Category: Christian Living

“It’s About a Relationship”

“It’s not about religion, it’s about a relationship with God.”

This phrase is said by evangelicals so regularly that it’s become almost an annoying platitude. It’s not that it is untrue; it is just that it is commonly offered as a self-explanatory statement without context. We need to understand that non-Christians and even new Christians can be mystified by such Christianese language.

So what, exactly, is meant by “religion” and just what does this “relationship” with God entail?

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Preach the Gospel at All Times. Use Words, They Are Necessary.

I’m constantly seeing people post quotes like these:

“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.”
“It’s more powerful to live your truth than preach it.”
“The life you live is more important than the words you speak.”

I’ve even seen Christians cite this as one of their favorites, which is wrongfully attributed to St. Francis: “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”

I agree with these sentiments in the sense that an opinion or belief by itself does nothing, and putting our beliefs into action is both proof of our commitment to them and can be winsome to those around us.  But, as even Gandhi understands, there is an intimate causal connection between our beliefs and all our outward expressions.  The importance of beliefs cannot be overstated.  Our opinions and beliefs are what cause us to act, guide us in how to act, and to what end we should act. 

Continue reading “Preach the Gospel at All Times. Use Words, They Are Necessary.”
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