Do You Practice Religion? The Essence of True Christianity

Do you practice religion?

Many people often ask, “Do you practice religion?” For those who follow Jesus, the answer transcends a simple yes or no. True Christianity is not just a religion; it is a relationship and a lifestyle. This distinction is vital for understanding the heart of the Christian faith.

Relationship Over Religion

At its core, Christianity is about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship is illustrated beautifully in John 15:15, where Jesus says, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” Here, Jesus emphasizes the intimate and personal nature of our connection with Him.

Religion often implies a set of rituals, traditions, and obligations. While these can play a role in expressing faith, they are not the essence of Christianity. The Pharisees in the Bible were very religious, adhering strictly to laws and rituals, yet Jesus frequently rebuked them for missing the point of a true relationship with God (Matthew 23:27-28). They were more focused on outward appearances than on inner transformation and genuine connection with God.

Living a Christ-Centered Life

Christianity is not confined to church services or religious practices; it permeates every aspect of a believer’s life. Colossians 3:17 encourages us, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” This verse highlights that our actions and words, in every context, should reflect our relationship with Christ.

Living a Christ-centered life means embodying His teachings and love in our daily interactions. It’s about showing kindness, forgiveness, and compassion, as demonstrated in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This lifestyle of love and service stems from our relationship with Jesus and His transformative work in our hearts.

Faith in Action

James 1:27 provides a clear picture of what pure religion looks like: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” True Christianity involves active love and service to others, reflecting God’s heart for justice and mercy.

Moreover, the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 calls Christians to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded. This mission is not merely about religious conversion but about fostering relationships and helping others grow in their relationship with Christ.

Conclusion

So, do we practice religion? As followers of Jesus, we are called to something deeper. True Christianity is a dynamic and transformative relationship with Jesus Christ, manifesting in a lifestyle of love, service, and obedience to His teachings. It’s about walking with Him daily, being guided by His Spirit, and reflecting His love to the world.

In essence, Christianity is not about adhering to a set of religious practices but about living out a vibrant and authentic relationship with Jesus, allowing His love and grace to transform every aspect of our lives. This is the true heart of our faith and the answer to what it means to follow Christ.

The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella