What Are You In?

What Are You In?

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭2:20‬

Are you in a religion or are you in a relationship?

Religion is all the ‘stuff’ we do to make ourselves feel better about what should be, a relationship with God. 

This ‘stuff’ isn’t a term I use lightly or that I use to be irreverent. 

I use the word ‘stuff’, just like the word ‘works’ is used broadly to encapsulate a generic group of tasks or jobs. I just use ‘stuff’ with a different meaning. It encapsulates all those things we itemize to feel better about being a Christian. 

Stuff is; going to church, serving in a ministry, reading your Bible, studying and much more - this is your religion. They are important - but by themselves they will never establish a relationship with God. 

Stuff is, well, it’s all the ‘stuff’ you’re doing in a religion. It’s one way. It’s one sided. 

Sitting in church isn’t interactive. 

Reading your Bible isn’t interactive. 

Working in a ministry is active, but it’s not interactive. 

Yes, many of these things can bring glory to God, increase your knowledge, help you gain understanding and even encourage others with your testimony.  It’s just not being interactive with God. 

Religion is for God, not in God. 

When we pray and talk to God we are in a relationship with Him. When we love God, no matter what our circumstances are, we are in a relationship with Him. When we put God above everything else in our life, we are in a relationship with Him. When we spend more time in His presence, than anywhere else, we are in a relationship with God.  When we listen to the Holy Spirt we are listening to God. When we are obedient, sacrificing and living in God’s will - we are in a relationship with Him. 

When we seek to understand God, know God and to glorify God - we are developing that relationship. 

Relationships take work. They take work because of our love and desire for that person. They take work because of the love and desire that person has for us.  It’s sacrificing our wants and desires for that other person. It’s love, understanding, being selfless and wanting nothing in return. There is no ulterior motive. 

Ever been in a non-reciprocating relationship?  Didn’t last long, did it?

Your relationship with God is because of everything you will never have to question with Him. It is a relationship that will never fail you. It is eternal and everlasting. Not temporary and repeating. 

Religion is man made. Religion is based off of mans interpretation of God’s intentions.  There is no need for an intermediary with a relationship with God. 

Religion focuses on outcomes and standards. 

You can have salvation and not have a relationship with God. But you can’t have a relationship with God and not be saved. 

We are called to serve because we are saved. We do not serve to be saved. 

You can show up for church every time the doors are open, read your Bible once a week, pray for things you need and make food for those without - but this will not establish a relationship with God. 

We need understand our service, not just serve our religion based on routine, tradition or habit. 

Be in a relationship with God. 

What are you in?

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭23:14‬

“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; But their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, Teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭15:8-9‬

“Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”

‭‭James‬ ‭2:18‬