Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are one earth.Colossians 3:2
Lately the voice of religiosity has been yakking to me loud and clear; most times during different bible studies and general conversation as I join Jesus on His Mission. You see the term is used to refer to excessive involvement that goes beyond the norm for a person maybe of a similar faith. But it causes me to ask the question often in class, how are we different than the world?
My question is not based on milk but a reminder, we are not of this World! Usually I get a legalistic Sunday school Confirmation lecture from those true believers. They sound so instructive that centers around a promotion of religion, Not based on “Christian religion” which is “the faithful observance of the teachings of Jesus Christ and His apostles.” Is anyone Listening? Let’s be gracious to one another using wisdom with love is my cry: “Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters” Romans 14:1.
Sadly, there are those who feel so strongly about non-essential doctrines that they will run others out of their fellowship, not even allowing the expression of another viewpoint (making them become silent). Critical spirits are no fun to be around; neither are they fun to possess. That, too, is legalism. Many legalistic believers today make the error of demanding unqualified observance to their own biblical understandings and even to their own traditions and rituals. For example, there are those who feel that to be spiritual one must simply avoid saying how and I, because you forget to include the Holy Spirit (you fill in the blank, etc.). The truth is that avoiding these thingamajigs is no guarantee of spirituality.
So, Is it an individual belief or the content of the actual religion? Though a bit different, legalism is somewhat akin to it and the,” Band does not know it is playing, the same song over and over”. You see have we become creatures of habit both Christians and non-Christians using this,” religiosity” to refer to those who have replaced their God with their religion.
Now I am very watchful here and remind my selves that we do not know the thoughts and intentions of others. While we need to be courteous to one another and patient of disagreement over disputable matters, we cannot accept heresy. We are exhorted to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints Jude 3. If we remember these guidelines and apply them in love and mercy, we will be safe from both legalism and heresy.
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” 1 John 4:1.
In some of my bible classes we listen to the teacher’s explanation of the why’s (defining that as sin) of the worlds when you ask,” how do we stay focused on Christ”. But for us like minded Christians, religiosity occurs when we focus on church activity, rules that often go beyond actual biblical commands, tradition, and pet doctrines rather than on relationships with God.
Even those who follow Christ can find it tough to stay fixated on Christ. This is when our teachings from the Bible offer to help us stay focused? In Matthew 13, Jesus gives the parable of the sower that includes insight in this area. In explaining the parable, He shares, “As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful” You see the cares of this world and desire for wealth can cause people to no longer be focused on Christ.
So, what can Christians do to steer clear of religiosity? Being active, obedience to God’s commands, traditions, and doctrinal discussions are not wrong. It is a matter of heart. When our motivation to obey or to be involved in religious activity is opposite of who we belong to, who we are, our purpose in life involves looking good to others to earn our salvation, rather than to love God and bless Him, we have bought into the religiosity of “me”.
Focus daily on the truth of the Gospel-that we are sinners saved by grace into a life-giving relationship with our Creator Ephesians 2:8-10; John 10:10. Then we need to join Jesus on his mission wholeheartedly and practice the following: seeking the kingdom, hearing Jesus, doing good in the community and pray as He changes us completely, making us new 2 Corinthians 5:17;1 Peter 1:3
Why is it so hard to see the world for what it is: a sin-filled place of desperate need. The darker the world is to us, the more clearly the light of Christ will stand out. It’s not hard to focus on a light in a darkened room. “We . . . have the prophetic message as absolutely trustworthy, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” 2 Peter 1:19. Those who stay focused on Christ will find their perspective on worldly things changing. We need to stop wallowing, whining, and complaining and grab onto God’s joy. Just like salvation, joy is a free and perfect gift from Him, and we must reach out and accept that gift focusing on Christ and his eternal Kingdom.
“I said to myself, “Look, I have increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.” Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind. For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief”. Ecclesiastes 1:16-18
As Helen Lemmel says in her hymn, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, / Look full in His wonderful face, / And the things of earth will grow strangely dim / In the light of His glory and grace.”
God Bless You and This Ministry!
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