WEDNESDAY November 27, 2024

Rules and Regulations or Relationship

Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations— “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.
Colossians 2:20-23

It has falsely been said by many people that Christianity is nothing more than rules and regulations, when in reality, it is very much the opposite. it is all about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The principles of this world have an appearance of wisdom, but, in fact, it is only a self-imposed religion kept in false humility. There are so many religions that have this show of humility. Some refrain from eating food––fasting for many days. The Catholic Church demands priests and nuns to abstain from the natural and God-given ordinance of marriage. Isolation from society and repetitive prayers or chanting also have no value.

Understand, there is absolutely no profit in any of these doctrines of men. Trying to keep them only brings more emptiness in life. God’s Word gives us Christ; and through His Spirit, we can become truly humble and spiritual people. A relationship with Christ fulfills what we are searching and longing for. The empty hole in our hearts will only be satisfied when we find Christ the Son of God––the Messiah, the Anointed One of God.

Today, are you searching and seeking after something to fill your empty life? Perhaps you are caught up in religion and its vain practices. Seek Jesus, come to Him by faith, and place your trust in Him. Let me lead you in this prayer, “Dear Jesus, please forgive me, Lord, for all of my sins. I confess to you that I am a sinner. I ask you to cleanse me and wash me by your blood, and I receive you by faith as my Lord and my Savior. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.” Now read the Bible and get to know your God.

The purpose of the Bible is really to deal with just one thing and that one thing is man in his relationship to God.
~Martyn-Lloyd Jones~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!