rules without relationship = rebellion {post 2}

When I first heard these four words:

rules without relationship = rebellion

I immediately related them to parenting. And then as the phrase simmered in my mind, I thought how it also relates to our relationship with God.

There’ve been many scholarly words and sermons preached on the differences between religion vs. relationship. Christianity vs. religion. Jews vs. Gentiles. Pharisees vs. Jesus. And on it goes …

Today, I’m just going to share my simple thoughts. I suppose though, they’re not just thoughts … they’re my experiences. It’s what I know to be true.

I’m about to make a bold statement here, but open your hearts and hear me out? I don’t believe we can call ourselves Christians and not have a relationship with Jesus. Christianity isn’t a religion. Sure it’s a piece of it. But it’s by no means the kit n’ kaboodle!

Christian – to be a Christ follower
Follow – go in the same direction as or parallel to
Christianity – Christian quality or character
Character – who you are when no one’s looking
Religion – a system of faith
Relationship – the way people are connected, or the state of being connected

Are we following Christ? Are we pursuing an intimate relationship with Him? A relationship so strong that we ooze His qualities and character?

If we try to live by all the rules laid out for us in religion, without knowing why or understanding the heart behind it … that’s where good ol’ fashion rebellion comes in.

rules without relationship = rebellion

I recently saw the Katy Perry movie with my girls. Did you know she was brought up in an evangelical Christian home? And even tried her hand in the Christian music industry. I can’t help but think she ended up feeling trapped by the rules of religion. It seems she never grasped an intimate relationship with Jesus for herself.

How might I think so? I’ve lived it. I know it. I grew up knowing all the rules of religion … but I missed the most important part … the relationship. Granted, I was a teenager and then a young adult. And let’s face it being a Christian can be hard when it seems like the “world” is having fun around you. In hindsight, I think it was hard because I didn’t understand what it meant to have a relationship with Christ. I didn’t know why I needed a relationship with Christ. Other than saving myself from the depths of hell.

“It is a joy to Jesus when a person takes time to walk more intimately with Him. The bearing of fruit is always shown in Scripture to be a visible result of an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.” – Oswald Chambers

Friends, we’ve been created to have intimate relationship with Christ. He doesn’t want us to live only by rules. He wants to deposit into our “banks” on a regular basis, so when the course of life tips our balance sheet the other way … our banks will remain well above positive. So we’ll have no doubt of His great love for us.

There are numerous stories in the Bible of Jesus facing the Pharisees and going against the “rules.” Why? Because Jesus was acting out of love and relationship. Not rules or religion. One of my favorite stories is found in John 8:2-11 {hover over the link and the scripture will pop up}. Ahhh … what beautiful love!!

He came so that we might have life. Life more abundantly. Not rules. Not religion. Not rebellion.

Will you join me in claiming that today?

And please join me tomorrow over on the MODsquad blog where I’ll be sharing a great parenting resource and doing a lil’ thing called a … giveaway!

rules without relationship {post one}

272 Comments

  1. Stacey August 16, 2012 at 9:42 am

    Friends, we’ve been created to have intimate relationship with Christ. – so true!!!

    Reply
  2. dawn August 16, 2012 at 10:44 am

    that quote gave me chills and tears… and a sadness for those who know OF Him but do not experience the love and grace that he IS. it is my hope… as i share around my sunday school table that these teens will know Jesus as a friend…

    Reply
  3. Pingback: rules without relationship = rebellion

  4. cyndi August 16, 2012 at 3:01 pm

    So powerful! Love, love, love.

    Reply
  5. Pingback: Rules Without Relationship = Rebellion

  6. Km August 19, 2012 at 2:34 pm

    I agree with dawn… That quote gives me chills!! Your words as always give me something to reflect on… Living in close relationship with our creator… So much joy and freedom in that!!!

    Reply
  7. additional hints October 14, 2018 at 5:12 pm

    I just want to say I am beginner to blogging and site-building and really loved your web-site. Likely I’m likely to bookmark your blog post . You surely have remarkable well written articles. Cheers for sharing your web page.

    Reply
  8. Roofing October 22, 2018 at 12:11 am

    I just couldn’t leave your website prior to suggesting that I actually loved the usual information a person supply on your guests? Is going to be again incessantly in order to check out new posts

    Reply
  9. Homeserve Usa Reviews October 22, 2018 at 1:25 am

    Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your website is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this website. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found simply the info I already searched all over the place and just could not come across. What a perfect web site.

    Reply
  10. Home Warranty Companies October 22, 2018 at 2:08 am

    Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! However, how could we communicate?

    Reply
  11. Plumbing October 22, 2018 at 6:46 am

    I think other website proprietors should take this website as an model, very clean and magnificent user friendly style and design, as well as the content. You are an expert in this topic!

    Reply
  12. Home Services Review October 22, 2018 at 10:49 pm

    Great blog here! Additionally your web site a lot up very fast! What host are you the usage of? Can I get your affiliate hyperlink to your host? I desire my site loaded up as fast as yours lol

    Reply
  13. Homeserve Usa Customer Service October 23, 2018 at 12:36 am

    I have to show my love for your generosity supporting all those that really need guidance on in this study. Your very own dedication to getting the solution throughout turned out to be really beneficial and have usually encouraged many people much like me to attain their aims. Your amazing interesting facts means so much to me and even more to my office workers. Thanks a ton; from each one of us.

    Reply
  14. Homeserve Reviews October 23, 2018 at 2:55 am

    Very nice post and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is actually the best place to ask but do you people have any thoughts on where to employ some professional writers? Thanks in advance :)

    Reply
  15. Health Articles October 23, 2018 at 9:48 pm

    hello!,I really like your writing so so much! share we communicate more approximately your post on AOL? I need an expert in this area to solve my problem. May be that’s you! Having a look forward to peer you.

    Reply
  16. Healthy Nutrition October 23, 2018 at 10:18 pm

    I like the valuable info you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly. I am quite sure I will learn plenty of new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!

    Reply
  17. Health News October 24, 2018 at 7:37 am

    I wish to express my thanks to the writer for bailing me out of such a issue. After checking throughout the the web and coming across views which were not beneficial, I believed my life was gone. Living devoid of the answers to the issues you have resolved through your main article content is a serious case, as well as the ones that might have adversely damaged my career if I had not encountered the blog. Your actual natural talent and kindness in controlling all the pieces was valuable. I’m not sure what I would’ve done if I had not encountered such a step like this. I’m able to at this moment look forward to my future. Thanks a lot so much for this specialized and result oriented help. I will not be reluctant to endorse your web sites to anyone who should receive care on this subject matter.

    Reply
  18. Nutrition October 25, 2018 at 3:17 am

    Of course, what a fantastic website and informative posts, I definitely will bookmark your website.All the Best!

    Reply
  19. Health Products October 25, 2018 at 4:15 am

    Hi there very cool site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Wonderful .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds also¡KI am happy to search out so many useful information here within the put up, we need develop extra techniques on this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

    Reply
  20. Business Ideas October 26, 2018 at 3:45 am

    I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this hike.

    Reply
  21. Business Line October 26, 2018 at 7:26 am

    Of course, what a fantastic site and educative posts, I definitely will bookmark your website.All the Best!

    Reply
  22. Online Business October 28, 2018 at 10:47 pm

    I’m very happy to read this. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that is at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this greatest doc.

    Reply
  23. Online Business October 29, 2018 at 2:46 am

    I have to convey my respect for your kindness for persons who have the need for help on this question. Your personal commitment to passing the message across turned out to be exceedingly functional and have continually made many people like me to reach their dreams. Your personal important information implies this much a person like me and far more to my mates. Thank you; from each one of us.

    Reply
  24. Google My Business October 29, 2018 at 7:19 am

    I’ve been surfing online more than three hours nowadays, but I by no means found any attention-grabbing article like yours. It¡¦s lovely price enough for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made good content material as you did, the web might be a lot more useful than ever before.

    Reply
  25. Renovation October 29, 2018 at 11:58 pm

    Hello, Neat post. There is an issue together with your site in internet explorer, could test this¡K IE nonetheless is the market leader and a large component to other folks will omit your fantastic writing because of this problem.

    Reply
  26. Health Gov October 31, 2018 at 2:46 am

    I think other web-site proprietors should take this site as an model, very clean and magnificent user friendly style and design, let alone the content. You are an expert in this topic!

    Reply
  27. Health Tips October 31, 2018 at 4:24 am

    We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your website offered us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our entire community will be grateful to you.

    Reply
  28. Business News October 31, 2018 at 12:35 pm

    Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us you really know what you’re speaking about! Bookmarked. Please also seek advice from my site =). We could have a hyperlink change contract among us!

    Reply
  29. Business Insider November 1, 2018 at 2:10 am

    I haven¡¦t checked in here for a while since I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are good quality so I guess I will add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend :)

    Reply
  30. Economic News November 1, 2018 at 3:49 am

    You really make it appear so easy along with your presentation however I in finding this topic to be actually something that I feel I would by no means understand. It sort of feels too complex and extremely wide for me. I’m having a look forward on your subsequent post, I¡¦ll attempt to get the grasp of it!

    Reply
  31. Economic News November 1, 2018 at 5:37 am

    I not to mention my friends appeared to be reading through the best tips on your web blog and before long I had an awful feeling I never thanked the web blog owner for them. All the ladies are actually consequently warmed to study all of them and have in effect sincerely been loving those things. Many thanks for turning out to be well considerate as well as for making a decision on some exceptional topics most people are really desirous to be aware of. My personal honest regret for not expressing gratitude to you earlier.

    Reply
  32. Healthy Nutrition November 1, 2018 at 9:56 pm

    Of course, what a fantastic site and revealing posts, I definitely will bookmark your site.All the Best!

    Reply
  33. Health Articles November 2, 2018 at 5:22 am

    Thank you a lot for sharing this with all people you actually know what you’re talking about! Bookmarked. Kindly also discuss with my web site =). We could have a link trade contract between us!

    Reply
  34. Homeserve Reviews November 3, 2018 at 5:14 am

    Great tremendous issues here. I am very happy to look your post. Thank you a lot and i am looking forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a mail?

    Reply
  35. Home Warranty Companies November 3, 2018 at 6:22 am

    I¡¦ve been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or blog posts in this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this website. Studying this information So i am glad to show that I have a very excellent uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed. I so much no doubt will make sure to don¡¦t fail to remember this web site and give it a glance on a relentless basis.

    Reply
  36. Buy Art November 5, 2018 at 9:28 am

    Wonderful site. Plenty of helpful info here. I am sending it to a few buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks in your sweat!

    Reply
  37. Folk Art November 5, 2018 at 10:59 am

    I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.

    Reply
  38. Financial News November 6, 2018 at 12:33 am

    Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! By the way, how could we communicate?

    Reply
  39. Google My Business November 6, 2018 at 2:20 am

    Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly comeback.

    Reply
  40. Counsel November 7, 2018 at 2:02 am

    I truly appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thank you again

    Reply
  41. Car Auctions UK November 7, 2018 at 11:43 pm

    Generally I do not read post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very pressured me to try and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, very great article.

    Reply
  42. Car Auctions In Maryland November 8, 2018 at 1:47 am

    Just wish to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity in your post is just nice and i could assume you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the enjoyable work.

    Reply
  43. Attorney November 8, 2018 at 5:10 am

    Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.

    Reply
  44. Auto Discount November 9, 2018 at 1:54 am

    Great ¡V I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related information ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, website theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task..

    Reply
  45. Home Service Club Warranty Reviews November 9, 2018 at 4:16 am

    magnificent issues altogether, you simply received a logo new reader. What would you suggest about your submit that you just made a few days ago? Any positive?

    Reply
  46. Hvac Service November 9, 2018 at 8:13 am

    Just want to say your article is as amazing. The clarity in your post is just spectacular and i could assume you’re an expert on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the rewarding work.

    Reply
  47. Homeserve USA November 11, 2018 at 11:16 pm

    Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! However, how could we communicate?

    Reply
  48. Homeserve November 11, 2018 at 11:21 pm

    Great website! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read some more. I am bookmarking your feeds also

    Reply

Leave A Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *