Religion or Christianity?

Religion is complicated, Christianity is simple.

All you have to do is see what Jesus had to say to the Pharisees, Levites and priest.

Religion is about ceremonies and pomp, and judging. Religion is about do's and don'ts, with condemnation attached.

Christianity is about mercy, love, and having a Jesus heart. Being patient with others and giving of yourself.

With Christianity we give of ourselves, Religion takes, Christianity gives.

The good Samaritan story is a good example of how religious people act, and how those that know God respond to a need.

Luke 10:30-34

A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing and wounded him, and departed leaving him half dead.

Now by chance a certain priest came down that road.  And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by the other side.

"But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was , and when he saw him he had compassion.  So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring in oil and wine; he sat him on his animal, brought him to an Inn and took good care of him.

 Beloved, incase you don't know, Samaritan's were part Jew and Gentile. 

For Jesus to use this example should tell us something about Religion.

You had two very religious people ignore the wounded man, yet the one who, was a believer in God did what was right and compassionate.

He put himself in the mans place.

Religious people are self absorbed, thinking only of themselves. 

Christians who follow Jesus die to their self and help the other guy in need.

They have Christlike compassion.

With Religion you are called to be judges and attorneys, With Christianity we are called to be witnesses.

There is a big difference.

Religious people brag on themselves, 

Whereas Christians give God the praise and glory. They know that God alone is to be glorified, and that any good we have done has come from God.

Beloved, check your heart, are you critical and judgmental, self absorbed?  Or are you compassionate and merciful, and loving?

Remember actions speak louder than words.

Luke 6:30-31

"Give to everyone who asks of you.  And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back.

" And just as you want men to do to you, you also do them likewise.

Luke 6:43-46

"For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.  For every tree is known by its own fruit.  For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush.

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and and evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil.  For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

"But why do you call me Lord, Lord, and not do the things which I say?

Beloved, these are good examples for us to follow. 

Don't allow a religious spirit capture your heart, follow Jesus.

God bless your day

Jesus loves you

Love in Jesus

Joy