Following Christ is not a religious practice

It’s easy to be a Christian in name only – we use the title quite liberally. However, the vast majority of the time “Christian” is used to describe a religious practice – not a state of being. Religious titles and labels aren’t needed when it’s a way of life. So why are religious labels used so much? The same reason everything in the world is labeled – to convince the masses to buy into a brand. The word tells us the hard truth…

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”

II Timothy 3:1-5 NKJV

This passage explains why it’s so important for us to stand firm in the Truth – and not be fooled by slick marketing. Notice that the negative character traits in people may not necessarily be so blatantly obvious. There are those who have a “form of godliness”. This is practicing religion – not experiencing a relationship with Christ Jesus. In other words, we can say we believe the Word, but if we don’t actually live according to it, we are denying the power of the Word – and therefore not truly followers of Christ Jesus.

To “turn away” from such people means that we avoid conforming to the same behavior – going through the motions to keep up appearances. We are in this world, but not of it. As you let your light shine, you will expose the deception of the enemy. Be prepared to stand firm in the Truth – the goodness of God will always prevail.