Are You Sure You Aren't Religious?

Modern Christians are quick to say we have a relationship, not simply a religion.

Even though religion isn't necessarily a bad word, we associate it with rituals and formulas, not love and relationship.(1) 

But do we truly understand the difference? 

Much of it has to do with motivation.

Religion is about manipulating God, not following Him. The motive is earning health, wealth, comfort, or happiness.

Religion says: "Obey God's commands and I'll get what I deserve."

Love says: "Obey God's commands because that's what He deserves" (Psalm 103).

Religion says: "If I do this for God, He'll do this for me."(2)

Love says: "I want to do this for God because I love Him" (Philippians 3:7-8).

Religion says: "God has let me down. I did what He said and things aren't going well."

Love says: "I don't understand why this is happening, but I'm trusting Jesus anyway" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
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(1) The word "religion" is used both positively (James 1:27) and negatively in Scripture (Acts 17:22; 2 timothy 3:5). However, modern Christians typically associate the word with an outward, shallow, legalistic belief system versus a faith built on Biblical principles and motives. That is how it is used in this devotion.
(2) Name-it-claim-it is one of the manipulative religions popular in the modern church. It's laced with superstition: "If I say I'm sick, I'll be sick. If I say I'm well, I'll be well. If I pray a certain way and talk a certain way, I'll be healthy and wealthy." (See the Power and Limit of Words.) And it's based on eternal promises, not earthly promises (see Future Promises).