Well, I finally found my answer…
Several months ago, someone said that I am too religious to know what fun is…Get this; this person doesn’t even know me.
But what really got me is that I don’t see myself as a ‘religious person’. Yes, I am a Christian and belief that Jesus died for my sins – but religious, I don’t think so! Actually that assumption made me very upset…I kept wondering why in the world I was so upset about that word (don’t even want to talk about the fun part). Today I finally figured it out (not on my own mind you, but via a devotional). Being religious is very close connected to “works-righteouness”.
I really loved this devotional and here is what John Fischer from the ‘Purpose Driven Life’ ministry had to say about it:
Religion is a system; spirituality is a state of being, made possible by a relationship. Religion is trying to please God; spirituality is enjoying God. Religion is Martha fussing in the kitchen; spirituality is Mary listening at the feet of Jesus. Religion keeps the score; spirituality keeps the faith.
I just love that…Read the entire devotion ‘More about Religion and Spirituality’; John Fischer hit the nail right on the head.
So, are you religious or spiritual? Do you think that there is a difference?
I, for myself, have to say yes…So, from now on, if someone calls me ‘religious’, I know what to say…
In His grip
Just be careful, the pagan, neo pagan, wiccan and new agers (to list a few) have adopted the term “spiritual” to indicate that they practice a religion that they do not consider to be “religious”.
I usually answer the question thusly:
Q: Are you religious?
A: I am a servant of Christ.
Q: So, you’re religious then?
A: Not so much, really.
WOW Ben – didn’t realize that! Thanks for pointing it out. I really like your answer – have to make mental note of them…:)