A Unique and Beautiful Relationship

Daily writing promptWhich aspects do you think makes a person unique?View all responses

There is a unique relationship that is unlike any other relationship. However, that relationship is seldom discovered and rarely recognized because it is hidden by or replaced by religion. That most unique relationship is a heart-to-heart relationship with the risen Jesus Christ.

Religion puts Christ in a box. Relationship is about “Christ in you.” Relationship isn’t built by a religious organization and its meetings, rules, and rituals. It is built by opening your heart to God and to people. If you want a real relationship with Jesus, you have to pursue it yourself. No church or preacher can do it for you.

Religion is dutiful. A relationship with Jesus is joyful. Religion is a tiny part of life. A relationship with Christ consumes all of life. Religion is often manipulative. A relationship with Christ is always transformative.

Religion is routine. A relationship with Jesus is riveting. Religion is repetitive. Relationship is revitalizing. Religion lasts an hour (or a few hours) per week. A relationship with Jesus is 24/7/365.

Religion focuses on an institution and its traditions. Relationship stays continually focused on the presence of the risen Jesus Christ. Religion is about rules, but relationship happens when Jesus rules.

Religion is led by programs. Relationship is led by the Holy Spirit. Religion analyzes the Bible. Relationship allows the Bible to ignite the heart with adoration for and obedience to Jesus.

Religion tries to force and coerce non-religious people into following its rules. Relationship seeks to demonstrate the love and beauty of the risen Jesus so that non-believers will want to get to know Him for themselves. Religion likes to set up a hierarchy of special people to rule over the ordinary people, but in relationship Christ is the only Lord and King.

Religion needs a physical building, but relationship makes me Christ’s building and He lives in and through me. Religion can be shoved aside, but my relationship with Jesus is my never-ending inner guide.

Religion likes to make ritual habitual but a relationship with Jesus will spontaneously make you full of and overflow with the fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace and more! A religious spirit can easily produce pride and self-righteousness, but the Holy Spirit always produces humble surrender to the fruit of the Spirit.

Religion looks for God to make life easier and more comfortable. Relationship with Jesus wants God’s will to be done on earth as it is Heaven even when it requires that we deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow and obey Jesus instead of our own thoughts, opinions, feelings, and desires.

Christ’s true disciples, of all nations, are one in the Spirit. They have been rescued from the kingdoms and nations of this world and made citizens of the kingdom of God. (Colossians 1:13) Discipleship is developed by a direct, personal, ongoing, heart-to-heart relationship with the risen Jesus, not by religion.

Religion wants to connect God and country, but a relationship with Christ infinitely surpasses anything any country can offer. The kingdom of God isn’t about national or religious offices or hierarchies. It’s about the inner government of God. It’s sad that the words, attitudes, and actions of so many evangelicals are pushing people away from the living, resurrected Jesus Christ.

Great nations want both the good and the bad parts of their history to be known. For a fuller view of American history, search: Off the RACE Track–From Color-Blind to Color-Kind.

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