Elect Lady's Corner

Sometimes we have so many buzz words they can buzz us right out of our foundation. A buzz word can be a “word or phrase, often an item of jargon, that is fashionable at a particular time or in a particular context.” It has been said buzz words often derive from technical terms, yet often have much of the original technical meaning removed through fashionable use, being simply used to impress others. 

That brings me to my subject: “Relationally Religious!” Growing up as a child, I don’t remember anyone having a problem with being called religious, it was a good thing to have or to be. As a matter of fact, if you were religious, you were considered a Christian with good moral values. They would sing songs like: “Have you got good religion? And the reply would be: “Certainly Lord! Have got good religion? Certainly Lord!  

Have you got good religion? Certainly Lord! Certainly, certainly, certainly Lord! But nowadays, a Christian can be anyone who mentions the name of Jesus! They don’t have to be religious or have a relationship with God! So, really, being a Christian too, has also become a buzz word! But the original definition of religion has lost its value because we have allowed culture to dictate its true meaning.

The original definition of religion was very simple: “the belief in a divine or superhuman power or powers to be obeyed and worshipped as the Creator and ruler of the Universe; a specific system of belief, worship, or conduct, etc. often involving a code of ethics and a philosophy i.e. a Christian religion, or any other religion; a particular system of faith and worship; a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance.” So, these definitions are what I have based my religion on in the past and still do today! 

James 1:27 said; “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” Therefore, I strive to keep myself from conforming to the world by living a holy life. Otherwise, how can I have a relationship with God unless I have a pure religion out of a pure heart according to the word of God. So, even though culture and even churches have portrayed the word religion in a very negative connotation, that’s not true according to the Word of God. 

Religion is only bad when it’s false or has no power! 2 Timothy 3:5 said: “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:5 (NLT) said: “They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them Godly…”  So if non-religious people call themselves atheist or agnostic, how can you claim to be a Christian and be non-religious? 

Are your views based upon culture or the Word of God? It has been said according to culture and many churches to be religious you are legal, (thank you for the compliment because I certainly don’t want to be illegal), you’re controlling (Amen, I certainly don’t want to be out of control, when the Bible said to let everything be done decently and in order), you’re religious (Well, according to the scripture I certainly don’t want to be non-religious because I become defiled). So now, let’s define relationship. 

It is defined as: “the way in which 2 or more people are connected, or the way they behave toward each other.” When we have a relationship with God it is a constant communication with God through His word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit that directs the way we live our lives. Most of all, our relationship with God becomes stronger as we “love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind and with all our strength; which in return should prompt us to love others as we love ourselves.” (Mark 12:29-31) 

Therefore, I have not changed my mind about God, I have not changed my relationship with Him, and neither have I changed my conviction to religiously serve God. So, because I believe, it’s good to have a relationship and religion to serve God, I consider myself: “Relationally Religious” in my love for Jesus Christ!