Breaking the Stained Glass Barrier of Religion...
by D.L. Preacher

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has
become bogged down, burned out, discouraged,
and irritated with modern-day-religion...  I thought
church was suppose to be a friendly place where
people could go to find salvation, peace, and rest
for the soul... Why is it that so many people of so
many congregations of so many churches seem to
be holier-than-thou, self-righteous, hypocritical
snobs?  Why is it that so many churches seem
to be huge money-making corporations?  Would
Jesus approve of the way we are conducting what
is "suppose" to be HIS work?  Am I being too hard on these people and their churches?  Am I way off the mark here?

If this sounds like your experience with modern-day-religion then you may agree with the above assessment and be asking yourselves the same questions.  I will say that not all congregations and churches are this way and not all people have these types of personalities.  In a perfect world, church would not be just "a religion."  According to our friend Webster, religion is suppose to be a specific system of belief or worship, etc. built around God, a code of ethics, a philosophy of life, etc.  I think that anyone can do something "religiously."  I shower and brush my teeth religiously - I do this every day.  But to really have a life changing experience with God, our Creator, and to treat others with respect, dignity, genuineness, and love takes more than just today's "religion" people.  We may need to practice certain things "religiously" in order to remember them or to make these things a regular part of our lives.  However, when it comes to true salvation and a changed heart, only God can accomplish this on an individual level.  And borrowing from Webster's definition of religion, we really should build our code of ethics and philosophy of life around God and what He has given to us in His word (the Bible).

Unfortunately like so many other things in this world "church" has become big business.  It has become the "Who Has The Biggest and Best" church media campaign.  Our "church" is not going to be what gets us into heaven.  Hopefully, the "fundamental doctrines of the faith" are being taught there and people are positively affected by the gospel truth.  Hopefully, people are receiving salvation through Jesus Christ.  Hopefully, our churches are not missing the mark while focusing on the "all mighty dollar" and trying to be like corporate America.

Believe in God.  Receive salvation through Jesus Christ.  Have Faith in God.  Trust in God.  Live an orderly life.  Love one another.
Sign InView Entries
email me
Relax
Relate
Religion
Website best viewed using
Internet Explorer
Just In Time
Online Magazine
April 2009