As a Southern California corporate executive for the fastest growing fitness company in the world in the mid-1990s, I had the opportunity to experience the devastating effects of life in the fast lane without rules or boundaries. As a result, I often went with the flow of society and focused on everything that the world had to offer.
Throughout my 20s, I continued to run from God, searching for identity and truth in everything but His word. By age 28, I had climbed the corporate ladder. Money and success became my gods and ultimately controlled my life. I was driven, but for the wrong reasons. I felt a sense of purpose, but it often left me feeling empty. I was passionate, but for the wrong things. As a result of my misguided focus, my life took several unnecessary turns for the worse. By then, alcohol, anger, and arrogance had taken their toll—my life was crumbling around me.
At one time, I believed that I was strong because I could bench-press over 400 pounds, drink a 12-pack of beer, and win most of the fights I was in. What I failed to realize was that I was weak; I was dying spiritually. I didn’t have control of my life—my life had control of me.
Sometime later, still unfulfilled, depressed, and desperate for direction, I began to thumb through the pages of my Bible that was shelved long ago. Two Scriptures seemed to jump from the pages: “What does it profit you to gain the whole world but lose your soul?” (Luke 9:25), and, “When you hear God’s voice do not harden your heart against Him” (Psalm 95:7-8). I suddenly realized just how far I had drifted from the truth. I was at a turning point. I could choose to humble myself and turn to God, or continue to reject Him. By God’s grace, I put my complete trust in Him. Joy, happiness, and peace filled my heart. Within the months that followed, my passion and purpose for life became clearer than ever.
Looking back, I realize that I had religion but not a relationship. I lived in a Christian home, attended a Christian school, went to a Christian church, and read the Bible and prayed from time to time, but I was confusing religion and rules with a true relationship with Christ. I would “say” that I believed in Jesus when asked, but I never truly repented and put my trust in Him. I thought I was a Christian because I was basically a “good person.” This is a major distinction between religion and a relationship. Religion focuses on what “we” do; a relationship with Christ focuses solely on what “He” did.
Religion says, “I have to follow rules.” A relationship says, “Because of the price He paid for me, I want to follow His plan.”
Religion says, “I have to go to church.” A relationship says, “I want to learn more, worship Him, and benefit from fellowship.”
Religion lacks hope and assurance; a relationship with Jesus offers unfailing hope and assurance.
Religion says, “God will see my good works and let me into heaven.” A relationship says, “God will only see what Christ did on the cross—and whether I accept or reject Him.”
Contrary to popular opinion, the fruit of genuine faith is not found in religious involvement, visible acts of kindness, knowledge of Jesus, or even in the conviction of sin. Genuine faith is reflected in a transformed life, a love for God and His Word, sincere humility, selfless love, true repentance, and a disconnect from the world. If none of these characteristics are present, you too may have “religion” but not a “relationship.”
Good is never good enough. We are declared right before God when we put our trust in Christ, not in our “good” works. In passages where Jesus referred to helping those in need, following Him unconditionally, and dying to self, He was not saying that we are saved because we do these things, but rather, we do these things because we are saved. “My good works grow out of God’s working within me” (J.I. Packer).
Is your current belief system producing assurance, purpose, and peace, or is it bringing discouragement, disappointment, and despair? Jesus said that wisdom is proved to be right by what results from it (Matthew 11:19). Who, or what, is leading you—religious tradition and ritual, or a relationship with Jesus Christ? “There is no peace until we see the finished work of Jesus Christ—until we can look back and see the cross of Christ between our sins” (D.L. Moody).