Religious Rituals

(Excerpt from a song called "Believe")
I say on Sunday how much I want revival
But then on Monday, I can't even find my bible.
Where's the power of the cross in my life?
I'm sick of playing the game of religion.
I'm tired of losing my reason for living.
Where's the power of the cross in my life?


I'm not satisfied living in yesterday's hour.
I'm not satisfied to have the form but not the power.
I'm not satisfied there's no love in my life but You.
I'm not satisfied doing it my own way.
I'm not satisfied to have church and walk away.
I'm not satisfied. Lord I am crucified in You.


So we lay down our cause that our cross might be found in You.


If we find ourselves in a religious ritual, is it really doing us any good? It can be an easy thing to let ourselves get caught up "going through the motions". What if it all looks good on the outside? It may seem we have it all together or that our heart is in the right place, but are we really serving God out of a deeper love and commitment? What is it to you: faith or religion? Are we living for God or others? Do we live our lives to please God or out of fear of what someone might say or think about us?


Matthew 23:27
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.


What about prayer? Is it done with a sense of foreboding? Do we pray because that's what is expected of us? When we pray, do we really pray? It's so easy to kneel down and start saying those common prayer phrases that we don't have to give much thought. What about vain repetition?


Matthew 6:7
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.


I realize that every day I have to make a conscious effort not to get caught up in these religious rituals. I have to constantly remind myself.


All for the Glory of Christ...........