Many years ago a friend described me to an acquaintance of hers by saying, “Jacquee is very religious.” I cringed. Truth be known, I’m not at all religious, and I have no desire to be religious.
While Christianity itself is defined as one of the world’s religions, the word “religious” can be defined many ways. Some common definitions are: man’s attempt to please God, ritual observances, moral code of conduct, fundamental set of practices, etc. Most of those definitions bear no resemblance to what many Christians identify as their walk of faith. Most understand that their faith is not a set of practices or rituals, not a list of acceptable (or unacceptable) behaviors, not a creed or denomination. No, those things are a ball and chain. True faith is freedom.
The Scriptures say, “There is no one righteous, not even one.” (Rom. 3:10, Psa. 14:3) Later in Romans it says, “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in His sight by observing the law; rather, through the law, we become conscious of sin.”
Clearly, any attempt to please God through adherence to rules or rituals is futile. Our efforts cannot bridge the gap between human depravity and God’s holiness. Many avoid “religion” because they know they can’t be “good” enough. They reason, “Why try?” And they are right. Trying will only leave them feeling frustrated and defeated. The best advice I can give, based on personal experience, is to stop trying and start trusting.
Righteousness is not ours to earn; it is ours to accept. The book of Romans says, “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”
Those who have trusted Jesus Christ as their Savior have learned that it’s not about religion at all. It’s about relationship. It’s about entering such a sweet place of fellowship with Christ, such a knowing of Who He is and where we stand with Him (forgiven), that our love for Him propels us to peace, joy, and changed perspective.
It’s not about striving; it’s about surrendering. Surrender is not a popular concept, but a surrendered heart is open to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. A ride with the living Spirit of God is outrageous, in the very best sense of that word. Surrender is empowerment.
The work is His. All we need to do is trust.
Please don’t call me religious. I know I’m too flawed, too weak to please Him through anything I do. Call me a Christian, saved by grace, justified through His blood, and empowered by His Spirit.
Oh glory! It just doesn’t get any better than this.
Joy in Jesus,
Jacquee