Striving to follow Jesus is more important than trying to follow rules of religion. We are not perfect, and following rules of religion leads to anxiety, disconnection, and hypocrisy. Jesus’s reason for starting the church was to create a community of people that are trying, day in and day out, to be a little bit more like Him. It was created to study the Bible and what He is trying to tell us about all He has in store, if we just follow Him.

A relationship with God is not stressed enough sometimes. There is more pressure on being enough, and seeming like a “good Christian” to others all of the time can take a toll on you and your well being. It is important to remember that our acceptance doesn’t come from mom or dad, it doesn’t come from church leaders, it doesn’t come from our mentors or people we look up to. Our acceptance comes from your heavenly Father, and here’s the deal y’all: you were accepted when His Son died on the cross. It was finished. He loves you for you, and that’s that. Jesus’s life here on Earth was for three things: Him to be our “middle man” between us and God, to die for our imperfect, sinful lives, and for us to have a direct example of how to do life.

His love for sinners, patience with humans, and care for those that need it most was perfect. There is no one that will ever be able to compare to Him, but we are called to model our lives after Him. He is our Savior, our Friend, the One we can always rely on. Following Him is the best decision you will ever make, simply because the logistics are dropped… you aren’t focusing on portraying to others the perfect religious life of a “good Christian,” because you will fail if that is your main focus — you are just living as Jesus has called you to.

When you look at your relationship with Jesus as more important with your relationship with religion, you create more authenticity between you and God. Would I consider myself a Christian? Sure! I love the holy church, I love God’s people, and I believe His Son died for my sins. I believe every word that is in the bible. When it comes to priorities and where I find my worth, however, that is solely in Jesus. I don’t seek it in pastors (although I love mine), or in my parents (although I love them a lot too), because if you place your hope for acceptance in humans, they will always let you down. Jesus has already called you into His arms, why not run as fast as you can into them?

Enjoy being in His presence and having that one on one relationship with Him, He cherishes it! He wants to hear about your perspective on everything that is going on in your life. He wants you to lean on Him with everything, He is more than capable of taking it on! Focus on your relationship before, and the religion He has called you to practice will follow.

Blessings,

Ash