It may surprise you to learn that I am not in the least bit religious. I'm not inclined to follow any rule or statute just for the sake of doing so. I don't attend a church in hopes of receiving a perfect attendance award at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
Beyond the generic term (which is widely misunderstood), religion is the sad residual result that naturally occurs when devotion and adoration ebb away. It is the ghost-like remains of fellowship when hearts are lured into worldly matters and opaqueness creeps in to hinder our connection to the source of all life. If you think of a couple who remain married after the love is gone (for the kids, they say), you have a good idea of what religion is to me.
No - I am not religious. You will not hear me recommending one denomination over another - but (rather) admiring anyone who is truly faithful to Jesus no matter what fellowship they call "home".
I am not in the least bit religious - but I am madly in love with my God. I adore My King and My God, Jesus - who created me knowing that I would need to be redeemed, and then paid an unfathomable price to purchase my redemption. Because I adore Him, I do as He says - I follow what He teaches - I am fascinated by His laws and by His incredible wisdom. He is Good. I therefore read His Word and learn something new from Him each and every day.
He is the great adventure - the reason we were placed here to begin with. Life under any other term is a total waste.
Don't misunderstand me - I am not railing against membership in a local body (what we call going to a "church"). Gathering together is an altogether worthy and noble thing to do. It is indeed essential to be joined in fellowship one to another. But that fellowship should never become the focus of our faith - the reason we belong. Our relationship with our Lord is personal (first) - and must always remain pure and holy.
It may surprise you to learn that Jesus isn't religious either. He insists on being your first-love or nothing at all. Luke-warmness makes Him ill. You might accurately say of Him that He is the original "all or nothin' kinda guy". Many scriptures bear this out (John said to love the world was to hate God, remember...).
Love The Lord your God with all your mind, with all your heart, with all your soul - and then your neighbor as yourself.
Please do not settle for religion. True, heartfelt, passionate love between you and Jesus is the only way.
Your brother and servant in Christ Jesus our Lord,
Mark Scott Grimmett GoldenLight Ministries
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