Tuesday, March 10, 2009

" Religion or Relationship"

Religion: something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience:

Relationship: a connection, association, or involvement.

I'm sure this may be a loaded question, but I'm going to ask anyway and I'm asking for some honesty on your part.

How many of you thought they were the same things?

When did you transition from Religion to Relationship? Or have you?

What was or is the biggest obstacle you've experienced?

I just don't believe the Lord's plan was to make us drones or robotic in our service. He wants relationship, and this is summed up in this one scripture, read.

8 comments:

Z said...

I can't tell you the moment it happened, but it was QUITE recent for me......
The biggest obstacle I've experienced has been my church, which does not have much joy in the service and has a problematic pastor. As I've thought of pulling away from the church and been feeling a stronger personal relationship at the same time, I've been able to bring some of the relational stuff into the service, privately... kind of ignoring the parts which don't resonate with me by silent prayer or opening the bible in front of me and being able to work through my negativity toward the pastor. interesting.

I was raised in an Orthodox Church where I attended a funeral. The services are all in another language. I said to my sister outside on the steps after the service "Did you listen to the English they threw in here and there? The service is all about Christ and all biblical, why didn't we GET THAT when we were kids!?" (all of us attended Protestant churches today). I blamed the sunday school material they used back then........no personal relationship, just memorization of songs to sing and little bible stories which we didn't 'get' at the time. Sad.

Ducky's here said...

I'm not sure what a personal relationship entails.

I have a relationship through the body of the church and feel we have to build the kingdom as a community.

Possibly the "personal" relationship isn't apparent because I'm not looking for it or don't feel the need.

I.H.S. said...

I would agree with us building the kingdom as a community, but I also believe in order for this to be truly effective in what the scriptures speak to as being kingdom builders; we must first begin from within our own hearts.

The relationship we build with the Son of God brings us into a relationship with the Father Himself; which is most assuredly needed my friend for all believers.

Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Blessings.

Z said...

Ducky, and IHS...I think just praying to Jesus helps create a relationship, a closer feeling of His love and attention.
I was with Ducky until only recently...didn't quite know what that 'relationship' was. I think it's becoming clearer...through prayer and Scripture.

Ducky's here said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ducky's here said...

Are the relationship and conscience different?

I.H.S. said...

Duckey, are you saying conscience or conscious?

Z said...

Relationship is a personal knowing, going to someone when you need to, want to...right? Having a relationship.

Conscience is different (if you do mean conscience and not conscious)....I don't see your question, which is probably why IHS asked you that.

You have a bad conscience if you hurt someone with whom you have a close relationship. That relationship with Christ does heighten the conscience, I think....you want less to do or say nasty things and you feel your sins more deeply because of that precious relationship.
And, let's face it, when someone's died for your sins, you can't really imagine NOT having a close and dear relationship with that person, right!? And HE wants that, too!
I've only lately embarked on this and it's amazing. I just 'get it' better these days and it's like the biggest gift I ever had.