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Christianity: Relationship, Not Religion (December 16, 2025)

“If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.” (James 1:26)

Many people who’ve never genuinely sought to live by faith in Jesus Christ think that the Christian lifestyle would be boring, restricting, and lacking in excitement. They are under the mistaken impression that following Christ is all about adhering to a set of stale religious rules, rituals, and regiments. However, Christianity is not about religion; it is about a relationship! True Christianity is the joyful pursuit of a fulfilling, faith-based, intimate personal relationship with the Creator of the universe and the Savior of mankind, Christ the LORD, God incarnate whose humble birth we celebrate next week! What a joy it is to be led by Jesus on an exciting journey each day as He rewards our faithfulness in awesome and surprising ways and gives us an abundance of life, now and eternally!

“For I desire mercy (steadfast love), and not sacrifice…” (Hosea 6:6). “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice…” (1 Samuel 15:22).

Christianity has nothing to do with going through the motions of religious customs and traditions. It has everything to do with reaping the rich rewards of knowing and growing in the likeness of Jesus, experiencing His love and saving grace, and receiving the supreme satisfaction that comes from honoring and glorifying Him through service to humanity. As our fellowship and communion with Christ deepens day by day through trusting obedience, our desires are conformed to His will and our hearts develop a passion to worship the one true God rather than passing worldly idols such as wealth, pleasure, and fame. Full of hopeful expectancy and excitement and freed from the bonds of sin and spiritual death, a personal relationship with Jesus is the glorious adventure of a lifetime, now and eternally!

“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27)



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