Living Faith

Nothing hinders God’s work more than dead religion. What is dead religion? A religion that has all the answers but does not believe God is actively working in daily life. Dead religion is interested in the environment even to the point of worshipping nature but gives no praise to the Creator. It is passionately devoted to human rights with no regard for Divine purpose. It puts total faith in intellectualism, and proves it with active pursuit while growing more and more indifferent regarding the things of God.

We shouldn’t be surprised when we see dead religion in our day. It’s nothing new. Jesus found it and was persecuted by it in his ministry. The Pharisees challenged the living faith of Jesus with all their knowledge, social standing and political correctness. These religious leaders looked good in every outward way. However, rather than hope, they only offered more of the mediocre. Rather than life, they only brought bondage and death. Rather than power, all they could muster was a form of godliness.

Before we begin to cast stones, let us examine our own lives. I am not referring to any group or denomination. I am challenging all who are called by the name Christian to evaluate who we are and what we offer to those around us. Jesus came offering a better way. He came bringing life, hope and a way of escape. The religious community in Jesus’ day was more interested in protecting their buildings, their programs and their personal interests than they were in bringing deliverance and help to those hurting around them. While I deeply appreciate all that God has done for us, let us never forget why we are here. We are not here to perpetuate a religious system. We are here to carry out the same ministry Jesus established when he said, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” May our Lord Jesus help us to shake off the blinding effects of comfort and help us to see those who are looking for the hope we offer in Jesus.