Relationship vs. Religion


I was thinking about my relationship with God after reading Sara's post. She is quite thought provoking, isn't she?

I started thinking about how God has always made His presence known in my life but I didn't always acknowledge it. Blessing upon blessing. I didn't always say thank You.

I didn't always consult God before I made a major life decision. I didn't consult with Him even in the smallest of matters. And some of those small matters, or at least what I deemed as small matters, ended up being life changers.

I thought of God as someone that I should go to after the fact. Say "thank You" or say "sorry" or "PLEASE help me!" I practiced a religion, a bunch of rules. Mostly out of fear.

Now, I still follow the rules, or at least I try, but I do it not all because I am afraid of God's wrath, but because I want to please Him. Just like others in my life, I want God to be happy. I know that He doesn't need me to be happy, but you know that one picture of Jesus laughing, I want to do that to Him. I want my choices, my decisions, my love, my life, to be pleasing to Him.

Psalm 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Comments

Sara said…
that's all i'm sayin'!
Jada's Gigi said…
I'm thinkin He's smiling right now...you make Him very happy...
KayMac said…
You have painted a great picture of religion vs. relationship!
Becky said…
i wish everyone could get that