It’s not about religion

As we know, the world has many religions. Religion is described by Merriam-Webster’s as, “a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith”.

Often sports are referred to as a religion, and its heroes as gods. I recall attending Wayne Gretzky’s last game in Canada before he retired, and someone had a poster that proclaimed that very concept. It said, “Gretzky is god”.

Religion can often have good qualities, but it can also have negative ones as well. Religion can foster concern for the needy, but it can also contribute to hatred. Depending on what system of beliefs or cause a religion is based on will quite often determine how people view the world and others.

Those who do not believe in a god can also be religious. Many today claim to be spiritual without adhering to any recognized or organized religion. Even those claiming to be atheists live by a system of beliefs, principles or a cause that they are faithful to.

Religion has been described as being about rules. If you want to participate and follow a certain set of guidelines then you can be involved. Look like us; act like us; believe like us and you can be a part of this religion or belief system.

Religion is often like a closed box. Following Jesus, however, is about a relationship.

Notice I did not mention Christianity. I am a Christian. A Christian should be one who has a relationship with Jesus – but Christianity as a religion can be as dogmatic or closed as any other religion.

But having a relationship with Jesus is about freedom, newness, deliverance and love.

Jesus did say that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He did say to love God with our whole being.

He did say to love our neighbours as ourselves. He did say to follow Him.

But unlike religion which boxes us in with regulation, Jesus states, “So if the Son (Jesus) sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

The apostle Paul added, “Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything.”

A relationship with Jesus isn’t systematic or ‘dry’; it is living, tangible and practical.