Since becoming a Christian in 1996 there are a few Christianeze terms or phrases that I have had to learn for myself then try to figure out what they meant to other people. Many times people have asked if I was a 'religious person' and I would adamantly say, "No, I am a Christian." Over the last year if you would have asked me the same question my response would have been much more dignified with, "No, I am a follower of Jesus and His teachings." Now there is nothing wrong with either of these answers. In fact I will probably still use the latter in certain instances. But, I want to get back to the question. Am I a religious person? Are you?
First we need to look at the word 'religion' and it's meaning. Religion is defined as, Man's (humans) response to God. So the answer to the question for anyone, Christian, Muslim, Jehova's Witness, Mormon, Atheist or Agnostic, is Yes! We (being the human race) are all religious. The good news for the Christian is their response to God is the only right response because of Jesus Christ.
I want to continue looking at this subject and get down to the nitty-gritty (southern term) and discover why so many Christians use the religious card as an excuse to sin. You see, many do not like to be taught on the subject of holiness because it kicks out from under a lot of Christians the "Religious Crutch." Holding other followers of Jesus to a high standard of holiness by means of a loving spirit is not passing judgment (which some term being religious). I ask the Lord often to discipline me and to put people in my life that will bring correction. The religious card is no excuse for sin. Sin is sin and every individual is responsible for their own sin.
It's time we as believers take a long look at what Jesus told many sinners. After ministering to them with a compassion never seen by such a prophet or teacher ever, He told them to go and sin no more. With this we must keep in mind the totality of the Scriptures and remember that all have fallen short of the Glory of God (Jesus) and no one is good no not one. It's not that we do not sin, it's that we should not want to sin. We need to take heed less we fall and seek to worship God with our entire lives!
Next up: Drinking alchohol. A look at the religious card on this one and what the Scriptures say.
Be blessed!
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Read 1 Corinthians 6;12... we are free to do many things as long as we don't sin... but we must ask ourselves is this helpfull to me spiritually? Religion is not bad if it's pure religion.
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