Spirituality Without Religion is Pointless

A friend of mine posted this statement on face book recently; every time I hear it, it runs cross grain with my better judgment.

Spiritual people inspire me,
Religious people frighten me.

Hmmm?

By religious, I suspect people automatically visualize an extreme person or persons. They imagine a group or an individual that adheres to strict sets of laws or moral codes, come Hell or high water, no matter what the consequence to themselves or others.Indeed these folks exist and are hateful people to be sure.They lack balance and relationship with God. Anytime we make laws and codes the primary focus of our religion, we will end up cranky and judgmental. The primary focus of Christianity is supposed to be regaining what we lost back in the Garden of Eden (Gen 3). A intimate and personal relationship with God.

I find it difficult to conjure up a singular image of a spiritual person. In reality we are all spiritual beings and “spirituality” brings to my mind so many different images. If I had to guess, I suspect that many would imagine people who are in touch with their inner self, their emotions, perhaps they imagine Yoda or Master Shifu off of Kung Fu Panda, people who seem to have great insight, and inner peace. But these fictional characters follow a particular religion. Spirituality without religion has no goal and will lead you know where. It will have no ability to shape you.

Both images are extremes. When taken to an extreme, religion creates legalistic, judgmental, and cranky people because they are only focused on the letter of the law. Spirituality when taken to extreme produces people who are addicted to emotional highs and run around chasing butterflies and hugging trees.

The truth is; spirituality means nothing without religion. They go hand and hand. When balanced, religion brings order, purpose, direction, and identity to my spiritual life. Spirituality without religion is like a vapor being carried about on the breeze until it disappears into nothing. It is like a wave that is tossed to and fro by the currents. It is a rainbow that disappears when you move towards it. Spirituality is like a wild horse running where it will, darting here and there powerful and unruly, of no value to anyone until it is tamed.

Now I realize that spirituality and religion exist in many forms, but none of them are eternal unless they are rooted in God’s Word, Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches us that there will be a lot of Spiritual and religious people in Hell. Sadly, God is not an ice cream parlor; you do not get to choose your flavor. There is only one God and only one path that leads to Him.

Spiritual people who say they have no religion are the ones who scar me. I am inspired by those who submit their mind, will, and emotions to God and His Word because they love him and desire to please Him.

John 14:25-27
“These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Do you want to know true inner peace? Then come to Jesus. Do you want avoid becoming legalistic, judgmental and cranky? Do you want to discover what it means to be truly spiritual? Then come to Jesus, for He is the way the truth and the life. Everything you need to find God.

John 14:6
Jesus said to him(Thomas), “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father(God) except through Me.