitate to church with the idea if we get into religion maybe we will get our lives back on track. Going to church is okay; however, if the idea is to go so 'we' can get our lives back on course through religion, trust me when I say we can place religion on the plate alongside of drugs, overeating, etc. It’s only a temporary fix. Eventually we will be back to our old self, our old habits. 

Going to church is a foundational idea. I believe that church is not necessarily for those who are already healed, but for those that need healing. The church is like a hospital for the sick. However, the idea is not to promote religion. Religion deals with keeping up with rituals, laws and traditions. Yes, there should be biblical order in the church. If not, there will be chaos. However, we should not confuse religion with a relationship with Jesus Christ. All nonbelievers have the misunderstanding that it is religion that is encouraged.  A true follower of Christ encourages a relationship with Jesus, not religion.

In Matthew 23, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees because of their promotion of religion. The Pharisees was known to be strict religious fundamentalists that strongly endorsed the idea of righteousness by observing Jewish laws, ceremonies and traditions. The Pharisees were experts of the law, but didn't live by what they preached.They did however place a tremendous burden on others to follow the law not showing any mercy or compassion. Jesus rightfully called them hypocrites. The Pharisees often lived good lives; full of good deeds, but it was only for outward appearances.  A change did not happen internally. They simply did not have connection with God.

Matthew 11:28-30 (Message) says:

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

In this scripture, Jesus is saying if we are tired of our old ways or our own remedies; if working hard to resolve our issues have burned us out, we should go to Him. Jesus is inviting us to have relationship with Him; not religion. Jesus is saying in Him we will discover what true rest is. In Him, we will discover the resolution to our issues. In Him, we will discover our purpose and learn what true freedom is. Jesus said He is the cure. He is the peace we seek. Jesus is inviting us to have relationship, not to keep up with rituals. Relationship with Jesus Christ is the key. Religion cannot change us from the inside out, heal us, or connect us to only true God. Only relationship with Jesus Christ is the path to unity with God, healing and liberty.

John 14:6-7 (NIV) says:

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."

My desire for all is to have relationship with Jesus Christ. It is in Him that we will find exactly what we need. Why not try Him today?

I love you, but more importantly, Jesus loves you!

 
Scripture References: Matt 23;  Matt 11:28-30; John 14:6-7