Fighting the Religion in Us
As Christians, we are faced with a human problem. You see, as much as we deny it, our FAITH is as much a “religion” to us as all the other existing religions in the world. We claim that Christianity is the ONLY true faith and belief in God. We claim that our faith is not a religion rather a relationship with God. But unfortunately, our actions don’t align with what we our alleged believe.
Where’s the problem?
The problem is in our behavior. Always remember that our behavior will always come from our belief. Our belief system is always exposed by our actions. When our actions become ritualistic in our faith, then we’ve entered into a belief system of religion.
If our faith in Christ is a relationship, then our walk with Him, at all times, should be passionate as much as it’s continuous. As humans, we have a propensity to always require external stimuli in order to create inner change. And although that is necessary at first, it’s not the formula for keeping the continual fires of passion ignited for God.
We must fight ritualism at all times. We must remain constant and faithful in our values and disciplines. But it’s in how we do so which determines whether we’ve entered into a ritualistic religious mode.
As much as you can, fight the need of having constant external stimuli to keep you motivated. Although it’s necessary, it’s not designed to bring change; it’s purpose is to inspire you to make the necessary changes in order for you to constantly engineer change.
I’m learning to extract life out of everyday disciplines that are essential to my walk with God – i.e. Prayer, Bible Reading, Meditating, etc.
Blog entry #25 – Working on Keeping it Fresh
I think when somebody reads the word and follows the Lord they will understand that God is here for them and he will not let you down. that why they go once in while to church so they can feel good. we just need to show people that we are here for them.
We have to work on keeping it fresh. Vision keeps things fresh, when we meditate on the ultimate prize, and on the treasure, that way of thinking will keep us motivated to continue to push. Motive behind everything we do is what matters more.
My parents work on keeping me focus and not getting familiar.
As I read the part that you said “I’m learning to extract life out of everyday disciplines that are essential to my walk with God – i.e. Prayer, Bible Reading, Meditating, etc.” I thought “Man this is something I have to take baby steps with” before I read that part I was thinking “I am trying so hard to change but gosh this is all part of my culture, its going to be a major paradigm shift in my life” see some people as my self think this is something that needs to be changed right away and everything needs to change, I need results now, thus making myself feel overwhelmed and not changing anything because its to much, sir I realized, I need to take baby steps. start with small every day disciplines.
This is so very true, we must work daily on our behaviors, for changes to come. I must stay focus daily in order to walk in the purpose that God has for me.
Keeping the fires for God inside of us burning is something we all have to work on daily. We cannot rely on what we did or what happened yesterday to keep us passionate about our walk. As we mature we need to do more and do things differently to keep our relationship with God healthy and strong.
This is a good view on faith and religion. I have found myself feeding off of too much motivation from outside sources to the point that I can’t even motivate myself. I have come to realize that most times, I get more motivated when I motivate myself rather than being motivated by others. I need to continue being consistent and faithful in my devotions daily.