Religion according to Webster:
“…the service and worship of God or the supernatural; a personal
set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and
practices; a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with
ardor and faith…”
Somewhat lifeless, though the final part of the definition has more life. And what is ‘supernatural’ and how is it placed alongside God? And, I would contend, is part of the problem, issue. Religion does not have the same mindset and focus as ‘relationship’ does.
Webster’s attempt at defining relationship is flawed:
“…a state of being related or interrelated; the relation connecting
or binding participants in a relationship.”
Not particularly enlightening. Perhaps the problem is that I am talking about a Spiritual Relationship which is not even recognized in dictionary-eze. Don’t look for the Lord in religion because He can be found… only in relationship. So the next question is – how do we develop a spiritual relationship?
Remembering that 2Corinthians 6:14 tells us that there can be NO relationship between righteousness and unrighteousness (though this verse is talking about yoking, I believe it also relates to all relationships) what is available for us when it comes to the Lord? Because, let’s face it, our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). For a long time I felt like a small child with my face pressed against the window of a toy or candy shop – not invited in but longing to be part.
Thankfully, the Lord led me to 2 verses that I have talked about numerous times… but never together. The first one is in 2Corinthians 5:17-21. I have always loved these verses but had focused on 17-20. WOW. Look at verse 21
“For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in
Him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Somehow I hadn’t finished the chapter. Obviously I knew there was no way I could attain righteousness but this had already been addressed! I did have the way to relationship.
Of course my mind went to… but what happens when I fail (deliberately or unintentionally)? Again the remedy. 1John 1:9 tells us
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our
sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Our way back into relationship! Everything was thought out from the beginning because the Lord was as interested in a relationship with us as we were with Him. My mind still boggles at this – but my gratitude knows no end. So in the end the question is – do you want a relationship with the Lord? It’s available. All you need do is come. Keeping Him ‘out there’ affords little opportunity to be in relationship. But..He tells us – “Come to me…”
