A letter to religion

Dear ______,

      I wonder what would people say, when I come out and say it, "I... am not a religious person at all, I don't like religion, I never have, and never will."

      It's strange that not many people know what the word Religion stands for, and yet we go around, so actively binding ourselves to that word. The root word of religion, is "to bind" - "to tie" - "to fasten".

     When Jesus came, did he come to preach religion, or freedom? Think about it for a second. Christian life isn't supposed to be a set of rules that you follow, a set of laws that you obey. It's a way of life, a choice of living, doing what is right, in obedience and accordance to the Father.

     How is this different from religion? Simple - Religion teaches us - say 300 prayers and observe 3000 laws, or you will go to hell.

    Christian freedom and life tells us "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind" and to 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.'

   Again, in all things, it comes down to choice. If God tells you "if you eat junk food everyday, you're going to suffer health problems", it becomes our choice whether we want to OBEY or not! The way of the world teaches us is that obedience, is slavery. No, it isn't. Obedience is borne out of love. Slavery, is servitude, out of fear.

    Let me give you an example: Recently I met a man (and his wife, but that's not the focus of the story) and he'd just walked into the house, leaving the front door wide open. Now, the area that I live in has a wonderful thriving community of mosquitoes just waiting to come in. So I up and asked that man

   "Is there anyone else outside?"

   His response? "There are angels out there."

   Can you hear that? That's the sound of me slapping my forehead in exasperation. Who says that?! Do you feel more respected by being so religious? Foolishness!

   For everything, there is a time, and there is a season, you don't plant grain when it's harvest time, you don't harvest when it's time to plant your grain! Be careful of what you say and when you say it! Saying something when the time is wrong will only lead to more chaos. Only a fool does not guard the words of his lips!

   Friends, be aware - your life, is a testimony to others. The world is already full of burdens and laws that bind and contradict. They weigh you down, they press you. Religion is just an over glorified way of the world. You who say you are Christians. Live your life by the words of Jesus, enough with wandering around worshiping religion. Your God isn't named Religion.

   Jesus did not come down to die for us, only for us to hand ourselves back into chains.Many of you have said that Christianity, followers of Christ, is a way of life, but how many of you actually understand what it means?

   Here's an interpretation of being a follower of Christ, a Christian:

 "...And you must love God with all your heart and with all your mind and with all your strength; and you must love your neighbor as you love yourself. It is more important to obey these two commandments than to offer on the altar animals and other sacrifices to God." 

Mar 12:33