These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules. ~ Matthew 15:8-9 (NIV)
Religion versus Relationship. What’s the difference? Well, there is something called “head knowledge” where a person knows who God is, who Jesus is, and maybe knows there is a Holy Spirit in the Godhead. They may even attend church, possibly teach Sunday School or are involved in some other way in the church, but their worship in God’s eyes is considered vain. Why? Because they have Religion not a Relationship.
- Religion says, “I believe in God; look what I’ve done for Him. Look what a good person I am to do things in His name.”
- Relationship says, “I believe in God. Look what He has done for me. All my works are as filthy rags compared to His glory. Praise His name that He loves me unconditionally and has welcomed me into His kingdom through faith in Jesus!”
- Religion says, God is untouchable, unreachable, the “big man” in the sky.
- Relationship says, My God loves me and wants to have a relationship with me. He has provided salvation to me through His Son, Jesus. He welcomes me with open arms. He leads me. He has put the righteousness of Jesus upon me and remembers my sins no more!
Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
There is great peace and comfort when walking with Jesus, allowing His Holy Spirit to guide our every step. How does that happen, you might ask? By spending time with Him. How? By reading His word, the Bible.
Do you realize that every question we have in life is addressed in the Bible? It is! No matter what trial you might be facing, someone somewhere in the stories told in God’s word, has faced a similar situation and God guided them through it. God can use even the worst situation and turn it into something good in our life!
Father, Son, Holy Spirit, our triune God. Are you allowing all the attributes of God to grace your life? Have you confessed your sins and your need of a Savior? Have you begun that wonderful relationship with Him? If not my friend, do it TODAY!!