Religion vs Relationship

Ever talk to someone about the Lord and they want nothing to do with the very mention of God/church/or church folk? Ever wonder why? Most of the time, the reason why we get this kind of reaction from people is either because they have had a bad experience with church or because all their lives, that is all they've heard and they are just about sick of it. The main reason why you hit a roadblock here with certain people is because they have either never had a relationship with God or they once did and have now lost it. What they really remember is a religious experience. Religion will kill us. Anything that you do out of routine will eventually tire you and wear you out. You’ll hang in there for little minute but soon thereafter, you’ll get bored, uninterested and fed up. On the other hand, relationships sustain us. Anything that you invest in, and an investment is reciprocated towards you, will encourage you. It’ll persuade you to do more and it’ll give you confidence in that relationship. In other words, when you are in a relationship with someone, anyone; you give your part and the other person gives theirs. And sometimes, the other person goes the extra mile! In a human relationship, we definitely see this happen. In a spiritual relationship with our heavenly Father, all God requires of us is our worship - our heart, our devotion, our adoration; and He does the rest. He blesses us, keeps us, protects us, provides for us, and fights on our behalf. Religion = formality, rituals, rules and regulations, going through the motions, day-in day-out living, same routine. Relationship = full of surprises, selfless, new, original, fresh and exciting, brings joy, allows you to be yourself.