Religion or Relationship

One of my Favourite Gospel artists is the Group 'Cross Movement'. Recently I was listening to one of their albums and the track " Spare Rituals" got me reflecting. The Chorus says "without Christ you ain't spiritual, what it is' a bunch of spare rituals".

These words struck a familiar chord in my soul. I recall a few days ago I was discussing with a dear friend about my observation of comtemporary Christian sermons and issues these days. It seems that much of our pre-occupation and teaching have simply dealt with encouraging men and women to 'just come to church, get involved with activities, the promise of wealth-a-plenty, and of course the incessant call to stop sinning'.

Of course I am a firm believer in church work, prosperity and righteous living. However I shudder at the thought that most professing Christians today are merely Church goers, moral living people who have been deceived to think that once you sign up to Church and 'godly' living, heaven is yours!

Christianity isn't mere religious rites! It is not a religion, rather it's a call to relationship with Christ and God. A union with him, fellowship and participation with him as well as access to his throne. Like a man and woman unite in ideals, values, beliefs and share all things in common (in marriage), so is the call to Christianity. It is primarily a fusion of two wills into one: Yours and Christs.

Thence follow actions that depict the newness of your purpose as permitted in your relationship with Christ. No longer are you driven to and fro by religious obligations but rather by a firm resolution to live for the one you are united with. It's like the Chicken and the Egg, which comes first?

Do not live a life having a form of godliness but denying its ability. That isn't Christianity, it's some other religion not even close to Christs'. Of course there isn't a promise of heaven therein. Cross Movement is right: without Christ it really is a bunch of rituals, ceremonies, and externals.