It’s Not a Religion

December 11, 2017

Religion. It’s something we’re not supposed to talk about at parties. I love Jesus but something in me cringes if someone calls me religious.

Religion has a negative connotation for me.

I think of zealots. People who picket instead of feed or love.

Throughout history, horrible acts – bombing, murder, beheading – have been done in the name of religion – and still are.

I am about relationship. Relationship with God, Jesus and others. There is much that bothers me about religion.

Let me be clear – I am not bashing church. Jesus established the church for Christians to worship, pray and encourage one another. Church is supposed to be a hub where we get what we need to be light in the world.

If you are a Christian, you are the church, I am the church. Church done right reflects the unconditional love of Christ. It brings the kingdom from up there to down here.

When I talk about religion, I am talking about man made rules and legalism. Stuff that has nothing to do with Jesus and feels like control. People who put their own thoughts, views and interpretations on who Jesus is and what it means to be His follower. Pharisees. Those more interested in establishing what they think is right and a system for judging those who differ.

Jesus was always ticking off Pharisees – another reason I love Jesus. He was always going against their man made laws disguised as religious doctrine. He ate with sinners, healed on the Sabbath and regularly challenged their rules publicly. Jesus had a lot to say to and about Pharisees.

In Matthew 23:28 Jesus calls them out – “In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness”

I love Jesus but something inside cringes if someone calls me religious. Click To Tweet

In the past, this has been me. I thought being Christian meant I had to have it all together. After all, I was supposed to be new and done with old ways. I forced myself into a version of who I thought I was supposed to be. I learned church lingo and to quote scripture when people had problems. I basically faked it because I wanted to fit in and be accepted.

Christian meant I had to fit the mold. I was one person in my regular life and another at church.

My sin, my weaknesses were never spoken of or confessed because at church we’re all perfect.

There is a difference between church culture and the church. Legalism, rules and sameness have nothing to do with loving and following Jesus.

 

Religion says do – Jesus says done.

Part of why I want to write a blog is to encourage those, like me, who may not fit the mold. I want to say there is room – Jesus has a place for imperfect, human you.

God loves all of us. He loves the atheist, the person who is gay, the one who had the abortion, the imperfect Christian, all of us.

 

 

Jesus came to save the world and He is the Way, the truth and the light – not religion.

How are people hurt by religion?

 

More about Liz

I'm a free spirit. I hate rules and legalism. I love art and nature, music, the beach and dogs. I like to garden, take pictures and read. I tend to speak my mind and have a rip-the-band-aid -off approach to life. (Brace yourself, this might hurt.)

10 Comments
    1. “Religion says do. Jesus says Done”
      Amen, sister. Love that you are speaking on this topic. Many many people still lack that relationship and fill their days with religious do’s. Sharing this good word!

      1. Thank you my friend! Always love to see your comments. Thank you again – your friendship and support mean so much – sincerely.

    1. This is so good Liz!! Yes I agree!! I was hurt so many times by religion. I was told over and over you had to be in a church building to go to heaven.I was told God doesnt hear you no where else but in a church building.Im so thankful for Gods grace and never left my side because he revealed to me that Church is your HEART and yes a relationship with him a intimate relationship with him.I was free and at peace when God showed me this and again this happened because of my intimate relationship with him. Anyone that listens I tell them yes if you can go to a building and worship God and spend time with other thats awesome and also if you cant go that dont mean youre not going to heaven all that matters is your Heart and our Heavenly Father knows us he created us !! God is the church!! Thank you for sharing and being so encouraging! Love you !!

      1. Hi Meghan! So glad you found the blog (God’s blog) too! I’m not a moldy person either….:) Welcome friend. ❤️

    1. Hi Liz, I have just read a couple articles !! You are doing a great job encouraging. I love it. Ellen

      1. Hi Ellen! Welcome! So happy you found me! It sincerely means a lot to me that you took the time to read and comment – thank you. I’m so happy God encouraged you today! My hope is to create a place of encouragement and hope that draws people closer to each other and God. I hope you continue to come back! Blessings friend ❤️

      1. Hi Ellen! So happy you found me and felt encouraged! My prayer is to create a place of encouragement and hope where people feel safe to wrestle with issues of life and faith. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment! I hope you return. Blessings friend!

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