Are You Religious or Truly Spiritual? How to Move from Routine Religion to a Living Relationship with God
Are You Religious or Spiritual? Understanding the Difference
In a previous post, I talked about the subtle but significant difference between being religious and being spiritual. This post is a continuation. A deeper dive into how Christianity goes beyond religion and becomes a lifestyle shaped by Christ Himself.
Christianity: More Than a Religion
Christianity isn’t just a belief system. It’s a way of life. At the center of Christianity is Christ, and the cross is the bridge God chose to reconcile humanity to Himself. Christianity is God’s divine culture. His eternal way of revealing Himself to mankind.
From the beginning, God’s intention has been clear: to bring man back into intimacy with Him, to restore what was lost in the Garden. But man’s fallen nature often distorts this relationship, turning what was meant to glorify God into something that benefits us alone.
God Is Not the Problem—Our Hearts Are
God was never the issue. The human heart has always been the problem.
We tend to blame God when things go wrong or criticize Christianity when it doesn’t conform to our personal desires. But the truth is, the human heart. Desperately wicked and prone to selfishness, can twist even the most sacred things for personal gain.
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel…” — Galatians 1:6-7
The Gospel was never meant to please us—it was designed to transform us.
When Quiet Time Becomes a Checklist
Let’s be honest. Many of us have reduced our “quiet time” with God to a checkbox on our to-do list. I’ve been guilty of this too. I’d list “spend time with God” as a task, check it off, and move on with my day. The rest of my time? Spent on myself or worldly things.
Imagine being in a marriage where intimacy is scheduled and emotionless. Done out of obligation, not desire. Eventually, it becomes a chore. That’s what happens when we compartmentalize God to one hour of our day and resist His presence the rest of the time.
God Doesn't Want Your Time. He Wants Your Life
God desires intimacy, not routine. He doesn’t want to be squeezed into your schedule. He wants to lead it.
We must stop trying to fit God into our plans and start surrendering to His. Christianity should influence every part of our lives, not just the spiritual-looking ones.
Confidence in the Flesh: The Trap of Religion
A religious person might give glory to God outwardly, but inwardly relies on their own strength and intellect.
We deceive ourselves when we think our Bible knowledge comes solely from our diligence. Revelation is not earned. It is given. It’s a gift of grace that flows from God’s mercy to prepare His church.
You can read the Bible for years and still miss Christ if you’re reading only for knowledge or to show off, not revelation.
“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” — 1 John 5:3
When Revelation Comes, Obedience Follows
True revelation unveils Christ and shows us our deep need for Him. It humbles us and stirs a longing to obey. Not out of fear or duty, but out of love. And when obedience is rooted in love, it’s no longer burdensome. It becomes a joy.
A Willing Heart: The Key to Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth requires a heart that is willing to yield. Many Christians cling to old revelations or traditions because it feels safe. But God is dynamic. He speaks afresh and leads in new ways. If we’re not pliable, we’ll miss Him.
“The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield…” — James 3:17
I’ve had moments when God redirected me, even after I was so sure about what He’d said before. Just like Abraham, who was asked to sacrifice the very son God had promised, we must remain open and surrendered. Always listening, always willing to move.
Don’t Miss God Like the Pharisees Did
The Pharisees missed Jesus because He didn’t come in the package they expected. A rigid heart can’t receive the new because it clings to the old.
This doesn’t mean we embrace every wind of doctrine. We must test everything by Scripture and stay led by the Holy Spirit. But without spiritual maturity, we’ll be vulnerable to deception and assume false teachings are truth.
Choose a Living Relationship Over Lifeless Religion
So, are you religious or spiritual? Do you merely go through the motions, or are you actively cultivating a relationship with the Living God?
God is not seeking routine. He’s seeking hearts. Hearts that tremble at His word. Hearts that are willing to follow Him wherever He leads. Hearts that find joy, not duty, in His presence.
Let’s not reduce Christianity to rituals and routines. Let’s allow it to become the very expression of God’s heart through our lives.
Want to grow spiritually and deepen your walk with God?
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