Religion, spirituality, God- the essence of these definitions have become muddled and arbitrary amidst the various expressions of faith witnessed throughout the world. I personally have delved deep into various religions or paths to enlightenment, studying and immersing myself within their practices. From a purely human perspective, I can confidently assert that they are all the same. And yet, from a spiritual standpoint, there exists a clear distinction between them, with only one quality holding true significance.
You may have noticed that I intentionally distinguish between religion, spirituality, and God. This is not to imply that these are fundamentally separate entities; rather, it is due to the misguided perception that religion solely encompasses spirituality. The term "religion" originates from the Greek word θρησκεία (thréskeia), which simply denotes worship, discipline, or practice. It has no intrinsic connection to the organized traditions, rituals, or meditative experiences associated with spirituality as commonly understood. The essence of religion is to prompt introspection, unveiling the object of worship to which we have devoted our faith, our religious affiliation.
In general, people harbor either love or aversion towards religion, although some may profess indifference. However, their acceptance or rejection of a particular doctrinal belief hinges on the object of worship within their personal creed in relation to how affiliation will affect their personal pursuit's. In truth, each of us practices a religion. The world's religions are ensnared by worldly systems; within these systems lie varied denominations revolving around the idols of money, pleasure, status, and comfort. Individuals devote themselves religiously to these idols, allowing them to dictate their thoughts, routines, and practices in hopes of finding fulfillment. The dilemma arises when we seek fulfillment through transient solutions, even if we cloak our pursuits with words like God or spirituality. As long as our faith remains fixated on a practice or a temporal, unstable object to fulfill us, we shall experience only temporal satisfaction and remain perpetually yearning for more.
Despite individuals' varied professions regarding religion or spirituality, the reality is a person's dedication to their object of worship is meant to expose the condition of their heart. From materialism to minimalism or drug addiction to piety, our lifestyle choices mirror the ideals we venerate. There exists a spiritualized aspect of religion aiming to discover gods, spirits, self-actualization, or unity. Each religion prescribes distinct disciplines and practices; yet, whether through Catholic / Eastern Orthodox rituals, Mysticism, New Age, self discovery, Islam or Jehovah witness, the end goal remains consistent – the pursuit of satisfaction for the purpose of by the ritual or practice of (you fill in the blank's, any answer will do).
The common thread binding these varied religious beliefs, whether atheistic materialism or theistic spiritualism, is our innate inclination to seek purpose and gratification through worship dictated by our discipline. However, authentic self-examination is intended to reveal our spiritual state, guiding us into a genuine relationship with God rather than mere adherence to rules, traditions or self-serving endeavors. Regrettably, humanity has reduced God to a mere formula, ritual or affiliation, transforming faith into a transactional arrangement akin to a business deal, wherein we expect recompense for our actions. This transactional religiosity often blurs the lines between communion with God and worldly pursuits. Therefore, religion aims to serve the practitioner by venerating tradition's of men and their choice of discipline over the work of God in their daily lives.
Religion, in every aspect, is a spiritualized form of materialism wherein spiritual connection and purpose are contingent upon physical circumstance or experience. People choose from the buffet of worldviews according to their wants and needs- whether it be morality, spiritual experience, blessing, healing, fear, pride, this list could go on.This choice is made with the same judgment a materialist uses when choosing his or her career- some are born into it, while other's decide on the basis of recompense weighted against personal sacrifice. Our attachment to religion often supersedes our devotion to God, leading to hostility when these practices are threatened, in the same way a materialist becomes threatened by the loss of their possessions. This is due to the attachments one holds to their discipline of pursuit in which their character and identity are contingent upon the things that they “do” or amass, offering a self aggrandizing sense of accomplishment towards their object of worship.
Man has perverted religion, twisting it into something that you do while religion is merely an extension of something that you are. It is crucial to understand that religion alone cannot transform our inner beings; it is merely a manifestation of our true selves and our true desire’s- your affiliation is determined by your character. The external rituals only serve to cater to our earthly desires, ultimately revealing our self-centered nature and the idolatry of the self. It is a common refrain nowadays to hear people claim to be "spiritual, not religious," but this mindset only underscores the misunderstanding and spiritual blindness of self-serving religiosity. Religion and its relationship to God is used in the same way a job pay's the bills; once the need is satisfied, there is no further need for a relationship with God.
In the vast landscape of worldviews and belief systems, whether it be structured theistic ideologies, pursuits of self-realization, or the world’s religious system, there exists a pervasive claim that within ourselves lies the capacity to satisfy our longings and rectify our errant ways through self-sufficient methods- which is a paradox when you think deeply about it. Yet, in stark contrast stands a singular and unparalleled connection, not bound by mere ritual or behavioral modification, neither found in religion nor within the self, but rooted in the recognition that the antidote to our deepest needs is found in a personal relationship. This sacred bond epitomizes true humility, as it compels us to relinquish the haughty fallacy of self-sufficiency and instead entrust our burdens to the redemptive toil of the Savior, Jesus Christ.
I personally believe that the greatest deception ever manifested by the devil is not the world system, false religion, pleasures of sin or any other excuses we condemn for the conditions of today. The greatest deception of all is turning the person of Christ and His message into the religious system of Christianity. I am not referring to churches per se, for relationships, prayer and worship flow naturally from a transformed heart; I am referring to the reduction of Christ into a mere set of rules, superficial engagements and self-indulgent ritualism where people know about God, but have no relationship to God. By bringing people so close to the truth yet never fully entering into the enlightenment, nor the fullness of salvation. Thereby, horrendous acts and terrible reproach has been brought onto the name of Christ by affiliation to an organization that uses His name as a cloak. There is one thing in life that does not constitute religion and that is relationships; a genuine connection founded upon trust. That is the very thing God desires from us, not a form of godliness, but to see the life of Christ in us.
God has indeed performed an extraordinary work in cultivating this bond, descending into human form, bearing the weights, sorrows, and trials that plague us daily, all to establish a relational connection based on compassion, comprehension, and love that can renew our inward being, as it is only within a relationship that we experience the qualities of love and a changed heart. By this transformation, our focus is redirected from fleeting pleasures or routines to a steadfast communion with God. In knowing Christ, the nature of God, and His commitment to His creation, the stark contrast between Christ's pure message that penetrates the heart and the superficial doctrines of worldly religions becomes unmistakably clear.
While the world may seek temporal solutions to quench their empty hearts, God has made a way for us to find true reconciliation through His son. Only by humbly acknowledging our own futility of effort and by allowing Christ’s Spirit to dwell within us; then and only then can we experience the satisfaction of longings within our souls, consistently, without measure or the need of ritual, but in spirit and daily communion. This divine relationship requires a deep supernatural transformation, not superficiality. God desires all people to accept the sanctifying work of Christ, allowing His Spirit to guide every aspect of our lives beyond just Sundays, fellowship or meetings but in every moment of everyday. A religion can be abolished, adulterated, segregated or transient- switched on during Sunday and off by Monday- whereas a relationship with God transcends any trial, force, time or place that attempts to separate you from His love when you truly abide in Christ.
Those in my inner circle or those whom I'm sharing the message of Christ with often make assertions like, "I have discovered religion." The reality is, before I encountered Christ, I was enveloped in a form of religion - one that centered around self, materialism, politics, spirituality, and various other worldly pursuits. Today, however, I find myself in a profound relationship with the Lord, one that is anchored in His abundant grace bestowed upon me as a free gift. This relationship liberates me from the trappings of mere religious rituals and sets me free from the anxieties and pressures that besiege humanity. I now experience both spiritual and physical fulfillment, finding solace in the completed work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus, by satisfying the demands of God's law that we all stand condemned by, has transformed my motivations from self-serving desires to genuine gratitude and heartfelt devotion. My dedication to cause no longer stems from obligation but is rooted in a deep sense of appreciation for a person, not a religion.
In the eyes of God, let it be known that religious association holds no significance. No number of congregational gatherings you attend, ceremonies you dutifully carry out, or choice of place of worship hold any weight if your heart remains hardened and unmoved. Let me be clear that I am not advocating for lack of fellowship, prayer or worship, but examination as to motivation. if your love is not rooted in Christ, for Christ and through Christ- nothing pleases God apart from faith in Christ. Even if you possess all knowledge, abundant wisdom, immense wealth, and meticulously fulfill all the customary religious obligations, these accomplishments are futile if your heart remains unchanged and the transformative power of God's grace fails to reshape your affections for Christ and for others.
But why, one might ponder, does the reality of this not prompt universal acceptance? It is because our priorities lie in the realm of appearance over examination, appeasement over transformation, intellect over wisdom, feelings over commitment, pleasure over peace, selfishness over sacrifice, ritual instead of relationship, lust over love and to play rather than to pray. The discomfort of self-examination reveals our hypocrisy and sinful preferences, leading us to choose ignorance and bliss over truth and freedom. Thus, many gravitate towards religion, pleasure or entertainment as a form of diversion from the intense scrutiny that would unveil the depths of our flawed hearts. But only by rooting out the weeds that have overgrown in our heart’s, can we make room for the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to grow within us.
I exhort you, do not continue to veil yourself from the truth, but earnestly seek the revelation of these truths in your life, so that you may experience a revitalized spirit, overflowing love, and a deeply satisfied heart in Christ through His redemptive work. A joy unencumbered by physical circumstance- rich, poor, sick or healthy, your joy is in Christ who has overcome this world along with everyone who places their faith in Him. Embrace the profound relationship that God yearns to have with you, and allow your heart to be transformed, leading to new desires, joys, and a life renewed in the Savior. As you are consumed by the love of Christ, your actions and habits will be naturally reshaped, and conformed to the only God worthy of worship, for the true essence of one's life is rooted in the heart’s desire. Desire Christ, cease pursuing fruitless endeavors that serve to distance you from God, and instead, wholeheartedly pursue Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. May God bless you with His grace along your journey.
2 And you were dead in your offenses and sins, 2 in which you previously walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all previously lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the boundless riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. -Ephesians 2
By- Jonathan Layman
Comments
Post a Comment