The Two Rs: Relationship and Religion

The other day I saw a very interesting question that was asked by a well-known website about religion. The question asked was, do you practice religion?

A simple question like this one intrigued me because of the many responses posted under the question, and of course, it stirred my mind and spirit. This question led me to the following question in my thought process: do people understand the difference between a relationship with God and the practice of religion?

Religion plays an essential role in the beliefs and culture of many people and societies. So, when I saw this question, I pondered the idea that the general concept of the Christian religion has shaped the ideology of God and what he requires from us as his creation. In my opinion, this has misled many people about what God requires from us. Even from my experience and speaking with many people who have moved from practicing religion to having a relationship with God, these two ideas are different once you have personally encountered Jesus, just like the woman at the well (John 4:4–42). I want to share what God has placed in my heart concerning this argument.

Firstly, God requires us to dwell with Him, as we see throughout the Bible. The scriptures tell us:

“I will dwell among the sons of Israel and will be their God.”- Exodus 29:45.

“My dwelling place also will be with them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”-Ezekiel 37:27

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” -John 1:14

And there are much more scriptures to support this point, but you have to look them up for yourself.

We can search the scriptures from Genesis to Revelation and see that God has constantly pursued us. And in this modern time, we are living in is no different from those Biblical scriptures we read or are supposed to read. Yes, this is Godly shade, lol! Anyways, back to the serious matter at hand, God is still calling and chasing after us as the Word said He would leave the 99 to find his one lost sheep (Matthew 18:12). That one lost sheep is you and I! We have hope as long as we pursue him and spend time with Him. During our 1-on-1 time with the Father, He will show you who you are and reveals His mysteries to you. Furthermore, your relationship with God is not contingent on monetary giving, long dresses, ministry leaders, etc. This list can go on and on! In fact, your relationship with Him depends on your heart posture and how much time you spend with Him. We all know that building a relationship takes two people and intentionality. How can you know someone’s voice if you have yet to take the time to recognize it and learn their mannerism and character? The Word also tells us that His sheep hear and recognize his voice (John 10: 27-28). And I ask you today, do you know His voice? Ultimately, knowing God takes more than practice; it takes obedience, submission, and intimacy. We, as human beings, are born with these desires, and I am here to tell you that religion can not give that to us.

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, to practice something is “to perform or work at repeatedly to become proficient.” Religion is practicing what men have made as laws or rules, but a relationship with God is more than an act or practice…it is a lifestyle. Not to say that religion is entirely contrary to God, which some are, but as far as the Christian religion, it is not all the way wrong. The issue I find is when the rules in the ministries are exalted above the Word of God, and the love of God is someone non-existent. One thing that I agree with concerning religion is the structure it creates because, let’s be honest, we all lack structure and self-control at some point in our lives. I understand that rules are essential for keeping us in line. However, as stated previously, idolizing rules, practices, and people in leadership above God goes against the commandment He has given us, and that is we should have no other gods before Him (Exodus 20: 3-5).

Religion places God in a box, but relationships encompass God in His essence and show us who we are at our core and who we were created to be. Our relationship with God ultimately benefits us because we are adopted into His priesthood once we have accepted His son, Jesus Christ. Again, the scriptures tell us, “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” (1 Peter 2: 9-10). Conversely, religion paints God as legalistic and finite, limiting others’ intimacy and vulnerability with Him. When we fall into sin, our relationship tells us that we can confess it and ask our Father for forgiveness (this is repentance). He is merciful and just to forgive us, and we should not turn back to our sinful ways. But then, with this exact scenario, religion would condemn us. Relationship with God is personal and priceless. Once you realize who God is in His entirety, your world will never be the same.

Have you received Jesus as your Lord and Saviour? If not, what are you waiting for? Whatever your reason, is it worth missing a chance of eternal life and missing out on God’s abundance? He tells us that we should seek Him first, and His righteousness and everything else will be added to us (Matthew 6:33) and to come as we are (Isaiah 55:1; Matthew 11:28; John 3:16). Seek Him now before it’s too late!

I would love to hear from you on this topic.

Share your testimony on how your relationship with the Father as impacted your life. Your testimony can be the very thing God uses to change someone’s life today.

Please post your comments below and share with friend.

Thank you for reading, commenting and sharing. God Bless!