Religion, Tradition, or Relationship by Kelli Johnson

Have you ever heard that somebody refer to you as being "religious"? 

Did you know that the dictionary refers to the word religion to: creed, belief, or religious conviction. So being religious would be someone who is spiritual, sacred, has a belief, a conviction, or is holy. I am not sure about you, but I sure don't want that to be the first thing that people say in describing me. While there could be worse names that people attach to me, there is something about being labeled "religious" that really bothers me. I want so much more. I want people to look at me and say, she has so much joy, she really loves JESUS! 

Or, maybe you have been told by somebody that they would never go to your church because of your "religion"?  You may have even said that to somebody else. By name only, many classify themselves as a particular religion. (ie: "I'm Catholic")  The problem with this is they only attach a religion to themselves. Now before you get your feathers in a ruffle, I am not implying that we can not hold a particular religion. But the question I ask, is it only by tradition that you do this? (Practice, ritual, or habit.) Do you hold a particular religion label because your parents were, or you family expects you to be?  

 To love Jesus means that you must have a relationship with him. This implies so much more than just being "religious" or a "religion" by name only. When others look at me, what will set me apart? I believe it is a daily seeking His face and yielding our "so-called rights" to Him. (our will) Do we ask Him each day, "What do you want me to do today?" I think author Elizabeth George does a great job in challenging us to check daily seek Him. One part in Ms. George's book she talks about how we should practice stopping long enough to ask ourselves a question when somebody else is talking to us, "What would the expression on my face say to the person that is talking to me right now?" Wow, I don't know about you, but I sure know I am guilty of letting my actions speak louder than words. And, I know my heart isn't always in check or yielded to God, so I know I the expression is wrong A LOT OF THE TIME! We need to have a heart devoted to the Lord. We can only do this when we surrender our will to His.

The Lord wants so much more from us. He wants our hearts. The question that I really want to challenge you in is, "Do you have a relationship with the Lord?" Isn't that the question He will ask when we stand at the gates of Heaven? Isn't that what the Bible says He will plead for you to the Father about? Bottom line: being a Catholic or Protestant won't save you. A relationship with the Lord will!