Blog
Everyone has a religion. Everyone worships something. Everyone lives by faith.
And by everyone, I mean . . . everyone.
Pay close attention, and you can see a person’s religion and object of worship simply by listening to the words they say. Faith statements aren’t just made in church services. Faith statements are made on the news, in the workplace, on social media, in blog posts, at political rallies, and at the grocery store. There is not a place you can go where you will not hear statements of faith.
Now, I know you probably wouldn’t label Chris Cuomo and Don Lemon as “religious leaders,” but they absolutely are!
Their words reveal three things:
1) their religious system
2) their object of worship
3.) their faith in a higher power
Let’s break it down further:
- The religious system. The foundation of their religion lies in the belief that “we can do it on our own.” Their religion believes that man is good, and if we all can just find the good within ourselves, the world will be a better place.
- The object of worship. They worship the self. They don’t need God, and they don’t need Jesus. They worship their own humanity and intellect.
- Faith in a higher power. They believe (by faith) there’s a higher power in all of us. If we just access that higher power within, peace will come to the world.
I’ll say it again.
Everyone has a religion. Everyone worships something. Everyone lives by faith.
Religion is man’s best attempt to bring peace into the world. It’s doing what’s best for you, and hoping for good outcomes.
Worship is the thing you value most in your life.
Faith is the belief or trust you put in something or someone.
Sure, you could put your trust and hope in people to make the world a better place. We’ve been trying for years and we haven’t succeeded yet. I love people, but I’m not about to put my eternal hope and future in their hands.
What Jesus offers is far better than what people offer. Jesus offers relationship with God.
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
Jesus offers us something far better than religion. He offers us a relationship with the Heavenly Father. The foundation of this relationship is not based on your attempt to be good before a perfect God. The foundation is God being good to you through the sacrifice of his son Jesus Christ.
Jesus offers a full life.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
The word full means abundantly overflowing. Jesus offers you a life that is full deep and full wide. It’s full deep (depth) when we live in the fullness of God’s love and peace. It’s full wide (breadth) when we realize the life he offers is forever eternal. It doesn’t end!
Jesus offers peace and victory.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
This is so important: Jesus doesn’t just offer us peace without victory (like the team who lost the championship but they are at peace with it). Jesus doesn’t offer us victory without peace (like the team who won the championship by cheating and the win is tainted). He offers us peace and victory. We can have peace in the trouble knowing that ultimately King Jesus is victorious over our enemies.
So . . .
Be careful who you listen to. There are lots of religious leaders out there pushing (by faith) a manmade system of religion and an object of worship. Religion doesn’t always come in the form of temples, idols, gods, or sackcloth. Sometimes it shows up in the news, in science books, in stadiums, or at your local park.
There’s only one who is worthy of your faith and trust. His name is Jesus. He’s pursuing you today no matter where you are. Trade in religion for relationship. You won’t regret it!
Copyright © 2020 by Andy Comer @ https://www.andycomer.org/blog/everyone-has-a-religion-heres-your-proof/. Used with permission.
No part of this article may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from Lifeword.org.