The other day, I was talking to a new client and after a while, seeing how dependent she is on her own thinking, I asked her if she had ever sought guidance through a higher power. She responded very abruptly and said she wanted nothing to do with religion. I responded by saying, I’m not talking about religion, I’m talking about a relationship. I personally can’t stand religion either. Religion causes all kinds of problems like division, hatred, jealousy, envy, strife, and even murder. Religious people are very close-minded and unteachable. They simply want you to join their agenda and somehow, by keeping their rules, you are now close to God. Religion crucified the person I serve 2000 years ago, and obviously, religion is still trying to crucify anyone that disagrees with him. I have had many clients just like her, thinking that a relationship with God is religion. Religion is man-made. I’m not here to fight against it, but I have noticed it’s against me and anyone who disagrees with it. To truly understand and know God, relationship is the key, not religion.
I’ve been married for 26 years, and I love my wife dearly. She does not condemn me, give me a bunch of rules to keep, or make me feel guilty. No. She loves me. I spend time with her because I enjoy her presence, and she spends time with me because she enjoys my presence. I want the best for her, and she wants the best for me. When she asks me a question, I answer her to the best of my knowledge, and vice versa. Our relationship is not based on rules, it’s based on love. My relationship with God is the same. He loves me. Why? I’m really not sure. But the truth of the matter is, I’m really not sure why my wife loves me either, but she does. She has given me more than I can ever give back, and that makes me love her even more. My relationship with God is the same, and I enjoy serving Him. It’s an honor to be a part of what He’s doing.
The young lady that came in the other day came to me looking for answers, and it was obvious religion had hurt her. It did to her what it has done to so many others. It crushed her. This is sad to me. So many people out there are confused and hurt because they have experienced religion and not relationship. So now, will I try to convert her? Absolutely not! Her life is her business. Her decisions are hers, and I’m not here to try to change her. She needs someone she can trust, and most of all, someone that cares. She took a risk coming to me not knowing me. I respect that. It’s my job to give her a safe place, not a place that has a hidden agenda to convert her. What this young lady wants more than anything is someone to listen and someone to care. I personally believe that every Christian should offer that environment to those around them. The last thing people want is someone trying to convert them. I suggest we live a life that exemplifies the God we serve and by doing so, others would want what we have. My clients and those surrounding you who don’t have a higher power are dependent on man. The apostle Paul said that we are walking epistles. What he was saying is that people don’t read the Bible, they watch us to see if it has any power. I learn a lot about life from man, but I can’t imagine that being my only source to turn to. I need a higher power that I can talk to every day. I need His wisdom and His direction. He has never failed to give it.
The following is a paraphrase from Hebrews chapter 1 and it describes who Jesus is, what He has done, and what He is doing today.For generations, God has spoken to man through the prophets and also in many different ways. Today, being the last days, God speaks to us by his Son whom He appointed. He gave Jesus the role to Radiate God’s glory. Represent God’s being. Sustain all things by His power through the Word. Provide purification for sins. To become more superior than the angels. To sit on the right side of God forever, to bring justice. To love righteousness and hate wickedness. God has anointed Jesus with oil and joy. He has set Him above all other beings in heaven (and they worship Him). He gave Jesus the job of laying the foundations of the earth and the heavens. He appointed Jesus to remain forever, although heaven and earth will pass away. To be the heir of His throne. Jesus is appointed to be superior to the Angels. And lastly, He appointed Jesus to remain the same and never change. Man can answer a lot of the questions we have, but He has all the answers. Especially the ones man can’t answer. Ask Him. Jesus said we have not, because we ask not.
