It's not that uncommon for the lines between faith and religion to become blurred, and mottled. Though it is commendable to attend church on a regular basis and participate in it's many activities; many Christians are oblivious to the fact that it doesn't necessarily greatly contribute to one's faith.
I strongly believe that's why so many, even though they regularly listen to sermons, join bible study groups, and even study their Bibles, fail to derive all the spiritual benefits that they should. All too often they find themselves spinning their wheels, stuck in a rut, and going nowhere in their faith fast.
The problem lies not so much in the time and energy that is employed, but in using it where it really matters. There is one big difference that we sometimes fail to discern when it comes to religion and faith. While the two are intertwined, they are definitely distinct.
Both can be defined this way. Religion is: an organized collection of beliefs, cultural systems, and world views that relate humanity to an order of existence (Wikipedia). On the other hand, faith is: belief, confidence or trust in a person, object, religion, idea or view despite the absence of proof (Wikipedia).
Religion goes no deeper than surface-level. One may know all of the laws, rules, regulations, procedures, ceremonies in the book, but this neither constitutes nor qualifies as faith. As you may recall, this was the case with the Pharisees. They were all talk and great at keeping up appearances but when it came to true faith, that was another story.
Faith in Our Savior comes from within. It comes from truly believing in Him. There is no book, class, or software that can give you faith in Christ. Faith comes when you open yourself to Him; fall into His loving arms; knowing that He can be fully trusted to receive, care for, and deliver you. Religion cannot give you the peace of mind that faith can.
So often we get distracted by just how different being religious and having faith can be. At first glance they may appear similar. But there is a dissimilarity. This is what causes the "spinning of wheels" that I mentioned earlier. Religion is the vehicle, but faith is the fuel that drives it. The outside may appear striking, but without any real means to make it move it simply sits there.
Read and study your Bible every day. Attend church. Fellowship with other Christians. This is what we should be doing anyway. But real faith comes from the repentance of your sins, accepting Him as your Lord and Savior, praying to Him, trusting and believing in Him, and giving your life to Him.
Once the fogginess that shrouds the discrepancy between the two (religion and faith) is lifted, and the road ahead is cleared; you will soon find your way back on track, moving ahead, and enjoying the bounty of your faith in God, Our Heavenly Father
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8; Romans 1:17; Galatians 2:16; 1 Peter 1:21; Titus 3:5
Prayer: Dear God, I pray to You in reverance and with deep love. There is nothing in this world like giving one's self to You; our lives are so empty and fruitless without You. Only by having faith in You will we ever truly experience unconditional love, grace and mercy. Amen
May God bless you,
Elise
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