Is it not clear to you that to go back to that old rule-keeping, peer-pleasing religion would be an abandonment of everything personal and free in my relationship with God? Galatians 2:21 (MSG)
Perfomance-based religion is ironic. It teaches people they can get closer to God through methods that actually kill intimacy.
For example, let’s say a married couple finds their relationship in a rut. So they talk things out, and the wife hopes her husband gets it.
Thursday night, the doorbell rings unexpectedly. The wife is surprised to realize her husband hired a babysitter to watch the kids. Suddenly, he comes out nicely dressed and says, “Babe, go put on something special. I’m taking you out.”
She puts on her best red dress, and he takes her to their favourite restaurant. After heartfelt conversation and a great meal, he surprises her with a small, meaningful gift and tells her how much he loves her.
For the rest of the week, she is walking on air! She feels loved and excited about their relationship again.
The next Thursday, the husband books the babysitter again. He tells his wife to put on the red dress and takes her to the same restaurant. He covers the same conversation as last time, gives her a gift and professes his love. The following Thursday, sure enough: it's the same routine. By the fourth Thursday, she’s dreading what’s coming. Why?
His heart stopped pursuing their relationship out of love and instead relegated it to a system. It’s the same way religion teaches people to ingratiate themselves to God. Unfortunately, rules and rituals don't create connection. Deep down, we crave rich relationships, not rule-based interactions. Good news—God wants the same with us too!
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