ARE YOU RELIGIOUS OR GODLY?

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 Many people hold their faith close and never realised that they have strain far away from the truth,  it's important to reflect on the essence of one’s beliefs beyond the rituals and traditions. Religion is often worn like a garment, visible for all to see, yet godliness is woven into the fabric of our character, felt rather than flaunted. The discrepancy between religious practices and godly behaviour is significant because when people focus on the semblance of piety without embodying its principles, they become vulnerable to manipulation by those who misuse religion for personal gain.Religious fervour without the substratum of godliness can create a hollow space where fear and respect for the Lord ought to be. This vacancy can lead to a superficiality in faith, allowing for manipulative tendencies under the guise of piety. It's easy to wrap oneself in the cloak of religiosity, performing rituals and speaking the language of devotion, while failing to internalise the spiritual lessons that should accompany these outward expressions.To truly walk the path of faith, we must engage in introspection and align our actions with our beliefs. This means moving past the surface-level expressions of religion and delving deeply into what it means to live a life that is consistent with the teachings we profess to follow. In this way, your godliness—the morality, kindness, and genuine reverence for the Lord—becomes evident not through your words or public displays, but through your daily actions and interactions with others.Being godly means embodying the virtues that you revere, such as compassion, humility, and integrity. It involves a commitment to self-improvement and to treating others with the love and respect that are often preached in almost all altar but forgotten in practice. As we navigate our spiritual journeys, it is crucial to avoid the pitfalls of hollow religiosity and instead strive for a heart and life that truly reflect our deepest values.Remember that it's easy to lose oneself in the trappings of religion, but the true challenge lies in cultivating a spirit that honours the divine through righteous living. Check within yourself, examine your character and thoughts, and ask if your faith is merely worn or genuinely lived. If truly you love Jesus and belong to him, Strive to be more than just a religious person; endeavour to be godly in all aspects of your life it's a remarkable journey to reflect on whether our walk is one of mere , religious ritual or true godliness. The Scriptures offer us a guiding light on this path.

Matthew 22:37-39 says, "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Check to see if your actions are motivated by genuine love for God and others, or merely out of a sense of duty.

Galatians 5:22-23 tells us about the fruits of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."Reflect on whether these qualities are growing in you, which would imply a godly life, rather than just an adherence to religious activities.

Matthew 6:1 warns against performing religious duties for human approval: "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them."Ask yourself if you're seeking recognition from people rather than God.

James 1:22 exhorts, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."Evaluate whether you're not just hearing the Word but also applying it in your daily living.

James 1:27 defines pure religion: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."see if your faith moves you to care for the vulnerable and maintain purity from the world's corruptions.

Matthew 6:5-6 compares the prayer of the religious to the prayer of the godly: "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men... But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.," Think about whether your prayers are a private conversation with God or a public display.

1 Samuel 15:22 says, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams."Reflect on whether you're following God's commands or if you're just going through the motions of religious rituals.

Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."Ensure that your trust is in God's grace for salvation, not in your religious deeds.

How to Determine if You are Religious or Godly


CHARACTERISTICS OF A RELIGIOUS PERSON


1.1. Regular attendance at religious services


1.2. Strict adherence to religious rituals and traditions


1.3. Strong identification with a particular religious group


1.4. Emphasis on external expressions of faith

Remember, being religious might involve practices and traditions, but being godly is about the transformation of the heart and relationship with God. It's not about perfection but direction—consistently moving closer to God's heart. Keep these references close and let them guide you as you continue on this beautiful journey of faith. 








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