Digging Deeper – Religion Can’t Change Me
“We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort…”
Philippians 3:3-6 (NLT)
RELIGION CAN’T CHANGE ME
Paul had an impeccable religious record. His résumé was spotless by the standards of his day. But it didn’t bring him peace, joy, or a real connection with God. That only happened when he met Jesus.
In our modern lives, it’s easy to believe that going to church, doing good things, and avoiding bad things will make us right with God. But religion without a relationship is powerless to transform our hearts.
Tim Keller once said, “Religion says, ‘I obey, therefore I’m accepted.’ But the gospel says, ‘I’m accepted, therefore I obey.’” That truth changes everything. Religion often keeps people stuck in fear or pride. But being a Christian is about a personal relationship with Christ, where the Holy Spirit makes His home in our hearts and works to make us look more like Jesus daily.
In this grace-filled relationship, we don’t obey to earn love; we obey because we are already loved as much as we will ever be loved.
Many people mistake proximity to church for intimacy with God. But going through religious motions can’t remove guilt or change the heart. Paul realized that even though he followed every rule, his heart was far from God. Only Jesus can deal with our sin, break our pride, and restore our right standing with God.
A man once visited a gym faithfully for months, checking in at the front desk every day. He wore the gear, drank the protein shakes, and posted about his workouts online. But here’s the catch: he never actually worked out. He never lifted a weight or ran a mile. He assumed that just being in the environment would be enough.
That’s how religion without relationship works. It gives the appearance of transformation, but the change never reaches the heart.
Ask yourself: Am I trusting my religious performance, or my relationship with Jesus? What spiritual habits are helping me grow closer to Him?
Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton. He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.
