Relationship Not Religion

Something I find myself talking with people about on a regular basis is the difference between religion and Christianity. I find that many people don't realize that they are very different. When they find out I'm a pastor, they often begin seeing me as religious, which couldn't be farther from the truth. Carl Lentz, a pastor in New York City says it well when he says, "Religion is something you do because you have to. Relationship is something you choose to do because you want to." Christianity is about having a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I don't do it because I have to or am being forced to. I choose to have a relationship with Him because I desire to and choose to. Religion is often about lots of do and don'ts. Relationship is all about love. When I chose to serve Jesus in 1989, I didn't join a religion or become religious, I chose to become a follower of Jesus Christ and begin a personal relationship with Him. From that day I haven't looked back...Jesus is my best friend and wouldn't change it for the world.