I have a constant ‘bee in my bonnet’ when it comes to the whole issue of “Religion vs Relationship”. I come across so many people who think that being a Christian and a follower of Jesus is all about being part of a religion but I quite strongly disagree.

Although Christianity is viewed by the world as a “religion” (a system of strong beliefs, values, attitudes and practices that a group of people are devoted to and choose to live by) I believe with all of my heart that it’s far more than that… it’s a relationship. If I was asked to define what a Christian was, I would say that it was someone who actively sought after and maintained a relationship with God.

Being a Christian is not about following a set of rules and regulations. It’s not about how many times a year you go to church or how often you read the bible and pray. It’s a way of life! It’s about accepting God, inviting Him into your life and allowing Him to make a difference. It’s about loving God and loving other people. It’s about involving God in day-to-day stuff and in your decision making. It’s about recognising that “God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that whoever lives in Him, may not perish but have eternal life.” In fact, I will go as far as saying that religion could be described as a matter of intellect, whereas being in a relationship can only be described as a matter of the heart.

Well let’s see what the bible has to say about this controversial issue in Galatians 2:19-22.

“What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn't work. So I quit being a "law man" so that I could be God's man. Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.

Is it not clear to you that to go back to that old rule-keeping, peer-pleasing religion would be an abandonment of everything personal and free in my relationship with God? I refuse to do that, to repudiate [which means to reject] God's grace. If a living relationship with God could come by rule-keeping, then Christ died unnecessarily.”

Wow! What a profound bit of scripture… If that doesn’t do it for ya, then nothing will!! I hear those words and feel two very contradicting things. The first thing I feel is excitement because what Paul is saying with those words is flippin’ amazing. But I’m also left feeling upset and asking the question, “How have so many people ended up missing the point and getting it so wrong?”

If there’s one bit of advice that you take away from these words take away this… Don’t get caught up in the trap of religion - get caught up in God!