Some people might read that title and fall back in their seats because they know how much I have always loved the Lord. But while sitting in Campus Outreach this week, I remembered how I, like other Christians, should not claim Christianity as a religion.
Out of habit, my whole life I have told people I was religious, just to show them I claimed something over nothing. Then, when they proceeded to ask me what I believed in, I told them I was a Christian. While it’s true I am a Christian, I do not deserve that type of title.
As a sinner (aka human), I fall overly short of the title “Christian”. I may be a follower of Christ, but I “always fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). I try to be like Him. I try to love my enemies, tithe every time I get paid, tell the truth, and many other “Christianly” things. But what happens at the end of the day? While I may have loved my enemies, I have most definitely sinned in other ways. Satan follows us around like a dog. No matter where we go, he’s knocking at the door and trying to make us fall again. And guess what… I always mess up. So what makes me think I deserve a title with the Lord’s name in it? Oh, I don’t. I have never had a day in my life that I deserve the title “Christian.”
That’s the funny thing about this supposed religion. That’s it… it isn’t actually a religion. It’s a relationship. Going to church and praying before your meals might mean you’re religious. Telling people you’re a Christian might mean you’re religious. Although I do all of those things, there’s a little more under the surface.
Each day I spend time in the Word, so that the Lord can give me a little pep talk for the day. Basically a, “Hey Bekah, I love you. You’re my perfect child and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You’re gonna rock this day, so go get ‘em.” After that, I strive to act different. My goal at the end of each day is to make at least one person think to themselves, “Wow, what’s different about her? Why is she so happy when she just failed that test?” I know I can never succeed to be even close to the person Jesus was when He was on earth, but that’s the difference between a religion and relationship.
While you might believe the same things I do, a relationship is making sure you are always trying to make the Lord your priority. Reaching out to Him, because He’s reaching out to you. Nothing is more rewarding than knowing that you’re still a screwed up human, but have a best friend who always forgives you and loves you. A best friend who always gives you a 75th chance, because you’ve royally messed up every other time. What human could ever have the kind of grace, patience, love and forgiveness as our awesome God? No human… only the maker of our amazingly perfect yet flawed earth. And I’m lucky enough to have a relationship with that guy.
