Religion vs. Relationship

In the past two months, on two separate occasions, I have been called a "religious" person. The remarks came from acquaintances, whom I have never even shared a word about my faith. The thought of being a "religious" person made me shudder, each time I heard the phrase.

Dictionary.com describes religion as "exhibiting religion, conscientious, connected with a religious order". None of these words connect with my heart and none of these words have truly changed my life at the core. However, if acquaintances can see the "religion" in you and me. What does that mean?

I want to believe that it means people can see something different in the way I act or think. I want to think that it makes me set apart from the masses. I want to believe that because of a "relationship" I am forever changed, completely, down to my DNA.

I am reading a book called, The Supernatural Ways of Royalty. The author offered his friend a candy bar and was surprised at his friends decline. "No, thanks, seven years ago God told me to fast sugar. I haven't eaten candy since then." Upon further investigation his friend had a revelation, "It just occurred to me that I never asked God why. I just realized that my relationship with God has been based on obedience and not on friendship." Whoa. This story struck a chord in my heart. How many times have I been obedient, or stuck with the religious order, and yet, forgotten about the friendship?

The God of the Universe is so in love with me, a stay-at-home-mom, that He is pacing the floor in expectation that we might hang out and talk. The God of the Universe is so in love with me, a 27 year old girl, that He's been up all night singing songs over me. What a lover! I've never met anyone, nor will I, like this God!

So, the Holy Spirit has revealed to me, that what the world sees as "religion" is really "relationship". When your actions are influenced by the person you are so in love with, that's a relationship, not a religious duty. When you guard your thoughts out of a desire for purity, that's relationship, not religion. What a relief! This love-thing is something I'm gonna waste my whole life trying to dive into and I just can't get enough.