From my X / Twitter “For you” feed this morning -
“‘CHRISTIANITY IS A RELATIONSHIP, NOT A RELIGION!’ We’ve been repeating this phrase in Christianity for decades, but … it’s problematic
The longer I’ve done ministry the more I’ve realized this phrase is usually just code for ‘I can live however I want and still claim to love Jesus.’ The majority of Christians who say this are using this term to justify their disobedience and rebellion to God. It’s a way of escaping any accountability and branding it under the banner of love.
The problem with this idea that Christianity isn’t a religion but a relationship is that it sets these two things against themselves as if they are opposing, creating a false dichotomy. It deceives people into thinking that they have to choose between a religion and a relationship.
It’s actually both A RELIGION AND A RELATIONSHIP.
The word religion literally comes from the Latin ‘religare’ which means ‘to bind’ or ‘obligation.’
Binding speaks of a covenant.
Religion is a set of boundaries and expectations that God has to be in relationship with Him.
Helathy relationship requires boundaries and obligations. When I said yes to my husband, I was saying no to every other man. I am now bound to him and I must remain faithful to him for the rest of my days.
If you truly love Jesus - you will honor him.
You will put Him first.
TO LOVE JESUS IS TO OBEY HIS COMMANDS.”
(Millicent Sedra)
(Bold is mine.)
“‘CHRISTIANITY IS A RELATIONSHIP, NOT A RELIGION!’ We’ve been repeating this phrase in Christianity for decades, but … it’s problematic
The longer I’ve done ministry the more I’ve realized this phrase is usually just code for ‘I can live however I want and still claim to love Jesus.’ The majority of Christians who say this are using this term to justify their disobedience and rebellion to God. It’s a way of escaping any accountability and branding it under the banner of love.
The problem with this idea that Christianity isn’t a religion but a relationship is that it sets these two things against themselves as if they are opposing, creating a false dichotomy. It deceives people into thinking that they have to choose between a religion and a relationship.
It’s actually both A RELIGION AND A RELATIONSHIP.
The word religion literally comes from the Latin ‘religare’ which means ‘to bind’ or ‘obligation.’
Binding speaks of a covenant.
Religion is a set of boundaries and expectations that God has to be in relationship with Him.
Helathy relationship requires boundaries and obligations. When I said yes to my husband, I was saying no to every other man. I am now bound to him and I must remain faithful to him for the rest of my days.
If you truly love Jesus - you will honor him.
You will put Him first.
TO LOVE JESUS IS TO OBEY HIS COMMANDS.”
(Millicent Sedra)
(Bold is mine.)
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