"Religion" verses Relationship - Part 1

Last week I wrote about the hubbub over the article written in Newsweek magazine over the "decline and fall" of religion in America. It seems that the fact that only 76% of Americans "call" themselves Christians is alarming. What is alarming to me is not how many carry the label of Christian, but the moral decay that is so prevalent in our culture.

As I mentioned last week, I think one of our biggest problems is how we define Christian. When people say that they are Christian, some are saying that they believe in God. The problem with that is that the demons believe in God (James 2:19). Others say they are Christians because they do good things and try to please God with their actions. Again, big problem; scripture says that even those things that we perceive as "good" are like "filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6) compared to God's holiness. And then last, of the Christian posers, there are many who say they are Christians because they belong to a church. All of the above, in and of themselves, are just ways to conform to religion. Religion is the structure that we put in the church in an attempt to guide people in Christianity. There are monumental problems with conforming to Religion without the Relationship with Christ. I think, as Americans, we do Religion well. We feed the poor, we have huge worship gatherings, we teach the bible, we preach sermons, and we check attendance to see how much someone really loves God. But you can be involved in all of the exercises and never truly be a Christan (Matthew 7).

Starting this week and then completing the list next week, I want to contrast what I see as the difference between Religion and a true Relationship with Jesus.

Religion says: "If I obey, God will love me" You ask most Americans why they think they are going to heaven and the answer is, "I am a good person". In other words, I try to conform to the moral code that I think will please God. I struggle with this from time to time. On Saturdays I begin to mentally review my week and question, "did I pray enough?", "did I study enough?", "have I DONE enough this past week for God to bless the weekend?" This is an easy trap to fall into, but we must remember that the wrath absorbing work of Christ on the cross is what bought my salvation, not anything that I did. If I didn't "work" my way into God's love, I can't "bad" my way out of God's love. Besides, God loves His church enough, that if I get in the way, He can always remove me.

Relationship says: "I am loved, so I desire to obey" True Christianity is a work from the inside out, not an outward conformity that changes me inwardly. I can "act" right and still have hatred for others, but if my heart is transformed by Christ and I love others, my actions will follow my heart. I don't worry so much about "keeping the rules" as I desire to know God more and to love Him more deeply. The Bible has become so important to me because it reveals who God is and how much He loves me.

Religion leads to Fear and Insecurity. How many of us while growing up were asked the question, "Do you want to go to hell? If not, you need to pray this prayer and become a Christian." That's like saying, "You can either eat rocks or spinach for dinner." It doesn't necessarily mean that I like and desire spinach, it's just that it's a better alternative than rocks. Do you think God wants heaven filled with people who don't want to go to hell? No God wants people in heaven who love Him.

Relationship leads to Grateful Joy. When we realize the depth of God's love, the depravity of our sins, and the grace and mercy that He extends, we can become overwhelmed. Relationships lead to deep love. A relationship with God leads to spontaneous worship, servanthood, and a heart for others, not to try to get on God's good side, but out of deep gratitude for what He has done for us. When we say, "There but for the grace of God, go I" we really mean it.

Part 2: next week.

Where does Florida rate on the Importance of Religion in our state? Check out a survey by Gallup on the "State of the States: Importance of Religion" at www.gallop.com/poll/114022/State-States-Importance-Religion.aspx?version=print