An organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or group of gods. Religion.
Even just the mention of the word makes many uncomfortable. To me, it is just a word; it doesn’t hold much meaning. Especially where I have grown up and now choose to live, religious people are not commonly seen or heard from.But, to many of my friends and family, I am considered “The religious one.”
By the world’s definition of religion, I am by no means religious. I have no interest in studying an endless list of rules and rituals. I don’t like the thought of devoting my days to things I can’t do. I don’t like to associate myself with only others who hold the same beliefs as my own. I don’t like others to see me as religious because to me, religion has a negative connotation as something that is for people of limited and judgmental thinking. That is not the person I wish to be or the type of life I wish to live.
However, God’s definition of religion is very different. The Word of God says this:
“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.” — James 1:27
It is not worthy to live a religious life that speaks hate and lies. This is not the way God designed it.
Another translation says it this way:
“anyone who sets himself up as ‘religious’ by talking a good game is self-deceived. This type of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the type that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight and guard against corruption from the godless world.”
So to all who think of me as their “religious” friend, daughter, sister, cousin, grandchild or co-worker: I hope that you will begin to see religion through my eyes over the next year and a half. My intention in sharing my thoughts and experiences in this journey is not to convert you to a life of religion, but instead to see the world a little differently. And I’m sure that by the end of all of this, I will see the world much much differently myself. My prayer and hope is that we will all begin to see it a little more like God sees it.
Love and Light to all of you!
P.s. If you would like to support my race, I would be eternally grateful! Just click on the Support Me! Link on the top left of my blog 🙂
