Religion vs. Relationship
First, lets just be clear that there is a difference between Religion and Relationship (True Religion).
It is very common for people to believe in God, go to church, say that they are Christians, but still lack a real relationship with Christ or understand “true religion”. (Like, how can you follow somebody you don’t even know?)
An example in scripture is this
Matthew 7:21-23 says “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven: but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
There is a lot that can be pulled from this particular scripture, but we want to focus on how there was a lack of relationship or true religion.
God searches the HEART of men to know if they are really for him! He doesn’t go by things you say or do. This is shown in Mark 7:6 – “He answered and said unto them…. This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.”
You cannot be flaw when it comes to Christ… He will know!
The Bible lists out the characteristics of false religion and its inconsistencies-
Uncharitableness- Matthew 7:3 –“And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?”
Religious Talk- Luke 6:46- “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
Legalism (following the law of men over God) - John 7:23- “If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?”
Harsh Judgement- Romans 2:1- “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.”
Preaching and not Practicing- Romans 2:21- “Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?” Galatians 2:14
False Profession- Titus 1:16 – “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”
Selfishness- James 2:15-16 – “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?”
The double tongue- James 3:10 – “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”
Brings Reproach upon the cause of Truth- 2 Samuel 12:14 – “Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.”
Religious Display- Matthew 6:5 – “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”
Formalism- Isaiah 29:13 – “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:”
*Hypocrisy is an ever-present element in false religion
To know God is to Love him. This is relationship!
When you are in love with someone, you are willing to do anything for them. You inconvenience yourself, you sacrifice, you think about them all the time and you want to be with them all the time. Jesus wants you to fall in love with him! That is relationship!
Ecclesiastics 12:13 says “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. “
Relationship is True Religion.
The definition of relationship is the way in which 2 or more concepts, objects, or people are connected. We are connected to God through the blood of Jesus Christ!
He is our FRIEND- John 15: 14-15
He is our Abba Father- Romans 8:15-16
He is our God- Jeremiah 31:33
This is relationship.
Relationships grow and evolve by spending time (Not just every Sunday for an hour or only reaching out when you need something). We get to know God by studying his Word (John 1:1). God wants us to have a relationship with him. He wants to be our friend, comforter, provider, way maker, our healer! He tells us to “taste and see that he is good” (Psalm 34:8)
It is an amazing feeling to have a relationship with God! To talk with the CREATOR of the WORLD (and he talks back)!! It is a privilege to have this access!!
You cannot be so consumed by traditions and false religion that you miss out on having a true relationship with God, trying to appease man’s precepts.