Religion is but a Covering

  Religion is truly just a covering that makes us look better. It is good for nothing else. It is like a cloak we can put on to hide our ugliness. It makes us look good to those who are around us, but it is a poor substitute for the real faith and relationship we could and can have with the Lord.

 

  Religion comes up with its rituals and traditions that make us feel spiritual as long as we follow them. Religion covers even our own eyes from viewing the absolute wretchedness that still exists in our flesh.

  Paul did not have the blinder of religion upon his eyes when he viewed himself. He was in a relationship with the Lord and could view himself as he truly was.

Romans 7:18a – “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing:”

  When Paul was in a dead religion and persecuting the church he felt pretty good about himself, and thought he was headed in the right direction. It took an eye opening experience and a growing relationship with the Lord to see differently.

  It is clear when you read Scripture that God wants us to grow in a deeper relationship with Him.

Ephesians 3:14-19 – “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”

  God wants us to grow deeper in a relationship with Him and not just follow a bunch of rituals and traditions. He does not want us to be satisfied with just surface things which is all religion can do. He does not desire for us to have a covering religion, but a faith that effects the inward man.