What Does Religion Mean To You? 

Webster’s defines religion as, “the service and worship of God or the supernatural; a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith.”  One might refer to religion as, “the service or practice that stems from conviction.”  Each person’s definition of religion will vary from the next but the general idea is that religion is something we do.  But did you ever stop to think what religion does for us?  Has religion made a difference in your life?

Religion ought to mean purity of life.  Mary Magdalene was once possessed by seven demons.  But after those demons had been cast out she became a diligent servant of the Lord (Lk. 8:1-3).  She was at the crucifixion of Jesus (Matt. 27:56), anointed his body (Matt. 27:61) and was the first to see the risen Lord (Mk. 16:9).  Zacchaeus was a chief tax-collector known as a sinner who, after meeting Jesus, gave half of his possessions to the poor and repaid all he had defrauded four times over (Lk. 19:1-10).

Next, religion ought to give a sense of direction.  Ask most people what they want out of life and they will say a nice home, good health and financial security.  What do you really want out of life?  Do you want to be a Christian?  Do you want to be a good example?  Do you really want to go to heaven?  Are you headed in the wrong direction?  We cannot be both a friend of the world and a friend of God (John 15:19).  The best things in life come by following Christ with conviction and purpose.

Finally, religion ought to be a challenge.  There are too many “used to be” Christians who are no longer challenged by religion. They have either “arrived” as Christians, or have been lulled into complacency (Rev. 3:17).  To most people life is about getting and keeping “things,” but what happens to our “things” when we die?  Our religion should challenge us to use what we have to God’s glory (1 Cor. 6:20).

Religion can be true or false; right or wrong; full and rewarding or vain and empty.  The real test of one’s religion is, “What difference does it make?”  The result of our religion should be the same as it was for those in the New Testament.  The eunuch of Acts 8 “went on his way rejoicing.”  The Jews of Acts 2 who obeyed the gospel were “praising God.”  The apostle Paul was ready to die for the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 21:13).  How does your religion compare to these examples?  Has it made a difference in your life?

In Him and in love,

Thomas Sneed

Pond Church of Christ