Monday, November 29, 2010

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!”

13 comments:

  1. Me too, Sharon! I love what words were given to your son by the Holy Spirit! Awesome! I like that walking with Jesus so very much! I usually say "Christ follower" when someone asks. And I'm with your pastor, Jesus does hate religion. Like I said before, your pastor and my pastor would get along very well indeed. I think they have similar thoughts about things like this.

    I hope Monday is a kind one for you

    betty

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  2. And, me too!
    What a HUGE blessing your son shared, but also, what a HUGE blessing walking with the Lord is doing IN him!!!
    Thank you for sharing this- and as I walk with YOU, I feel Jesus IN YOU, using YOU to bless me and others in this journey called Life...
    Love you and can't wait to walk with you some more!
    <3 u!
    Janet

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  3. Religion has been the cause of so
    many problems in this world. It
    takes away freedom and takes our
    eyes off of Jesus and His truth.
    A relationship with Jesus is all
    we need, not religion.

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  4. Now i'm sure that young man makes you proud. Walking with Jesus...love it!

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  5. I love your son's comment. I'm glad that he listened to the voice who was whispering it.

    It reminds me of Enoch who walked with God and was no more. That's really and truly what I want people to say about me.

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  6. oh this is good stuff, sharon! what insight! thank you for sharing this.

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  7. There's so much about the label of "Christianity" that's troublesome, specifically because of the religious implications that come with it. I love that more and more people are actively rejecting and combatting those concepts in their individual lives!

    There's a great series of bible study workbooks called "Walking with God". They're all about that same principle ~ building a personal relationship with God. But I love how you put it into fresh context by the connection to the road to Emmaus. Those men were just walking along and Jesus showed up to GUIDE them through the scriptures! He's more than a companion ... he's his own roadmap!

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  8. Betty - I like the phrase "follower of Jesus" too. It just seems to sum up the truth so much better! Faith is about a PERSON, not an institution. Walking with Jesus, one step at a time - that's the way to go! I'm glad that our pastors are emphasizing the relationship we have with Jesus - not the "religion" we practice. I had a wonderful Monday - hope you did, too.

    Janet - Hello friend!! Thanks - YOU know how much it means to me to see the Lord working in my son. It's a blessing beyond compare. And for you to say that you feel Jesus in me - that brought me to tears. Thank you. I am also glad to be walking this journey of life with you. It makes the difficulties easier, and the joys increased!! Love you too...

    Sandy - Isn't it odd how "religion" steals freedom? And how wonderful it is that Jesus says HE is the Truth, and the Truth will set you free! Religion restricts us - it's rigid. Relationship fulfills us - it's liberating!

    Wanda - Yes, I'm very proud of my son. And I'm thrilled to see God working IN his life, and THROUGH his life. He's learning how to walk with Jesus!

    Debbie - I'm glad he listened, too. Enoch - one of the people I wish the Bible gave DETAILS about!! Would love to know why God gave him the privilege of "bypassing" death! I'm with you - I just want people to "see" my walk with the Lord. I want people to "see" Him in my life.

    Mariel - Thank you. There's nothing quite like a nice stroll. And when your traveling companion is the Lord Himself? PRICELESS!! By the way, love the new look of your blog - and you, too! Such a big difference - a good change. Congrats on the new Bible Study. I'm going to have to check that out!

    Paula - Yes, the "label" brings all kinds of judgment and disdain sometimes, doesn't it? I think it's a good thing to fight against the "status quo" - Jesus did. That's why He was controversial - and I'm glad that He still is. I'm going to check out those workbooks. They sound really good. And I just LOVE your phrase - would make a great bumper sticker - Jesus is His own roadmap!!

    My friends, missed you the last couple of days - it's good to be back! Thanks for stopping by, and for your thoughtful compliments!

    And, as always, GOD BLESS!

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  9. oh sharon there is something in the way you express your heart that causes my spirit to say "Yes!"

    I totally agree with you about the labels we attach to ourselves.

    In heaven there won't be denominational labels at all - just a group of people who walked with Jesus.

    Lovely post.

    Love
    Lidj

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  10. Hi Sharon,

    Excellent true blog, loved it. Also when you walk with Him and get tired and discouraged, isn't great to know He will carry you, when there is only one set of footprints in the sand, they are His and you are in His arms. I have always found this a comforting thought. God Bless - Nita

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  11. Hi Sharon -

    I like the "Walking with Jesus." Yes, that is indeed truth. In particular, the way that you ended the piece put a pep in my step!

    One that the Lord gave me is "true worshippers of GOD." That came from John 4:23 (KJV): "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him."

    My take: "Walking with Jesus" is probably better suited in some instances because to tell some that we are "true worshippers of GOD" may not "play" to some "sensitive" ears that are not mature in our Lord. I hope that you get the drift because I didn't do a good job of explaining it.

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  12. I am going to remember this - I'm walking with Jesus - thanks. sandie

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  13. Lidj - Thank you so much for your very kind comment. I love how you put it - in Heaven there won't be ANY demarcations - nothing separating us, from each other, or from God - we will just be people who walked with Jesus, and reached the destination - an eternity in His presence!

    Nita - You know, I've just got to tell you something. Last night I was talking to my son about this post - he read it because I had told him he "inspired" it. In our conversation, he brought up the "Footprints in the Sand" saying - about how much it has always touched his heart. When I read your comment tonight, I just had to smile. God speaks to our hearts at the same time sometimes, doesn't He?!

    Sandra - I think I know exactly what you're saying. To claim oneself as a TRUE worshiper of God may be offensive to some - they might think we are playing "holier than thou." However, I do want to be counted among those who worship in spirit and in truth. THAT occurs when I have a faithful walk with Jesus!

    Sandie - You're welcome! It's simple, and it speaks to my love of hiking, etc. If He is my companion, the walk is SOOO much easier!

    GOD BLESS!

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)