On Easter we all gathered out at Pat and Dawn Morris' for a great celebration. It was something like the 30th year we have done this and it was wonderful again. This time there was about 125 gathered. Pat led us with a really great communion toast, a few remembered Him together in small groups as they brok bread together. I saw some healing, come growing, some service and a ton of love all afternoon. The children played, Pat shot people with a water gun...and a rattler with something more potent, the men played washers and a fribie game all afternoon. Everyone laughed, loved and celebrated what a life in Christ lived in fellowship is all about. If you are reading this you were probably there, if you missed it...sorry. We missed you to. That got me to thinking abut how different the religion of Christianity is from the reality of a life lived in relationship. Wayne Jacobsen http://lifestream.org/bodylife.php?blid=57 asked these questions in a Body Life Article. See if you are living in relationship or Religion.
• When God is a distant concept to you instead of a real presence.
• When you find yourself following another man, woman, or a set of principles instead of following Jesus.
• When fear of eternity, not measuring up, or falling into error drives your actions.
• When you find yourself in empty rituals that do not connect you in a real way to him.
• When you are burdened by the expectations of others and feel guilty when you can't do enough.
• When you look at others who struggle with contempt instead of compassion.
• When the approval of others means more to you than remaining in the reality of his love.
• When you hesitate to be honest about your doubts or struggles because others will judge you.
• When you think of holiness as an unachievable duty, rather than a glorious invitation.
• When you think righteousness depends on your efforts instead of his grace working in you.
• When following him is more about obligation than affection.
• When correcting someone's doctrine is more important than loving them.
• When God seems more present on Sunday morning, than he does on Monday.
What do you think? Is it a religion or relationship for you?
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1 comment:
Well put Don! Perhaps it is the age thing and the loss of zeal from youthfulness that tends to lead some astray. The message has not changed only us. Oh, to experience the exhuberance of youthful, innocent understanding of Jesus and to have that intimacy once again!
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