Religious or God-Centered?

Do you know what a person trapped in religious living looks like?

Their original goal is very noble; they want to know God and serve Him. But then they fall into a pile of religious activities and forget God Himself.

One example is the Israelites in the time of the last prophet God sent, namely Malachi. At that time, they brought sacrifices and came to worship at the Temple, but it was only a routine, even done carelessly (Malachi 1:6-14). There was no spiritual vitality left in it. God was very angry and disgusted with them; He no longer spoke to the people of Israel for 400 years.

So, how can our spiritual life remain pleasing to God?

A Life of (Mere) Religion

Religious people are those who still go to church, read the Bible, serve, but do not feel the power of a living relationship with God.

“Outwardly they carry on their worship, but in reality they deny its power. Stay away from such people! For among them are those who slip into other people’s homes and ensnare weak women burdened with sins and driven by various desires.” – 2 Timothy 3:5-6

When people forget God, they begin to lose their morals. They not only lose the power of spiritual life, but are also dragged into the power of worldly life. In the end, people who are merely religious will lose their goodness. They lose faithfulness, truth, and every moral value.

Indeed, it is not easy for us to receive correction. No matter how well it is delivered, it may still feel painful. In a God-centered life, there is movement, both pleasant and surprising. But a life of mere religion makes everything feel flat, predictable, and cold.

How can we remain God-centered?

Remembering these three points can help us build a spiritual life that is always directed toward God.

1. Reality, not routine

Remember, your spiritual life is not a routine, but a reality. Following God is not about how busy we are or how many responsibilities we carry, but about how real our relationship with God is. Often, busyness itself becomes a barrier to intimacy with God.

Listen to God, think about God, and walk with Him (Psalm 25:12). Depend on Him (Jeremiah 17:7). Serve God, and pursue all these things.

“But as for you, man of God, flee from all these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith and take hold of eternal life.” – 1 Timothy 6:11-12a

2. Morality makes sense because God exists

For people who no longer follow God, the obligation to maintain morality also stops making sense. But people who have God in their lives cannot turn a blind eye to the moral matters and standards God desires.

“The one who walks in righteousness, who speaks honestly, who rejects profit from extortion, who shakes his hands free from taking a bribe … he is like one who dwells safely in the heights, whose fortress is a stronghold on the rocky hill; his bread is supplied, his water is assured.” – Isaiah 33:15-16

3. It is God who gives life, not religion

Isn’t God in religion?

That is true. But when all those attributes and formalities are stripped away, and all that remains in us is religion, doesn’t that mean God has only become our tool?

Then Jesus said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath." – Mark 2:27

In God, we have life, along with everything good and true. Therefore, put God first in your heart and life.

“Just as You have given Him authority over all flesh, so He will give eternal life to all whom You have given Him.” – John 17:2

So that God may always occupy the highest place in our lives, remember that our acts of worship are a reality, not a routine. Obey His commands to please His heart, not for the sake of rules, because eternal life comes from God.

Let us pray: Father, You are the living God, You alone are the reason I live today. I am very grateful to know You and to keep striving to have a living reality with You. Amen.

* Church GKDI is currently in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area; if you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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