I’ve been thinking lately. Thinking about the difference between being religious and having a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In my opinion being “religious” means you subscribe to performing certain works pertaining to the culture of the church you belong to. In my opinion, given that explanation I am not religious I have a relationship.
Having a relationship with Jesus is personal and intimate. It’s different for every believer. In my experience it’s acknowledging that you are not in ultimate control of your life, God is. That He makes all things work together for your good. It’s surrendering your life to walking with and following the teachings of Jesus Christ. When the storms rage and things look dark; still you praise Him and know He’s with you. It’s not having it all together because He will meet you where ever you are. It’s wanting other people in your life to experience the life changing grace you have received. It’s worrying about the salvation of friends and family. It’s also spreading the Gospel as we’ve been commissioned to do.
In my life I have people who are religious and people who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Also in my life are agnostics/atheists. Does their relationship with Jesus Christ or lack there of change how I treat or feel about them? I don’t think it does.
There is my church family who I feel a deeper connection with than other people since we all believe the same things and know where the other is coming from in conversation. There is no hesitation in recognizing the power and greatness of God. And we all acknowledge our need for a Savior and the fact that we need God in our lives. We have great fellowship.
“Religion” and relationship with Christ are not the same thing. One can be religious and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ but one doesn’t have to be religious to have that same relationship.
God wants us to know him.
The Bible says God is at work in everyone’s life. “So that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.” (Acts 17:27)
Menay O; mom to 4, Christian and thrift shopper on the side... 