Burned out on religion? It can and does happen to many. The cure? Love God and let Him to love you back.

Jesus was not irreligious, yet He often had to interrupt religion to accomplish his purposes and gain the hearts and trust of His followers.

Religion is man’s attempt to connect with God, and man works very hard at it. Many religious people deny themselves, batter themselves, sadden themselves, bores themselves half to death and eventually becomes frustrated at the whole process. As the Pharisees of old they choose rules over relationship every time … thwarting God’s plan. He’s not looking for robots on a treadmill but for family with whom He has personal relationship.

Jesus was twice attacked by the religious leaders for doing acts of kindness on the Sabbath! “We have our rules,” he is told.

Oh yes, we have our rules, traditions and favorite theological leanings. We have our service schedules, our routines and solid reasons why we do what we do. Our ‘systems’ have too often replaced the living Sprit of God.

In Isaiah, we find these words that shake our religious sensibilities: “Quit your worship charades. I can’t stand your trivial religious games: Monthly conferences, weekly Sabbaths, special meetings. I can’t stand one more!! You’ve worn me out! I’m sick of your religion, religion, religion, while you go right on sinning.” Isaiah 1:13-17 MSG

It almost feels like God wants our relationship with Him to affect our behavior! God told the prophet Amos to tell his people (who were quite religious): “I hate all your show and pretense— the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies.” Amos 5:21 NLT

 So if God isn’t looking for people who are religious, let’s let another Old Testament prophet by the name of Micah set the record straight: “O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NLT

 This week quit trying to get to God through religion. It won’t work. He already made a way … it began with Him and the death of his Son. He doesn’t want our stuff and activities; He wants our love.

“I don’t want your sacrifices—I want your love; I don’t want your offerings—

I want you to know me.” Hosea 6:6 TLB