Every Sunday many people religiously go to a place set aside for worship and go through actions that are designed to lead them to a worship experience. However, the growing evidence seems to indicate that the road to real worship or having a real experience of connecting with God, having a relational experience with God is narrow and few are finding it. As an attendee, member and leader in worship services most of my life in churches around the world I have come to the conclusion that one of the greatest hindrances to people connecting with the living God in a vibrant life-changing relationship is often organized religion. In fact, it may not just be a hindrance it could be deadly.
A look through history will show that people are serious about their religion. They will fight over it. If you think about, the first murder was committed over an act of worship. Able's gift to God was more acceptable to God than Cain's so Cain got mad and killed his brother because Able's worship experience was better. Some may already be uncomfortable with me and with my words this early in this article. Wars have long been fought over religious beliefs. Today many of the radical acts of violence by terrorists have religious foundations. Before you are ready to cast the first stone at me remember it is always the radicals that lead any movement, right or wrong. However, religious people seem to historically lead the way in close minded anger. The religious leaders led the opposition and began plotting for the death of Jesus. People were so angry about this new ‘way’ that the followers of Jesus were proclaiming that they picked up rocks and killed Stephen. Saul of Tarsus was in on that deal until he had a life-changing encounter with Jesus. Then he wound up on the receiving end of those death plots. John Wycliffe so incensed the religious community of his day as he called them to follow more closely to scripture that they burned his books and forty years after his death exhumed his body to burn the remains. Talk about holding a grudge! William Tyndale, who first printed the New Testament in English, was tied to a stake, strangled and burned because he did not go along with the church backed by the government. History is filled with stories of martyrs. Again, acts of terror are committed today regularly by fanatics in the name of their religion. Religion in itself can be dangerous.
There is a difference in religion, which Webster defines as “a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith” and a life-changing relationship with the God who created all things. One can be religious and hold fast to their system of beliefs while having an angry evil spirit. However, one can not have a relationship with a Lord who is alive and a resurrected savior who gave his life for his created loved ones without being changed from the heart. That does not mean followers of Jesus are perfect, but we are steadily moving in that direction in love, joy peace patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22 & 23).
When people see church members arguing over their tradition, buildings, order of service, color of carpet, styles of music and the like as so often happens it is not a wonder that so many are staying away from church. I can take you to a church that has argued over which type of toilet paper to purchase for the bathrooms. Personally, I prefer going to church that uses Charmin but that is just me.
God did not create mankind to start a religion. God created us for relationship. Read Genesis 1:27. He said, “Let us make man in our image”. Who is the “our” and “us” he was referring to and who was he talking to anyway when he asked that question? Remember we have a triune God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is in constant relationship with himself. God loves relationships. That is why he later said “it is not good for man to be alone.” We are made for relationships, with each other but primarily for a growing relationship with God. True worship connects us with God in a living vibrant life-changing relationship.
Jesus did not enter human history to live, die and start a new religion with rituals and regulations (there were many already). He came to seek and save the lost and open the door for a new relationship between God and mankind. That is why the Word (Jesus) became flesh to dwell among us in a personal manner. There is a difference in a religion and a relationship. Religion is static as it emphasizes structure, ritual, and tradition. While a relationship is fluid, growing, changing maturing and developing as parties spend time with one another. Religion is observed. Relationship is nurtured. One conforms to religion, while a relationship transforms a person. Religion can (and does) worship the dead. Relationships are only for the living.
Again for all who think I am down on religion, don’t throw your stones at me yet. I have been a professional minister for some thirty years. I have received training and have degrees from esteemed religious institutions attend church regularly and am a member of religious organizations. However, one can be religious with degrees, attend church so often a steeple grows from their bald spot and one can hold memberships in religious organizations and still be against God (check out the life of Saul of Tarsus before he had a relationship with the living Christ). However, one can be religious and have a great life if one’s religion does not get in the way of a certain relationship (Check out the life of Paul the Apostle after a life-changing encounter and growing daily relationship with Jesus). One is better off having a life-changing living relationship with the one who is the resurrected rock upon whom their religion stands than trying to resurrect a dead religion with rules and rituals once is forced to follow. When people who get that come together church is what is it was meant to be!
