Religion
Noun\ re·li·gion \ri-ˈli-jən\

• : the belief in a god or in a group of gods
• : an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods
• : an interest, a belief, or an activity that is very important to a person or group

This is the definition of religion according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. I'm so sick of people just being religious. I'm sick of Christians not embodying what a Christian should be. I'm sick of them being judgmental to others. I'm sick of the "religious" people making others hate Christianity.

Religion says there are just rules and regulations to being a Christian. Jesus says otherwise. Jesus died so that we could have an actual relationship with him. We put so much thought into the commandments and rules. However, if you have an actual relationship with him, you'll do those things because you're close to him.

Christianity is about being like Christ. Christ went against the rules of the time when he was here. He was healing people on the Sabbath. He touched lepers. He forgave the woman at the well. He spoke in favor of the woman who was supposed to get stoned. He was not judgmental! Judgement belongs to God and God alone. It is not your job as a Christian to judge people or say whether or not they are worthy of salvation. In all honesty, you weren't worthy of it either, but Jesus still died for you!

Christianity is about being close to Christ. It's about listening for his voice. It's about reading His word. It's about love. If you are interested in Christianity solely to get to Heaven, you're missing out. His love has so much more to offer you.

Jesus only gave one call to his disciples, and that was to "follow him." There was only one call. In following Jesus, they gave up everything. One couldn't bury his father. One couldn't say goodbye to his family. They gave everything. I am so sick of this American version of Christianity that God won't send people to hell, that God isn't going to give you tough things to go through. None of that is true. The God of the Bible asks us to give up everything. He asks us to crucify our flesh and be born again in him. Jesus taught about the righteousness of God. He never said follow your own will and I'll help as soon as you half-heartedly ask for my help. He simply said follow me.