Religion… when we hear this word some thoughts come to mind-
- rules
- structure
- governing
- control
- guilt
- disputes
- requirements
- expectations
- judgment from other people
In our world today the word “religion” is beginning to have a very negative connotation. But why? Religions are being seen as organization or clubs that people identify with that contain a specific rule set which one must strictly follow in order to belong to that religion.
Christians sometimes seem arrogant and ”better than those who aren’t apart of our club” but this stain needs to be removed. Christianity should not be looked at as a religion because its not a religion. Christianity is a relationship, a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ came to this earth to die so that you could have eternal life. He came down from a throne in Heaven, to a wicked world of sin in order to save each and every one of us, so that at the end of all things we can experience true happiness in His presence. The actions of Jesus were actions of sacrifice and pure, unselfish sacrifice is a sign of true love. That is what Christianity is, it is love, love from Jesus Christ, a love that we recieve through a relationship with Jesus.
Anyone can have this relationship with Jesus, any sinner, anyone who thinks they are underserving or thinks God has turned His back on them. Anyone who is searching for something in their life to fill the hole in their heart, anyone who thinks they are alone in this world. Anyone, anyone, anyone…. Anyone can have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
You can come up with as many reasons as you want but Jesus still loves you for who you are. We are all flawed, we are people, we are sinful. Everyone has done something they regret, we all feel unworthy of unconditional love, but you know what… Jesus still loves us anyway.
Some people fear defining with a religion because they fear judgment from others, and honestly don’t we all fear judgment from the people around us in some way.
Guess what? Unlike the world, God treats people equally so we do not need to fear judgment from the world. The only judgment we need to be concerned with is God’s judgment. And there is only one way to find favor from God, He sent His son Jesus Christ to teach us the ways to live a life honoring God. Here are the most important of Jesus’s teachings-
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matt 22:36-40
Our commandments from Jesus are to love. Love, love is the base to relationship and what is Christianity? A relationship, a relationship based on Love. We recieve love from God and we give our love to Him. Our actions and words should express this love and we should share God’s unconditional love with those we love.
So what is Christianity? Christianity is love from Jesus Christ and our love to Him. Christianity is a relationship with Jesus, who made the ultimate sacrifice to save us from sin and death.
Remember to love others as God love us. Share love without the fear of judgment from other people, God will always love you. What better way to thank God for His love than to live your life according to His teachings.
Honoring God with your life is not an easy task. That is why I started this blog, to help those attempting to live a life honoring God. Hopefully something I have posted on this blog will help you in your life journey.
