The Lion Roars预览

Revoting Religion

Sin can fool us into thinking that God is more interested in external ritual conformity than heartfelt obedience. This attitude taints even practices which God Himself commanded – like the three kinds of offerings in this passage. Instead of pleasing God, they inflame His anger. 

This is why we need Jesus. One aspect of His sacrifice was His heartfelt obedience to God in giving Himself for us (Hebrews 10:8-9). We are not saved by religious practices – even good, right practices like prayer, Bible reading, and going to church. We are saved by Jesus Christ. He calls us to worship Him by loving people – especially inconvenient people – in all of our life, not just the ‘religious’ bits. 

Think of someone – preferably a fellow Christian – whom you find really annoying. Do something to care for them and bless them this week. If you think this would be traumatic for you or the other person, talk to a church leader or some other mature Christian friend about it first.