Religion v. Relationship

When the topic of Christianity and faith comes up, it seems there’s always at least one person who tells me they’re “religious.”  Usually, this statement is followed by, “I was raised Lutheran” or, “My grandfather was a Baptist preacher” or my favorite, “I go to church with my family every Christmas and Easter.”  And while those things are, in their own right, well and good…they aren’t enough.  Part of me wants to follow up their declaration with one simple question: So, you inherited Christianity?

Being a Christian isn’t really passed down like red hair and freckles, and it’s not handed to you in a box with a bow like a birthday present from grandma.  It’s not a knick-knack in a closet, kept safe and sound, out of harm’s way until those twice-a-year special occasions when you wipe off the dust bunnies.  You don’t “get” religion…because to me, the key aspect of being a Christian is just that – it’s not about religion.

Being a Christian is about having a relationship with Jesus, our Savior.  It’s about knowing God, loving God, spending time with God, and above all else, obeying God.  And not just when it’s convenient; not just twice a year, and not just when you’re with your friends and family who are Christians.  It’s a "24-7-365-until your very last breath this side of Heaven" type of deal.

For those folks who think attending every Sunday does the trick, here’s the kicker: going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than sitting in a garage makes you a Buick.  Because if you don’t have that relationship, you’re just a pew potato.

So how do you get this coveted relationship?  Well, I can tell you that no “friend request” is necessary, because Jesus isn’t on Facebook.  You can post as many sparkly, blinking “I Love Jesus!” photos as you want, but that’s not going to do it.  You can’t just talk about it (or post about it)…you have to start living it.

Accept Christ as your Savior.  Talk to God.  Pray.  Read the Bible.  Spend time in fellowship with other Christians.  And get out of the pews, and into the streets.  Witness.  Volunteer.  Love.  Be the hands and feet of Jesus.  Understand that God doesn’t just want an hour of your time each week – he wants you all the time.

Some of you might want to pose the question, “So why bother with church?”  And that’s a great question.  We go to church because God calls us to, but when you’re there, you’re not attending a lecture or a concert.  Sure, you’re there to listen, but also to learn and grow in your faith, in your relationship with God, and in your relationship with others followers through fellowship.  Having a relationship with your fellow Christians is equally as important as having a relationship with God.  You just can’t do it on your own.  You need a support system, extended family and friends, folks to help keep you accountable, and disciples you can go out and minister with (that whole hands and feet thing, remember?)

Get out of the “religion” mindset, and get into the living, breathing, loving relationship.  Your life will forever change, for the better.  Promise.