These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. – Matthew 15:8
Religion vs. Relationship? What is the difference? Is one better than the other? There is a distinct difference between religion and a relationship with God. Religion typically consists of a system of rules and regulations with a list of dos and don’ts. On the other hand, a relationship with Christ is personal and messy (especially for you hot messes out there). Relationship says you believe in Jesus and have a relationship with Him. From that relationship, you receive grace, forgiveness, and justification.
Can you go to church every week, maybe even serve in the Church, and still not have a relationship with God? The answer is definitely yes. But how can that be? It comes down to a matter of the heart and truly having a meaningful relationship with Him, rather than going through the motions of what you believe religion wants you to do. I’m certainly not discouraging anyone from going to Church. I think it’s important to building faith and fellowship with others. But I do believe that some people make the Church about religion.
God wants us to pursue a relationship with Him, not a list of rights and wrongs. I don’t believe that He wants there to be a chasm filled with fear of saying and doing the wrong things. I don’t believe that He wants us to feel shame when we should be resting in His grace and forgiveness.
One final distinction is that religion can cause us to judge others for not following the rules. Remember the Church Lady on SNL? We are all uniquely messed up and I don’t think it’s my place to judge other people. In my opinion, it’s my place to love them, welcome them, and encourage them.
So, where is your heart? Are you more focused on saying and doing the right things according to religion or focusing on praying and building your relationship with the Almighty?
[Alot of people] think that Christianity is you doing all the righteous things you hate and avoiding all the wicked things you love in order to go to Heaven. No, that’s a lost man with religion. A Christian is a person whose heart has been changed; they have new affections. – Paul Washer
