Message Minute (Beyond Religion to Relationship)

Perhaps the most subtle way our hearts become divided is through religion—trying to earn God's approval through our own efforts and performance. Jesus reserved His strongest rebukes not for "sinners" but for the religious elite who cleaned the outside of the cup while leaving the inside full of impurity. The default state of the human heart is self-justification: "I'm not as bad as them," or "I know I did this, but at least I didn't do that." We naturally drift toward measuring our standing with God by our religious performance, believing that when we fail, we must do something to make up for it before approaching God again. Satan wants us to believe that God accepts us based on our current religious performance. This lie keeps many believers from intimacy with God, thinking He is perpetually disappointed in them. The good news of Easter is that you don't approach God based on your performance but on what Jesus has done. You have His righteousness as a gift! When you realize that God not only loves you but likes you and enjoys your company, you can come boldly into His presence with "shameless audacity." True Christianity isn't about doing more to please God; it's about offering your heart to Jesus and letting Him live through you.

Verse: "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."
— Matthew 15:8

Reflection Question: In what ways have you been trying to earn God's approval rather than resting in His acceptance?

Prayer: Father, forgive me for the ways I've turned Your grace into a religious system of earning and striving. Thank You that I can come to You not based on what I've done but on what Jesus has done. Help me to believe not just that You love me, but that You like me and enjoy being with me. Free me from religion to live in true relationship with You. Amen.