WALKING WITH JESUS

“Religion.”

“Christian.”

What do these words even mean anymore?

Our pastor has just finished a series entitled, “Why Jesus Hates Religion.” His over-arching point was this: Jesus hates religion because it’s all about MAN’S efforts to reach God. It’s all about our good works, and our little rules and regulations. It’s all about…well, all about US.

Jesus hates religion…because it blinds us to HIM.

I wonder how many conversations go like this:

“What religion are you?”

“Oh, I’m Christian.”

And how often is “Christian” defined as non-Catholic, non-Jewish, non-"a host of other things"? How often is “Christian” defined as flag-loving, apple pie, I’m an American? What does it mean beyond a title, a definition, a label?

My son is leading a small group. On Monday nights they meet to discuss the weekend message. On one particular Monday, a couple of weeks ago, one of the women in group said something like, “Well, in our religion, Christianity…”

My son stopped her.

With a smile on his face, he said, “We’re not a religion, remember? We’re having a relationship.”

“Well, what should we say instead?” she asked.

My son said the answer popped into his head before he even formed a thought! (I informed him – welcome to the still, small Voice!!)

“We’re walking with Jesus!”

Everyone loved this. So much so, that they have adopted the phrase almost like a motto for the group.

“How’d your week go? Are you walking with Jesus?!”

I glow inside at this.

I like the phrase “Christ-follower” or “Follower of Jesus.” But there’s a simplicity to what the Spirit gave to my son.

I’m walking with Jesus…

Yes – on a life stroll, on a difficult hike, slow at times, fast at others, sometimes up, sometimes down, sometimes smooth, sometimes not, crooked or straight – but all the time, walking WITH Jesus.

I’ve always found it easier to do my “exercise walking” with a buddy. Maybe it’s just the “yakker” in me. I don’t think about my tired little legs when I’m “chatting.” I think that’s why I like this phrase.

Walking WITH Jesus – having Someone to talk to, Someone who makes me forget my tired little legs.

Remember the men on the road to Emmaus? All of a sudden, they were joined by the resurrected Lord.

“As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them.” (Luke 24:14-15)

They didn’t recognize Him.

But what a turn that discussion must have taken!

Can you even imagine the Creator, the Messiah, GOD Incarnate explaining the Scriptures? Revealing the truth about HIMSELF?

At the end of the journey – (I love that Jesus stayed with them UNTIL THE END…) – they suddenly realized who their traveling companion was.

And that changed their lives - forever...

“Religion.”

“Christian.”

Titles. Definitions. Labels.

You can have ‘em –

I’m walking with Jesus!

BLOG = “Blessedly Leaning On God!”