I was talking to a co-worker the other day about
the difference between religion and a
relationship with God. This particular person used to say I
was religious because he knows I go to church and love the Lord - but I would
always tell him that I'm actually not "religious", I just have an awesome
relationship with the Lord. I explained to Him that I don't go to church because
I feel like I have to; I go because I truly want to. See, religion makes one
feel obligated to perform, and many reject the idea of feeling controlled
or obligated to do anything. I believe this is what turns a lot of
non-believers, and hey possibly even some "believers" off.
Now don't misunderstand me: I believe in living our lives
according to God's word. I believe in holiness. And of course I believe that we
should go to church. But are we really giving our best to the Lord if we are
only doing these things out of a sense of duty? Or can we agree that just as we
wouldn't want anyone to do anything for us because they felt they had to - God
doesn't either? And just as we want to be loved by people who just want to love
us, be with us, treat us right, show us kindness and honor...I believe that is
also our father's desire.
Religion? Relationship? Huge
difference.
Let's
break free from any sense of duty and begin to work on our relationship with
God, because we truly love and appreciate Him and because we really want to be
with Him. So again I ask - is your heart REALLY in it???
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1) Schedule PRAYER and MEDITATION as a daily PRIORITY in your life.
Psalm 1:1-3; Proverbs 3:1-6; Joshua 1:7-9
2) OBEY God and leave the consequences to Him.
John 14:15; John 14:21
3) TRUST God in every circumstance.
Proverbs 3:5
4) WAIT upon the Lord for His direction.
Psalm 27:14; Isaiah 64:4
5) DEPEND on the Holy Spirit.
John 14:16-18
6) Remember God loves you unconditionally.
7) GIVE to God generously.
8) REST in the assurance that God is in complete control of everything.
Psalm 103:19
9) Keep your eyes on the destination: Heaven.