Religion vs. Relationship

Religion (Noun): “a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.”

Religion is a set of man-made rules, doctrines, ceremonies, and celebrations. But is it possible that it can also be a relationship with God? Let’s see a definition of relationship:

Relationship (noun)

a connection, association, or involvement.

Can one have a true connection, association, or involvement with God if they are bent on following a set man-made doctrines? I submit that the answer to that question is no.

I also submit for your consideration this premise: man-made rules, doctrines, ceremonies, and celebrations directly interfere with having a true relationship with God.

Consider this: A person who spends all of their time worrying about whether they’ve done some ceremony, or followed this or that doctrine, does not leave any room for developing a connection, association, or involvement directly with God.

If a person is not sure they are following these things, then doubts start to creep in. This leaves an opening for Satan to make a move. He loves to plant doubts in the minds of believers.

Can those doubts lead a person to believe that they lack wisdom? Of course they can. Should a person ask God for wisdom? Of course they should! The Apostle James addressed this:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5-6)

Dear reader, do not be like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. Do not let those doubts creep into your minds.

Instead, focus your efforts on building that connection, association, and involvement with God. The rest will fall into place.

I’ll leave you with a couple of Scripture passages that reinforce the idea of reaching for God.

“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8a)

The Steadfast Watchman