There are times when words grip your heart and challenge your perspective. I was reading a devotional the other day that did just that. This is the phrase that really stuck out to me: "Religious people who miss the point of a living, vital relationship with God forget that God cares about people, not performances." I think this is such a powerful statement. If we really think about it, we can go through the motions, but do we really love others as Christ loved us? Our relationship with Him has to be more than just religion. There is a huge difference between having religion and having a relationship with Jesus Christ. Religion only gets you so far. If you can play the part, but have not love, then all you have is religion. Just like the Pharisees, we claim to know God, but if we do not love others, then we do not have a living, vital relationship with Him.
I believe if we could see God's heart, we would be ashamed of how we treat people, knowing how much God loves us even in our shortcomings. So why do we walk around acting like we are better than everyone else? We are all sinners in need of a Savior. He is not looking for how many times you attend church (although this is important). He is not looking for how many people you simply invite to church. He is not looking for how many good deeds you have done throughout the week or how much you give to the poor. If you do all of these things, but have not love, it doesn't get you anywhere. Your "goodness" through religion does not get you closer to God's heart and it doesn't help you shine your light to others.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
1. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or as a tinkling cymbal. 2. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
When I was seven years old, I made the best decision I've ever made...to give my life to Jesus. I don't remember all the details, but I remember how I felt in that moment. It was such a simple and sweet moment. All I did was ask Jesus to forgive me and save me and He did. It was a simple prayer and His sweet presence filled my life from that day on. However, as I got older, I began to complicate my salvation. I heard things that confused me and my perception changed. I often doubted my experience. Sometimes I wondered if I was even saved. Jesus became more distant to me as life became more busy and circumstances clouded my view. I became bitter at God because of things He allowed to happen. I questioned my faith and I doubted His goodness. Anyone ever been there? Gone were the days of that simple and sweet salvation. It turned into something that happened a long time ago, possibly something I didn't believe was relevant and no longer simple. My walk with Jesus became complicated because I tried to control my life to the point where He could not reach me as easily as He once had.
I am going to use my own experience to hopefully warn you of the danger that comes with complicating your salvation. No matter how many good deeds you do, how many prayers you pray, or how many people you invite to church, none of it is effective if you do not have your life established on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. The church has complicated salvation with so many do's and don'ts. Of course, I believe we should read the Word and follow it, but there are some things that don't make sense. Some people push their own convictions and that takes a lot of Christians so far away from the gospel that they just have religion, rather than true salvation. Salvation is such a simple and sweet experience, so why are we trying to make it something it is not? The Bible says that we should work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).
Following rules=religion. Following Jesus=relationship.
When we love Jesus, then we will obey His Word and His commandments. But we can't do it just because it's what we've been told all our lives. You can't live vicariously through another person's relationship with Jesus. You have to establish it in your own life and make Jesus your top priority.
Our performance through religious acts does not impress God. Our love for people does. There are so many hurting people in this world and they need someone to show them the love of Jesus. If not you, then who?
I don't want just a weekend, or Sunday morning, walk with Jesus. I want a daily walk with Him.