Have you ever felt like you were just going through the motions? I know I have. You show up, you follow the steps, you say the right things, but deep down, something feels hollow. It’s like watching a movie about a grand adventure instead of actually living it. Sometimes, our faith can start to feel that way. What was meant to be a vibrant, life-changing relationship with God can slowly turn into a religion about God.
This week, we’re kicking off a new series called “Unlearning Religion,” and we’re starting with “Judge Not.” We’re going to look at how we can get back to the heart of it all. How we can move from a checklist of rules and rituals to a real, personal connection that transforms us from the inside out.
The Performance Trap
It’s easy to fall into the trap of performance. We learn the rules, adopt the lingo, and master the traditions. We focus on looking the part. We might think that if we just do all the right things, we’ll be “good” with God. But this approach often misses the point entirely. It can turn our spiritual walk into a system of earning and deserving, which is the exact opposite of grace.
When faith becomes a set of regulations, it also becomes a tool for measurement. We start measuring ourselves, and then we start measuring others. Who is following the rules best? Who is falling short? This is where judgment creeps in, creating division and pushing people away. It’s a heavy burden to carry, for ourselves and for those around us.
Think about it. We were invited into a family, not hired for a job. A family is built on love, acceptance, and connection. A job is built on performance reviews and meeting quotas. When our faith feels more like a job, it’s a sign that we’ve drifted from a relationship into religion.
Let’s start this journey together. This week, I want to encourage you to examine your own faith. Does it feel more like a performance or a connection? Are you more focused on the specks in others’ eyes or the plank in your own?
Let’s decide to move from a religion about God to a relationship with Him. Let’s trade judgment for grace, and performance for presence. The adventure is waiting.
P.S. – This is a GREAT series to INVITE a friend to. If you know someone who questions “organized religion,” then this series is for them!