By: Anthony Williams (July 2010)
What’s the difference you ask? Webster’s Dictionary defines religion as “The service and worship of God or the supernatural; commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance. A personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices.” Webster Dictionary defines relationship as “A connection by blood or marriage; kinship; a particular type of connection existing between people related to or having dealings with each other.” While religion does create a platform and sanctuary for those whom share the same beliefs and practices; it will not connect you with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
God offers us a relationship with him as a free gift because we are his children, but many people often reject this gift because they think it means “religion.” Religion can sometimes hinder us from a relationship with God. Self praise of works such as going to church, tithing, fasting, while all good Christian acts, can blind us; allowing our achievements and pride to get in the way, ultimately cutting us off from God (Luke 18: 10-14). It’s not enough to act religious, our actions and attitudes must be sincere (Matthew 15: 8,9).
So how does one obtain this relationship with God? What does God require? In the Old Testament followers of God would sacrifice animals according to God’s law, however even then God made it clear that obedience from the heart was much more important to him. While today we may not sacrifice animals, we must sacrifice our old ways, things we used to do, sacrifice our will to align our thoughts, actions, and beliefs with those of Christ. We must act out our devotion and obedience to God (1 Sam 15:22,23.) What God expects from us is to sacrifice our lives to do his will, obey his law, love our neighbors, and encourage those who are weak in faith (Romans 12:1-3). These things will undoubtedly allow us to develop and maintain a lasting relationship with God.
There is an old Negro spiritual that my mother used to always sing around the house
“Have you got good religion? Certainly Lord…” If you read the lyrics of this song in its entirety they speak about having a redeemed spirit, a renewed feeling, and being baptized. You cannot capture these feelings without having and maintaining a relationship with Christ. I ask the question “Have you got a good relationship?” It’s just as important, is it not? God gave his only begotten son as a gift, to help us share a relationship with God.
By no means am I saying that one has no need for religion; however it does not end there. The Bible says in James 2:17-18 “faith without works is dead. One person might say, “You have faith, but I do good things. Show me your faith apart from the good things you do. I will show you my faith by the good things I do.” Don’t get so caught up in religion that you do not let the world see your actions reflect your beliefs. That’s what God wants; disciples who will walk with him in the Lord as well as spread the word.
Be committed to your Christianity and connected to your creator. I encourage everyone to pursue a “REAL RELATIONSHIP” with God and not just a religion.
Real Relationship=Eternal Life
8 comments
Good Words. Good Article. I have witness many people who claim to have a great relationship with God. Yet, they don’t (as stated in the article)sacrifice their old ways, things they used to do, or sacrifice their will to align their thoughts, actions, and beliefs with those of Christ.
It’s not enough to act religious, our actions and attitudes must be sincere (Matthew 15: 8,9) This can’t be more true. There are many “actors/actresses” in church that go up faithfully to tithe and prayer and when not in church, have ugly ways and unpleasant dispositions.
Great piece! Its certainly refreshing to see the discourse surrounding “Christianity” emphasize a relationship and not simply religious tradition. In order to develop a relationship with anyone we must be willing to spend time with them getting to know them. I believe that God requires the same of us.
I am glad you defined the difference between a relationship with God and religion. I know of people who go to church every Sunday, sometimes twice on Sunday, but are still some of the most evil people in the world. Some of them are physically, mentally, and emotionally abusive to their own children and family members, or know that a family member is physically, mentally, and emotionally abusive and don’t step in the protect the abused. Someone can be struggling and homeless, and they won’t offer a sip of water or a friendly dinner. They will use you for what they can get from you, then leave you when you have nothing else to offer them. On the other hand, I know people with a calm, soothing aura and a kind spirit that are not active members of any church. They understand and nourish their relationship with God. There have been several lessons I have learned as an adult: 1-family is who you make it to be; 2- you have to do something you have never done to get something you have never had; and 3-thunder precedes the sunlight, so never lose your faith.
This is a very good piece of work. I am determined to strengthen my relationship with God!!!!!
What an inspiring and insightful article! This piece really motivates you to draw closer to God.
This is a thought provoking article. Religion focuses on what others can see from the outside but relationship focuses on what’s in the heart. God wants our heart as we seek to serve him. Continue to seek
the face of God and he will speak to your heart.
Thank you for your enlightened thoughts on religion Vs a relationship with God.
Spirituality is a highly personal thing.It is too bad that there are those who think that that accumulation of material things or holding grudges, or any of our failings of the flesh, will lead us to a healthy relationship with God.
I believe that a true and honest relationship with God is what we should strive to have regardless of our religious affiliations.
What a wonderful and thought provoking article. It’s such a blessing to know that God has offered us the opportunity to have a personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. It is an honor for me to not only be called His daughter, but also His friend. You can’t get that with religion!
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