Religion - releasing all burdensome?

Sometimes people ask me if I’m religious. That’s a word I have something of an aversion to.

The word ‘Religion’ is to do with the purpose and direction of the universe in relation to a higher being (a god or gods), involving a set of beliefs, practices, worship, devotion, and morals. So why am I uncomfortable with being named a religious person?

For me it is a term too vague: it simply divides the atheist from the rest. I’m a follower of Jesus (albeit an imperfect one) and, as such, have no desire to be grouped in with what is sometimes called the ‘world religions’.

I wish to urge that we should sidestep ideas of religion per se and each of us consider coming first to a person - the man Jesus. A Christian is one who trusts his/her life, now and forever, into the hands of Jesus. Such trust or devotion are high stakes indeed unless of course Jesus is divine. If he is, then it seems to me that it logically follows that all God-honouring worship and devotion belong exclusively to Jesus. Many will disagree but actually that is orthodox, biblical, Christian teaching.

God recognises our ignorance in matters of religion. Whether we are religious or not, he lovingly offers us the opportunity to turn from the darkness that blinds us and then to embrace the light that gives sight i.e. Jesus, who says ‘I am the light of the world’.

Jesus was critical of the religious leaders of his day because they laid heavy burdens upon their people in the name of religious practice and tradition. That is why he said, ‘Come to me all of you who are burdened and heavy laden and I will give you rest for your souls’.

Is your experience of religion releasing or burdensome? Maybe there are other pressures from which you wish to be free. Whatever, Jesus says he is the answer to our deepest need.