When most people think of Christians, they think of a group of people who reads a book called the Bible all the time and try to live by it as well as persuade others to also. What's the big deal about this book? It holds our instructions on how we are to act and how we are to live. God uses it to speak to us and teach us lessons that need to be taught. It also holds valid historical accounts, making it credible, and giving us interesting stories to read and receive from based upon personal interpretation in some places and simple absorbson in others. While I do see the bible as a very wonderful gift to man kind, I feel that the church has put far too much emphasis on it. What I mean by that is Christianity is not about the Bible. The bible is a tool, a hitch hikers guide to Jesus so to speak. It is not what being a Christian is though.
You may have heard this or read it in countless of Christians religion choice on facebook : "It's not a religion, it's a relationship." That is true, but do you understand what that really means? By definition it means:
"a connection, association, or involvement." Having a relationship with God is no different than the relationships we have on earth. THIS is what the church is missing. We treat God like this almighty smitter who sits on a throne and looks down upon us. "Now bow your heads" and every person will bow their head, fold their hands, and some even bend their knees. Have you ever spoken to your best friend in this manner? I highly doubt it. We are made in His image (Gen 1:26)! He has the same emotions as we do, He talks like we do, and He is no different than we are! (Except sin, we created that) Jesus (God) was just like every other human right? If anyone ever bowed down to Him, or treated Him how we treat God today, He did not like it! To have a relationship with God, you must treat Him like your best friend, your family, your spouse, no different than any other human. Talk to Him all day long, laugh with Him, joke with Him, and I promise after you get over the awkwardness, you will more than likely say that you have never felt so close to God and so happy. Treat this relationship no different than one you might have with a significant other. How do you feel if they don't talk to you much or at all in one day, or if they stopped spending time with you? I cannot speak for Him, but maybe that's how he feels.
This is what the church is missing. This is why so many go astray once they leave church and their families for college or career. It's because they do not have a relationship with Christ. Reading your bible every day will not get you into heaven. Good deeds will not grant you a seat next to Jesus. I often wonder if even those who strictly obey His word, standards of living set by the bible, will experience heaven if they do not hold the relationship aspect. After all, God says that He will even send those who perform miracles and cast out demons in His name because He "never knew them." (Matt 7:23)
Having a relationship with God is more important than anything. It means nothing to read your bible every day if you are only doing it because your pastor or church mentor told you to do so. We must look at devotions, worship, and church as a whole in a different way. Think of how you get close with someone you really like (romantically). You spend quality time with them! You set time aside to get to know that person better and because you like their company. This can be done as equally easy as spending time with someone you really like. Think of devotions, reading your bible or a christian aid (pretty much anything in LifeWay book store, books, movies, music etc.) as like your "date" with Him. When something happens, whether funny, sad, threatening, etc., tell Him. You will find yourself laughing more often and it will only become easier and easier.
As far as Sunday morning church, church is a place where fellow believers can come to fellowship and lift each other up in their faith. It should be a place where you can ask tough questions and talk about the things you are struggling with. It is a place where we give God praise, not a place where we judge who the best christian is. God is the judge of that, only he can see your heart. I am sorry, but if I can predict exactly when someone is going to do something with a count down and always be right, it's not sincere. God does not acknowledge that and I bet it only makes Him sick. You don't need to always lift your hands during worship, appear to be praying, or get on your knees and cry for God to see you or for you to be a "good christian." Be sincere, if it become a habitual for you to do something then stop. Humans always feel like they must move and do something, especially in the busy world we live in where nothing is fast enough. If you are compelled, that is God. If you can't stand to not raise your hands or fall on your knees crying in prayer, that's God. I'm so sick of playing church and watching everyone else just simply go along with it. As Christians, WE are the church. Not a building. I do not have to go to a particular building, sit in a particular chair, listen to a particular person, and wear particular things to be a good christian and to be a part of a "church." Church is where ever you are. When I am hanging out with my friends who are Christians and we are enjoying one anothers company and conversation, that is church.
Christianity has become too political. Where is the freedom? Being a Christian already isn't the easiest thing, and churches aren't making it any easier. The message needs to change, it's time for a revolution.
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