Got (too much) Religion?

The other Day I addressed the problem of hypocrites and "Sunday morning Christians." Today, I would like to talk about a different problem within the church. The over religious Christians.


Take a minute to Read Luke 11: 37-44

Throughout Jesus' Ministry, the pharisees continually give him a hard time for not following "their" rules. In this passage particularly in Luke, the pharisees are taken aback when Jesus does not wash his hands before he eats. (in know...this is something we do every day...but back in this time period it was literally a religious ritual). I am sure Jesus was taking the opportunity to teach them a lesson. "Foolish Ones!" he says, "Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? But rather give alms of such things as you have; then indeed all things are clean to you." (Vs. 40-41).

He goes on to call them Hypocrites and say "woe to you" multiple times. But the point he is trying to make is very clear. The pharisees are too religious. Are we, as church going Christians, sometime too religious also? Every now and then we need to stop and ask our selves these questions.

1.) Have we closed our eyes to the truth?

• Just like the pharisees, sometimes we get caught up in our own world and our own rules. When this happens, we close our eyes to the Truth. The pharisees were content with their own religion the way it was...they didn't want Jesus stepping in and fixing their flaws. But with this attitude, they were blinded to the truth.

2.) Have we Changed the Rules?

• The pharisees had a HUGE problem with changing all the rules. God had given his people a list of commandments and rules to follow, But the pharisees had added many, many, many things to them. Like washing their hands as a ritual, for example.
• We need to be weary of confusing God's principles with our own preferences. For instance...is it really God's principles that we dress up for church, or is it our preference? Think about this...there are many underlined rules we follow within the church as if God had them written right into the Bible...
• We don't need to add so much extra baggage to our Faith that others feel they have to join a club and follow rules in order to become a Christian. This is a real problem...and this is why Jesus has a problem with the hypocrites and Religious.
• We need to be careful about Judging others based on our rules and preferences. We do not always know where that person has been and how far they have come. Next time you meet somebody at church dressed in holy pants and multiple tattoos...take time to think about how God may be working in their life. yeah...This convicted me too! ;)

3.) Are we craving Attention?

• It seems harsh to say this but it's something we need to be cautious of. The pharisees craved the attention they got from the public as religious men. Are we in the same boat here? I know I struggle with this from time to time.
• There is nothing wrong with being weary of your reputation as a christian. But is is for witnessing purposes? Or is it because the attention you might get from others who praise you for being a good Christian? Are you putting on a show for your neighbors, friends and parents? Or are you simply trying to please God in all that you do?

We need to constantly remember that "It's All About Him!" Jesus needs all the glory...not us! So in all that we do, his name should be lifted up. I would like to remind you about the difference between "Religious" and "Relationship." As Christians, we do not want to be religious...we want to have a relationship with God and Jesus Christ. When we are too religious, we are in danger or hindering that relationship.

Remember this Statement: "The Pharisees are proof that religious people will watch Jesus' every move and STILL miss who he really is."

Don't let yourself be blinded by the truth! And do not get carried away with rules that are not even biblical. If we are not careful, we can slowly become religious!

God Bless, Morgan