Do you follow Christianity or do you follow Jesus? Wow, Madison, what a weird question? Really think about it though. Are you following the modern day church and the rules they set for you, or do you follow the acts and teachings of Jesus Christ? I highly suggest watching Jefferson Bethke's spoken word video "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus." He is very well spoken and is the inspiration for this article.
I've grown up as a Christian in the south. Literally in the "Bible Belt." Many claim to "Southern Baptist" around the areas I have grown up in. Let me tell you, some of these "Christians" make me want to pull my hair out. They follow the ways of the church and people and not the ways of Christ.
I remember some of the Christian groups on my college campus treating me different because I wasn't a part of their club. Some real Jesus loving attitudes right there (I say that very sarcastically).
Are all Christians this way? No! Not everyone who claims Christianity as their religion chooses to be like this. Do all churches conform to these ways? No! Many churches make it their goal to be different and accepting of everyone.
What are the ways of the Church and how do you know if someone is following the religion and not Christ?
These churches and people put themselves on a pedestal. They make people think they are less for not worshiping the same as they do, or not going to church every Sunday. They are too good to hang out with anyone but their Christian church friends. They are quick to point out the faults in others lives and look over their own. They use the Bible to justify their actions and flap it around like it's the only way to make it to heaven. They may say they are a humble servant of God but their actions speak differently.
Hate to break it to them, but God loves all kinds of worship. Any time of day you are 100% allowed to worship. While Sundays are a great day to connect with God, they are not the only day to connect. While some people's mornings are peaceful and have time to study the word, some people are not. It does not matter what time of day you find time to spend with God.
It doesn't matter how you spend time with God. Nothing is wrong having a quiet time to sit and read the word. Nothing is wrong with listening to worship music while you workout. That's still worshiping God. Listening to a Podcast that discusses Christ on your daily commute is worship. Using your talents is worshiping God. Especially since he blessed you with them.
Jesus was never too good for anyone. He of all people had the most right to act like he was perfect because he was. No! Jesus hung out with the scum of the Earth and didn't care. Jefferson Bethke hits the nail on the head saying "If Jesus came to your church, would they actually let him in?". How are we supposed to spread the word of God to the people who need it the most when we never leave our comfortable religious social circle. No one is too bad for God. Your brokenness is welcomed.
All in all, I want this to be a challenge to all Christians, to stop and think. Are they following Jesus or are they following a religion. No, seriously. Do people know you are a Christian by your Facebook or by your actions?
