by: Staci Stallings
Have you ever noticed your faith feeling much more like duty than a genuine want in your life? Have you ever read the Bible because you should? Have you ever pushed through going to church because you’re supposed to go?
If so, then you know how empty religion without relationship can be.
God never meant for us to have religion. The Pharisees had religion, and Jesus wasn’t overly impressed with them. Religion is a system. Relationship is a Person named Jesus Christ.
If all you have is religion, empty probably describes you.
There’s a book I read awhile ago about being a burned out Christian, and it was so true. We work rather than rest. We serve and minister from empty vessels, causing us to become bitter and regretful. Empty religion will get you nowhere.
In fact, look at Martha in the Martha and Mary story. Mary is sitting at Jesus’s feet, soaking Him and His presence in. Martha is “serving and ministering,” and boy, is she not happy about it.
Are you?
Are you happy with the service you are giving to the church–to God’s people, to His Kingdom?
If not, I would like to carefully suggest that you are practicing empty religion when instead you should be seeking relationship with God.
How?
Go to the well. Often.
Sit at His feet. Listen to His Word.
Not because you have to, but because you want to.
It will make all the difference not just in your service and your ministry, but in you as well.
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