A brief definition of religion is a belief in and worship of a personal God or gods. But true religion is having a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Our relationship with our Heavenly Father is not based on our good performance but solely on our faith in Him. He is the one that changes our hearts as we surrender our life to Him because we trust in Him. It is not us that can change our hearts, but Him alone. As a result, a true religion brings a new life to us. Once we have a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father, our attitudes should start to change. We stop cussing and saying hurtful words to others and start to care for others. We begin not to participate or mimic the sinful ways of this world. James 1:26-27 says, "If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."
Many people believe that all religions are the same; they all point to the same God. However, Jesus says this in John 14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Jesus is the only Savior in the world, and we must believe in Him for us to have a relationship with our Heavenly Father. If we have genuine faith (surrendered trust) in our Lord Jesus Christ, our life should change, for God will start to change our hearts through His Spirit that works within us.
Let us examine our hearts today. True religion is having a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father through our genuine faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and our faith in Him changes our attitudes and behaviors. Our faith in Him leads us to speak encouraging and godly words to others and care for those in need.
Ask yourself these questions: Is my faith in my Lord Jesus Christ affect my attitude and behavior? Am I changing to be a godly person? Do I still cuss and use the name of my Lord Jesus in vain?
Write down all the worries that you are facing today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank you that I belong to you. Please continue to change my heart that I may speak the words that are pleasing to you and that my life will become a blessing to others. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.