Religion is diluting the effect of Christianity. Religion could be said to mean, “consistently continuing to do something that God is no longer interested in.” Just recently, I heard someone describe religion in a manner similar to the one above and instantly fell in love with it. Rarely do people who act religious intend to be that way. Obviously, we could all use some self-reflection, and internal realignment.
Here are a few points to help us clarify the ever so mysterious boundary between religion and faith-driven Christianity:
1. Perhaps, in some instances, what we refer to as being “religious” at this time would’ve been considered “obedience” at an earlier period. Not recognizing the progressive nature of God’s instructions could leave a person stuck practicing what used to be important, but not needed anymore. An example of this is the confrontation Jesus suffered with the Pharisees in Matthew 12:2-8. They were so focused on practicing the “sabbath” that they missed the “Lord of the sabbath”. The same could be said of offering blood sacrifices – which used to be a commandment, but now has been abolished.
2. Since Christianity is about a transformational relationship with God, we cannot effectively practice it without maintaining a steady connection with Him. So, mechanically following rules without understanding the heart of God on the matter is being religious. We have to operate based on current insights and revelations, not religious dogmas. We’re allowed to ask questions. That’s the only way to stay aligned with God and understand the road ahead.
3. Most people who are religious tend to do so from a place of good intention – i.e. trying to do what is right; even though it has probably become obsolete. Already having the intent to “obey”, it is important to understand both what to obey, and why. This way, your good intentions will be aligned with God’s original intent for the instruction
Don’t allow religion or religious people to blur the lines between obedience and religion for you.
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Ugo is an engineer, and the president of the nonprofit, NEU Gen Leaders. An energetic and dynamic youth leader, he is the author of 2 books – The NEU Era and Secrets of Academic Excellence. He is the co-hosts of Youthful Vibes – a YouTube show that captures the excitements, challenges, questions and journey of the youth. He can be reached at [email protected].