Unbound From My Made Up Religion

Breaking Free from Self-Made Religion: Embracing True Faith

In our journey of faith, it's all too easy to fall into the trap of creating our own version of religion. We set up rules, rituals, and expectations that may look spiritual on the surface but ultimately lead us away from the true essence of following Christ. This self-made religion can be a subtle yet dangerous detour from authentic faith.

The apostle Paul, writing to the Colossians, warned against this very tendency. He cautioned believers not to let anyone judge them regarding food, drink, religious festivals, or Sabbath days. These external observances, while potentially well-intentioned, were mere shadows of the reality found in Christ.

So often, we get caught up in trying to impress God or others with our spiritual performance. We create checklists of dos and don'ts, thinking that if we just follow them perfectly, we'll earn God's favor or prove our worth. But this misses the heart of the gospel entirely.

True faith isn't about what we can do for God, but about what He has already done for us through Christ. It's not about our efforts to reach perfection, but about resting in the perfect work of Jesus on our behalf. When we try to add our own righteousness to Christ's finished work, we're essentially saying that His sacrifice wasn't enough.

This self-made religion often manifests in various ways:

1. Perfectionism: We set unrealistic standards for ourselves and others, causing frustration and judgment when they're not met.

2. Legalism: We focus on external behaviors rather than heart transformation, leading to pride or despair.

3. False humility: We may engage in self-abasement, thinking it makes us more spiritual, when in reality it's just another form of self-focus.

4. Mysticism: We might place undue emphasis on visions, experiences, or spiritual phenomena, rather than grounding our faith in God's Word.

5. Asceticism: Some believe that severe treatment of the body or denying oneself pleasures will lead to greater holiness.

But as Paul points out, these practices "have an appearance of wisdom" but are ultimately "of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh." They may look impressive, but they don't address the real issue of our sinful nature.

So how do we break free from this trap of self-made religion? The answer lies in holding fast to Christ, who is the head of the body, the church. It's about growing in a genuine relationship with Him, not just following a set of rules.

Here are some key principles to help us stay anchored in true faith:

1. Remember your identity in Christ: If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why live as if you still belong to it? Your old self has been crucified with Christ, and you now live by faith in Him.

2. Focus on the substance, not the shadows: Don't get distracted by external rituals or man-made traditions. These things may have their place, but they should never overshadow the reality of Christ Himself.

3. Embrace grace: Understand that you can never earn God's love or approval through your own efforts. It's freely given through Christ. Let this truth liberate you from the pressure to perform.

4. Seek heart transformation: Instead of focusing on outward conformity, allow the Holy Spirit to change you from the inside out. True holiness flows from a renewed heart, not just modified behavior.

5. Love others in freedom: Don't impose your personal convictions on others as if they were universal laws. Learn to extend grace and accept differences within the body of Christ.

6. Stay grounded in God's Word: Don't be swayed by every spiritual experience or new teaching. Test everything against Scripture and let it be your ultimate authority.

7. Pursue humility: Recognize that even your best efforts fall short of God's glory. This awareness should lead to gratitude for Christ's work, not self-loathing or pride.

It's crucial to understand that breaking free from self-made religion doesn't mean abandoning all spiritual disciplines or living without any standards. Rather, it's about approaching these things with the right heart and motivation. We obey God out of love and gratitude, not to earn His favor or impress others.

In our relationships, whether in marriage, family, or church community, this freedom from self-made religion allows us to extend grace to one another. We can acknowledge our own flaws and forgive others more readily when we're not caught up in unrealistic expectations or judgmental attitudes.

Ultimately, living in true faith means continually returning to the cross of Christ. It's there that we find our worth, our identity, and our purpose. It's there that we're reminded of God's incredible love for us – a love that isn't based on our performance but on His character.

As we journey through life, may we resist the temptation to create our own version of spirituality. Instead, let's cling to Christ, grow in His grace, and allow His Spirit to transform us from the inside out. In doing so, we'll discover the freedom, joy, and authentic relationship with God that He desires for us.

Let's pray for discernment to recognize areas where we might be slipping into self-made religion. May we have the courage to let go of any false securities or man-made traditions that hinder our true growth in Christ. And may we encourage one another to live in the freedom and grace that Jesus has won for us.

In a world that often values appearance over substance, let's be a people who radiate the genuine love, humility, and transforming power of Christ. That's the kind of faith that will truly impact the world around us and bring glory to God.