Religion and reality

I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.— Revelation 3:20

“Religion and reality don’t mix”—that’s what a group in Grand Rapids, Michigan, believes. These 24 people call themselves “freethinkers” who have chosen “reality over religion.” Most of them grew up in churchgoing families but have left their faith.

Like those freethinkers, two Filipino students from prominent families became deeply disturbed by religious people who exploited the poor. They too rejected all religion. They sought reality in alleviating the suffering of the masses. But eventually they began to sense that life without God left them empty. Through a series of near-miraculous events, both students came to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord. They continued to work among the poor, but with a new perspective. They found the reality of a living faith in contrast to mere external religion.

The Israelites also wondered why God seemed unreal to them. They had gone through the motions of religion but continued to live for themselves (Isaiah 58:2,4). Isaiah told them to repent and become real — to free the oppressed, to share their bread with the hungry, to house the poor, and to clothe the naked. Only then would God be real to them (vv.6-9).

If we truly know Jesus, religion and reality do mix.   — Herbert Vander Lugt

When people turn away from God, They think they will be free, But only Christ who died for them Will bring reality. — D. De Haan

READ:Isaiah 58:1-9

Unless Christ is the center of interest, life will be out of focus.

The Bible in one year: • Revelation 4-8