4:206 – Struggling with Religion, Not Faith

#faithbites #faithjourney struggling

Setting

A few days ago, a friend called me a religious person. My response was I’m not religious but spiritual. I have a deep faith in God. He sent his Son to take away my sin and reunite us. I know he created the universe and everything in it. That is my faith. I don’t need to see God in flesh to see his works on earth. Lately, I’m struggling with religion. It’s not anything specific, but it’s the structure and format. I’ve had this conversation with a friend who prefers a traditional Lutheran service whereas I prefer a contemporary service. My wife laughed when I told her the organ hurts my head. I know, it’s crazy. I also struggle with calling a service divine, i.e the liturgy not the act of praying and worshipping.

Today, I’m struggling. I’m watching church online, and this may be part of the issue, but that’s for another day. I just feel disconnected from the structure and the purpose of it. It reminds me of college when I dated a Catholic woman. I went to church with her and her family several times. I watched as people half-heartedly crosses themselves or partook in the ceremony around the service. Yes, I know, judge not. But that was me back then. I’m rambling today, as the feelings are raw. I know prayer is in order and God will answer.

Today’s questions: Do you separate your faith from your religion? What do you do when your church/religion feels disconencted from your faith? What do you do when you feel disconnected from God?

Scripture

• Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
• 2 Corinthians 5:7 – For we live by faith, not by sight.
• James 1:26-27 – ²⁶ Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. ²⁷ Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Reflection

God hates false religion. He wants us to follow him, love like him, and act as he does. It’s not a matter of works but it’s living the walk and talking the talk. We can get so caught up in our pomp and circumstance that we forget about our faith. That our works are giving us salvation and not Christ. Our adherence to the way we always did it can make us strong in reciting history but not understand the reason behind it.

Jesus loves all of us, forgives us, and makes us whole. Church is a place where we can come together as a community to share in that love and reflection of Christ. My faith is strong in Christ.

I know this is rambling and some may have never felt this disconnect from faith, religion, and church. Let me be clear, it’s nothing that my church has done or changed. It’s just a feeling. I know that through prayer and reflection, God will make my faith stronger and my relationship with my church stronger. It’s definitely a work in progress.

As we close, let God challenge you. Let him have you question the ideas of faith, religion, and church. This will help you grow, learn, and have a deeper faith.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I love you and thank you for everything you do for us. Sometimes, many of us fall into the trappings of religion and forget how we are strengthened by faith. We pray for your guidance in our faith, where we worship, and how we come together in your love. Help us to move beyond the trappings of religion and focus on what is truly important: You. We pray this in your name, Amen.