A Relationship

A relationship.  We sometimes have sayings that emphasize an aspect of our Christianity.  For example, we don’t need religion, we need a relationship.  Religion speaks to one’s behaviors and attitudes.  The Christian “religion” is different from every other “religion”.  As Christians, we must not fall prey to these behaviors and attitudes becoming our means of salvation.  In other words, these behaviors and attitudes cannot save us.  We must not worship them.  Yet, we are called to be a peculiar people and James wrote, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).  While we must be cautious with the word “religion”, it is also true that a relationship with God is an important aspect.  Our behaviors and attitudes have their role, but only God can save us.  God then teaches us and molds us into having a mind like Christ and walking in His ways.  God is not just any god somewhere in the distance.  God is personal and desires to dwell with us.  In our reading today, we are reminded that the Lord would speak with Moses face to face, “just as a man speaks with his friend” (Exodus 33:11).  Are you seeking and pursuing that same kind of relationship with the Lord?  The more we get to know the Lord and spend time with Him in His Word and in prayer, our attitudes and behaviors will change.  Seek the relationship and our religion will be transformed and pure.