Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

The religious spirit (not a good thing)

Thursday, December 7, 2000

Matthew 7:21
Jesus says, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my father who is in heaven."

On the mountain speaking to thousands of people traveling to hear him, Jesus is concluding his most famous speech, the "Sermon on the Mount." It begins in chapter 5 with gentle affirmation of those who are suffering..."Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

But now at the end Jesus speaks to those inflicted with the heavy, evil spirit of religion and self-righteousness. He is no longer gentle. The first verse of chapter seven reads, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." He describes the generosity of God ... "For everyone who asks (of God) receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened" ... and castigates many of those who say they speak for God ... "They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."

I have sometimes been afflicted by what I've heard termed the "religious spirit." This evil, evil spirit allows me to be comfortable in my relationship with God, at least the god I have created in my image who doesn't demand much of me. It has also kept me apart from the Father Jesus knows and loves, slickly tricking me into refusing the forgiveness He so freely gives. And finally this awful spirit cuts me off from other people, other hurting brothers and sisters like me, afraid of them, proud of myself, ashamed of myself...it doesn't matter. I am deluded into thinking that God wants me all for himself; and if I pray and fast and spend all my time with him, then I can avoid dirty contact with others more pathetic than myself.

No one in the 20th century's public eye has more beautifully served hurting people than Mother Teresa. Reading her devotional writings, I have no doubt that she also spent much of her time in prayer. And of course, she walks in Jesus' footsteps, who prayed ... and then spoke, who prayed ... and then healed, who prayed ... and then suffered with his brothers and sisters, and eventually prayed ... and died for them. Us.

There is nothing more satisfying than stretching out and loving/giving/sharing with another member of the human race. There is also nothing more risky, at least, risky from the perspective afforded by the earth's reward systems. But in chapter 5, Jesus gloriously revises our expectations ... "Blessed are those who are persecuted (not rewarded) because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Lord, again, you call us to wait, to wait with a promise. Surround us with your angels, Lord, protect us from evil, give us wisdom and skill to grow in you and away from the pride, arrogance and shame that seems to spring far too quickly into our hearts. You are God, and I am not. Show me the way.

Devotions Archive

The religious spirit (not a good thing)

Thursday, December 7, 2000