Spirituality
plays a huge role in my life. I can say with all my heart that my relationship with
Jesus is the core being of my existence. While I am a Christian, I don’t like
to think of myself as religious. Religion can have a negative connotation. A spiritual relationship with God is VERY different
than being religious. God's plan for our eternity and for being right with Him is
told in the bible and as I grow as a person/believer I am learning how important
it is to have a biblically based faith.
There
are so many different types of religion; Catholic, Baptist, Presbyterian,
Pentecostal,
Lutheran, Methodist, Assemblies of God and lots more. These denominations have teachings from the Bible but everyone seems to have their own
set of rules and regulations. Don’t get me wrong,
I love church and the support from getting together with people who love God. I
love being taught the Bible as it is a source of life and strength for me. I have
nothing against people who belong to a denomination. Although sometimes I feel that more
emphasis is being put on the denomination instead of the spiritual relationship.
Some
religions are based on reaching God and being made right with
Him through their own human efforts. They suggest that we must
work our way into heaven by doing good deeds in hopes of an eternal reward. Some
say there is no reason to search for truth because they have step by step
instructions and works to be completed. While others can seem more like a dance
of routines and rituals. Some religions place specific people on a pedestal
such as ministers, pastors, elders, etc… While I agree that being a good honest person
and respecting my elders is very important, I believe more in my relationship
with Jesus.
Now,
I grew up in church attending almost every Sunday, Wednesday evenings and of
course summer time vacation bible school (VBS). I have some of the most wonderful and
fond memories growing up in the church. I am thankful for my parents and their
choice to introduce and inject the truth of Jesus Christ in my life from the
start. Although I grew up missing something. It was not my parents fault or
pastors fault but there did feel like a missing piece.
As
I grew older I went through an I-Don’t-Need-Jesus phase. I’d occasionally go to
church (Christmas, Easter), maybe read a scripture here or there, but I was having
fun and wasn’t making time for Him in my life. I wondered why I should go
church and practice my religion when I didn’t feel any reward. I felt I could be
perfect, strong, successful and at peace with just a little bit of Jesus in my
life. In reality I was so week, so lost and so scared! I couldn’t fake my life
any more with-out His ultimate purpose. Insert mental break down and anxiety
and panic disorder. Then insert relationship with God! And here I am now! LOL Halleluiah!
To experience the joy of having a loving relationship with God, I simply
put my trust and faith in Jesus and accepted His gift of eternal life. I
realized that God's plan is not based on my efforts and good works, but based
on His love and Grace. I put my trust and faith in Jesus and what He did on the
cross rather than putting my faith into a religion or my own efforts. My relationship
with Jesus encourages me to learn more about Him and strive to emulate Him.
I found a wonderful bible based church that encourages me, teaches me, and helps me to grow
closer to the One who created me. I’m not required to memorize all the books of
the bible or forced to write a big check before I leave, or dress like I am
going to a funeral. I come as I am and I am encouraged to feed my intimate
relationship with Jesus. If you’re wondering what this whole relationship thing
is all about, let me know! I’d love to have you join us one Sunday and I
promise that you’ll have fun at church again learning and growing with the Lord.
Jesus tells us that He is the way the truth and the light, and by
growing in a relationship with Jesus I know my questions will be answered. We
can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. We are all lost, week,
have heartaches and pain. I learned that when I allowed the Holy Spirit to control
and direct my life, I could finally live with purpose, peace, joy, love,
freedom…
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.- Ephesians 2:8-9
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