Following Jesus, Not Formulas

There’s a big difference between religion and relationship.

Religion is what you do for God.

Relationship is what God has already done for you.

Religion is humanity’s attempt to reach God. Relationship is God reaching out to us—just like He did when He sent His Son to earth, extending love and grace to anyone willing to receive it.

Jesus didn’t come to give us religion. God isn’t interested in rituals or performances. God is interested in you—in a real relationship with Him.

The Christian life isn’t about trying to earn our way to heaven (as if we even could). It’s about knowing a real Person—Jesus. It’s about walking in relationship with your Creator, the Living God.

One of the biggest traps that steals joy is legalism.

Legalism says, I have to prove my love to God. Legalism trusts in what I do for God instead of what Jesus already did for me. It’s the belief that rules, rituals, restrictions, and religious effort somehow make me worthy.

But here’s the truth: we all fall short. Every one of us. We’re all in the same boat, needing Jesus just as much as the next person.

The more legalistic you become, the more critical and judgmental you tend to be. But the more you live in God’s grace, the more gracious you become toward others.

When you finally realize there’s nothing you can do to make God love you—because He already does—that’s freedom.

Remind yourself daily of God’s grace.

Philippians 3:9 says: “I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ… For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.”

If you seek Jesus—the relationship—He will change your desires. If you cooperate with the Holy Spirit—He will change you from the inside out.

The more time you spend with Him, the more like Him you’ll become. He does the changing. You do the following.

The things you once craved before knowing Jesus will slowly lose their grip. But the focus has to stay on Jesus—not on your shortcomings. And, not a list of religious activates.

Yes, you’ll fall short (we all do). So don’t run away in shame. Run to Jesus.