What Faith Do You Live?

Do you practice religion?

Yes, I practice religion and I live relationship. Since 2007, I have lived a life committed to the teachings of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Following Jesus involves both a religion and a relationship. I am a Christian.

My Christian faith is more than a practice. It’s a lifestyle. It’s both a religion and a relationship.

What does that look like exactly?

Following Jesus encompasses both a religion and a relationship, and understanding this dual aspect brings profound meaning to my spiritual journey, as it can for yours also.

Religion Builds the Framework

Religion, in the context of Christianity, provides structure and practices that help believers grow in their faith.

This includes regular participation in corporate worship, prayer, reading and studying the Bible, and observing sacraments like baptism and communion.

• Worship and Sacraments: “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).
• Study of Scripture: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

These practices not only foster a sense of community but also help guide believers in living according to God’s will. Religion teaches us how to live.

Relationship Strengthens Our Walk

Beyond religious practices, following Jesus is deeply personal. It involves a direct, heartfelt relationship with Him, characterized by love, trust, and commitment. God is interested in a personal relationship with each of us. [You and me, included.]

• Invitation to Relationship: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
• Abiding in Christ: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me” (John 15:4).

This relationship is nurtured through personal prayer, meditation on God’s Word, and seeking His presence in daily life. Relationships involve spending time together. Through this intentional investment, we grow closer to Christ on a daily basis.

Integrating Both is Key

The relationship with Jesus enriches religious practices, making them more meaningful and life-giving, while the structure of religion supports and deepens the personal relationship with Him. It’s a both/and eternal investment.

• Living Out Faith: “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22).
• Love and Commandments: “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

Christianity as a religion provides the framework and community for living out faith, while the relationship with Jesus offers a deeply personal and transformative experience. Both aspects are integral and mutually enriching, guiding believers towards a fuller, more abundant life in Christ. We need both for either to be healthy.

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Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today with hearts yearning to deepen our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. Lord, we seek to cultivate a relationship with You that is nurtured by our religious practices and rooted in genuine love and devotion to Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Help us, O Lord, to remember the words of Jesus in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” May we embrace this truth in our daily lives, recognizing that our relationship with Jesus is the path to knowing You more intimately.

Guide us in our walk of faith, that we may not merely follow religious rituals but engage in a vibrant, living relationship with Jesus. Let our actions, thoughts, and words reflect the love and teachings of Christ. May we be transformed by the renewing of our minds and strengthened by Your Holy Spirit to live out our faith with authenticity and grace.

Lord, we pray for the courage to carry our crosses daily and to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, understanding that this journey requires sacrifice, humility, and unwavering trust in Your plan for our lives. Help us integrate our faithful worship of You through our religious practices so that we are able to experience the fullness of life that comes from a true relationship with You.

We ask this in the name of Your precious Son, Jesus Christ and by the power of Your mighty Holy Spirit.

Amen.

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How can you take a step today to deepen your relationship with Jesus?

Praying for us. We are all works in progress.

You are loved.

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™