"Christianity is..."

Picked up a great quote at the gym this morning,"Christianity is not a religion but a relationship."-Dr. Thieme.
What an incredible reminder. If you think, and I fall into this trap sometimes as well, that our relationship with God, us being a Christian is only part of who we are, then we are doomed. Jesus is the reason not only for this season but for life. He sent his only son to live a perfect life, reach those who were hurting and broken, to heal diseases, bring life to the full, then die on a cross in the worst way possible only to rise again. He did that all because God wants to be in a relationship with you, with me, with the mormons, with the muslims, with the hindus, all races, all statuses, all people. Jesus died so that all may live.
Now let me say this, its not going to be easy, but what a gift Jesus has left us with, the Holy Spirit, the counselor. Nothing on this earth can ever bring life, feed my soul, than life with Christ.

Francis Chan's book- Crazy Love, was a challenging, convicting read that I believe everyone should pick up and dive into, then his second book-The Forgotten God. But in Crazy Love, he says this, "The irony is that while God doesn't need us but still wants us, we desperately need God but don't really want Him most of the time. He treasures us and anticipates our departure from this earth to be with Him-and we wonder, indifferently, how much we have to do for Him to get by."


May we as Christians not make God, reading His word, praying, and seeking His face and relationship with Him be an afterthought after we have done everything else on our to do list. Matthew 6:19-21 says,"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also."


Treasure doesn't necessarily mean materials though, where is your time, your money your effort going towards. God is waiting and ready to be in relationship with you, grow you, lead you, bring you ultimate joy, reach the nations through your gifts. He doesn't need us, yet he chooses us. 


It's not a religion but a relationship, Christianity, is the only "religion" that is not about rules and laws but a relationship with the most high. Take hold of that today and relish in the fact that you are a child of God, sit in your father's lap and listen.