Relationship, not Religion

Have you heard that phrase before? "It's not religion. It's a relationship." Like WWJD bracelets did a few years back, this phrase has become quite popular among Christians. We don't practice a religion; we have a relationship with Jesus.

When my friend, Mark, died a few weeks ago, this phrase grabbed me. It was like God said, "Think about it, Karen. Really think about this. I have something important for you to understand." And so, I have been thinking. And praying. And reading scripture about Jesus' life here on earth.

It's easy to think about the relationship and focus on our own relationship with Jesus. In fact, a personal relationship with Jesus is vital to Christian growth. But, I think it goes deeper. Jesus certainly did.

Christianity is founded in faith in Christ, a confidence in eternal life that stems from our relationship with Him. Yet, after Jesus' death and resurrection, He asked for more.

In the "Great Commission," Jesus instructed the disciples to... "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matt. 28: 19-20)

I think we can have a relationship with Jesus, a deep, personal relationship with Him. But, if we don't invest in relationships with others, we miss the point of it all. If you are a believer, like me, great. But, if we're not investing in others, are we really living the way Jesus asked? Are we living the way Jesus did? Not really.

When Mark died, I knew him pretty well. I knew the prayer of his heart. I knew his work took him out of town regularly. I knew he had a passion for the people of India (where work travel took him). I knew he had three sons. I knew he was an incredibly gifted, passionate storyteller who loved the kids at our church.

I didn't know he came from California. I didn't know he had an adult daughter with two sons of her own. I didn't know a lot.

His passing was a wake-up call to me. His life - and death - remind me to slow down and take the time to get to know the people in my world. Through Mark, God has given me a new understanding of "relationship, not religion." I want to listen more to my friends. I want to ask more questions and understand better. I want to be willing to invest more than a little in the people that God has placed in my life.

How about you? Are you caught up in your world sometimes, too? Why not join me in this prayer to make a difference through genuine relationships?

Dear Lord,
You are amazing, God. Your Word is complete and perfect. You sent Your Son to show us exactly what a friend is. You sent Him to guide us and take our place on the cross. Please forgive me for not taking my blinders off sometimes. Forgive me for being insensitive to my friends, my family members, and even the store clerks. Thank you for the model You gave us in Jesus. Thank you for the nudge You have given me through my friend, Mark. Help me not to forget this lesson, Lord. Please open my eyes and my heart to my friends. Slow me down when I need it. Remind me to care enough to stop when my friends need it. Open my ears, God, to the needs of people around me. Soften me and let me be willing to draw close to others.
In Jesus' precious name I pray,
Amen