Jesus Over ReligionSample

Dreadful Duty or Daily Delight?

“See, the problem with religion is it never gets to the core. It’s just behavior modification, a long list of chores.”

This spoken word went viral across news channels and social media in 2012. We see religion as this chore-filled contract. A contract of the “do’s and don’ts” of what it means to follow Jesus. “I just need to follow these rules and cross off the to do list: reading my Bible (I can do that, a chapter a day should only take about 5-10 minutes), going to church on Sunday (Yes. I can give up church when it’s convenient), tithing (Hmm... maybe I’ll consider going over and beyond what is expected of me and then God will follow his side of the contract...right?”)

Except Jesus tore the veil 2000 years ago—from top to bottom. Jesus died on the cross, lightning struck, and earthquakes shook the earth as the contract separating children from entering the presence of God and experiencing the love of their Father was now void. The greatest news in all of human history gets molded into this melancholic model. You wake up, think to yourself, “I better be a good Christian today and sprinkle a little Jesus in my day. Maybe I’ll read a verse or two, or a whole chapter if I’m feeling bold, and I’ll judge those who don’t.” Or you wake up, as with every other religion in the world, and think, “I must work hard enough so that I can be accepted. I have to earn my right standing with God.” 

Jesus saw us climbing up, working, and striving and He knew there was no making it. 

Religion grades righteousness on a spectrum. Jesus grades righteousness on the cross. Our dreadful duty became a daily delight as Genesis 1:27 was restored. We were made in the image of God. We were made for a relationship WITH God. We were wired for relationships. Crafted for connection and for companionship. Designed for discipleship. Jesus is FOR relationship.

Seeking to obey God from a heart of devotion instead of obligation is where transformation begins. This is where connection happens. This is where your relationship with Jesus will flourish.

Jesus is over religion.