HAROLD KELLER

Religion or true faith? Which is it?

Are you a religious nut? Do you promote and defend your religion more than you do God? I am sure that these questions will, perhaps, ruffle the feathers of a few people. Religion, you might think, is a positive activity. Not necessarily. The Bible specifically says that God is a jealous God. (Deuteronomy 4:24 and Exodus 20:5) God jealous? Doesn’t sound right? Maybe it doesn’t, but it’s the first of the 10 Commandments. “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” What does God consider other gods? It could be anything that you worship, or idolize, more than Him. It could be TV, sports, religion, your wife or your family. That’s right! God even expects your wife and family to be second to Him. I lived in a religious rut. Going to church was more important to me than loving, obeying and serving God. The bottom line is that I was a hypocrite. Jesus, in His walk, often referred to religious people as hypocrites. In the Gospel of Matthew, He occasionally refers to the hypocrisy of the religious people. He warned them of being more concerned about rituals and traditions than of honoring their Heavenly Father. Last week, one of my best friends said, “If people could only grasp the simplicity of Jesus’ ministry.” The problem with people is that they always have to confuse simple things. Jesus was sent to save us and set us free. Being free means not to be in bondage to anything that interferes with our relationship with God. Nothing should separate us from a personal relationship with Jesus. That’s all that matters. Is it possible to be in a religious rut? I think many people are. Unfortunately, the rut of religious activity can numb our souls until we find ourselves in a need for spiritual refreshment – a new, or fresh touch from God. Going to church is important. The Bible says we should assemble together with believers. I’m reminded of the penitent thief on the cross who was put to death with Jesus. When the other thief on the cross challenged Jesus to prove He was the Son of God by freeing them all, the penitent thief turned to Jesus and said, “…Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43) Religion cannot save; only a personal relationship with Jesus can. HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at 652-8477.