Continued from last week....

Religion says: "Do things to get things from God." In religion the feel is: if I perform then God must bless me. This is clearest in the prosperity gospel. How many times have we heard, "If you will plant a seed of faith (translated, give me money), then God will pour out blessings on you." But it doesn't always have to be so explicit. If you trust in religion and you feel like you have been doing your part, all those religious exercises, and then something goes bad, you have to put blame somewhere. Either you feel like you didn't do enough to earn God's favor or God just isn't a loving or fair God.

Relationship says: "I obey to be transformed into His image." My motive isn't self seeking; it comes from a recognition that the only way I will be transformed into the image of Christ, is to obey His commandments. When bad things happen, we don't blame God. We understand that it may come because of God's loving discipline to bring us back into His will. It may come as a way of God growing us more into His image (James 1), or it may just be happening because we live in a fallen world. In the end, we trust in His love for us and know that His love isn't based on our actions, but on Christ's wrath-absorbing work on the cross.

Religion says: "My self worth is built around being good." This is what was going on with the religious leaders of Jesus' day. They were great at following the rules, many of which they made up as a part of their religion. But a self worth that is built around my ability to keep the rules doesn't lead to a heart of worship, but a heart full of pride. Also, if this is how our self worth is measured, what happens when we mess up? Our self worth is destroyed. This is why you can see someone "on fire" one week at church, and a couple of weeks later, he is depressed over his failures.

Relationship says: "My self worth is built on who I am in Jesus." His love for me is not based on my actions but on His character. Paul called himself the worst of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15) but deeply knew the love of God and who he was in Christ. When my self worth is built on who I am in Jesus, then my failures aren't devastating because I know God can even redeem them for His glory.

Religion: "Prayer is about asking."
Relationship: "Prayer is about adoration, praise, confession, and asking."

Religion says: "Pretend everything is O.K." Religious people are really good at covering up the hurt and sin in their lives. Publicly you must act like you have it all together. Dr. Henry Cloud in his book "Changes that Heal" states: "It's interesting to compare a legalistic church with a good AA group. In a legalistic church you can't admit your problems because people will say that you are a sinner. In a good AA group you can't hide your problems because people will say that you are in denial. In the legalistic church, people look good but are getting worse, in the AA group, people look bad but are getting better." I have always loved that quote because it hits the nail on the head.

Relationship says: "Be real about our struggles." The bible reveals many weaknesses and sins of our heros of the faith. David was an adulterer and played a part in a murder plot. Abraham didn't trust God for a son and took matters into his own hands and had Ishmael with Hagar. Peter denied Christ three times. How do we know all of this? The bible tells us; it doesn't hold back the sins and weaknesses of those we read about. Why? Because God wants us to acknowledge our weaknesses and sins to each other (James 5:16) so that we can pray for each other. It also reminds us how great God's grace and mercy are.

How do we keep from playing the religion game? Keep our relationship with God as a priority daily.