Christianity: Religion or relationship?

The bible defines religion as “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27). Webster defines religion as “the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2): commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance 2 : a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices 3 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith”

My definition of religion: a system of rules and regulations by which an imperfect sinful person can become holy, or more pleasing to a god or gods with no regard to the probably holiness, actions and free will of these deities. Essentially religion is a set of rules by which a powerless mortal can manipulate an immortal, holy God. “Your desires will become my desires and I will be your god” (a quote from the latest Zelda game on the Wii, referencing an interaction between an evil being and an evil spirit).

So I will use my definition for the purpose of this particular short article. This is in no way to refute the references in the bible to religion and how religious practices play into our daily lives as Christians, but only to debate to whom we are looking to in our religious actions.

Now the question is: What is a relationship?
What does a relationship look like? With friends? Family? Spouses? Why do we love these people? What acts do we go through for the benefit of these people? Do we do any acts for the benefit of these people or do we love them for what they do for us? Do we provide money to these people when they need it? Do we try to meet any other of their needs? How do we feel about these people when we do beneficial things for these people? Positive? Negative?

I’ve noticed that when I’m actively doing beneficial things for others that my opinion of them is more positive than if I hadn’t. Essentially I draw closer to them more through my own actions, rather than waiting for them to do something good to me. What could this possibly mean with regards to building a healthy relationship? Imagine if both people are being proactive in their relationship. Doing beneficial things for the other person, without regard for the other person’s actions or inactions.

Now take these last two paragraphs and apply them to a relationship with Jesus Christ. He has already taken the first step to show His love for us. He has already performed that beneficial act with absolutely no regard to our actions or inactions. That is He demonstrated unconditional love. Now how should we respond? Yes grace, love and salvation are all freely given. However, if we aren’t doing our part in the relationship, how can we realize the joy of this relationship? Are we waiting for Him to do something else for us? A new car? A spouse? A better spouse? More money? Better job?

I’ve observed that my feelings towards God improve with my desire and actions to get to know Him better. My desire to give more over to Him and obey Him increases with my efforts to read the word, pray and do beneficial things for others. Essentially I’m learning that I should follow religious practices not to manipulate God into giving me salvation and good things in this life or to please Him, but because I desire to follow His ways and draw closer to Him. Essentially I desire a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. He doesn’t need me to do anything, therefore I can’t please Him. He can’t be any more or less pleased with me. Jesus performed the most pleasing act on my behalf and so righteousness has been credited to me.