Theology. You have one. Everyone does. You wear it daily in your work. It’s revealed in how you treat your family when you come home.
Whether you can verbalize it or not, your theology dictates your life. It determines your image of God. It reflects how you treat people. Even if you go to church and read your Bible, did you know that your theology can keep you from God?
The problem is when our theology becomes “religious” and not “relational”.
Have you noticed that sometimes the people who are furthest away from God are the most religious? There are some who know their Bible so well and yet know God so little. Theology is “the study of God”. Yet, studying about God is not the same as knowing God. God is not an object to be studied. He is a being worth being in relationship with.
Consider Jesus’ life. Think about what he did with his life. Consider what he taught. Jesus didn’t spend his life studying theology. (Matter-of-fact, it was the most educated theologians of his time who were responsible for his death.) Notice some of the ways Jesus replaced “religion” with “relationship” in his teachings.
- Peace not obtained by “regulations” but by “reliance on Him” (Matt 11:28)
- Joy becomes complete not by “performance” but by “praying”. (John 16:24)
- A fruitful life not through “religious sacrifice” but through “surrender” (John 12:24)
- Eternal Life not through “following rules” but through “faith in Him” John 1:12)
There’s an interesting thing about religion. Religion puts me in control. A relationship with God puts Him in control. Religious living elevates what I do for God. A relationship with God elevates what He has done for me.
Let’s align with Jesus’ theology. It draws us to God. It can be summed up in Matthew 11:28-30.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (MSG)
There is nothing so bad in your past that cancels out His desire to connect with you. There is nothing so grand in your accomplishments that adds one ounce to His acceptance of you.
Your theology reflects your image of God (or lack thereof). Whether you are aware of it or not, your theology impacts how you relate to God. What impact is your theology having on how you daily relate to God? Is your theology keeping you from having a relationship with God?
Leslie pictures God with a scowl on His face. No matter how hard he tries, Jason never feels God is pleased with him. Megan doesn’t feel that God really cares about her. Brent has prayed before but deep inside doesn’t believe God can really help him with his problems.
My problem is when my theology becomes religious and not relational. My dissatisfaction in life comes when regulating my life becomes the focus vs. relationship.
God, yes, it’s the God of glory who thinks and He plans.
He desires and He feels. He dances and He delights. He gets angry and He fights. He is patient and He is kind. He is holy and He’s divine. He relates and He reveals and He’s compassionate and heals. His wrath is to be feared and His power revered; Yet He’s so gentle and meek; He’s a refuge for the weak.
Faith in someone or something. Does your faith draw you into relationship with Him? Theology. Do you study about God or do you know God? If you know Him, you know His peace. If you know Him, you know His strength. Education does not equal spiritual growth. Discipleship is not the transference of knowledge. Spiritual intimacy with Christ is not through attendance. Reading the Bible does not make you more spiritual. “in Him”. Abiding, connecting, communing, intercourse, dialogue, listening, calling, praying, trusting, crying out, walking, watching, waiting, hoping, believing, surrendering, following…when does theology keep you from God? Theology keeps you from God when you believe attending church is the goal.
If your theology is telling you that He doesn’t care, why would you trust Him?
If your theology has convinced you that He doesn’t have the power, why would you wait on Him?
If …He does not have standards why would you be honest? Or pure?
If your theology tells you that death is final, then why would you?
If people are …then why care?
Heart engaged…heart in awe…heart abiding in Him and Him in me.
Joe, how is your theology keeping you from God?
Does your faith keep you from God?
Lord, what is it that you want me to learn? You are not an object to be studied. You are a being to have a relationship with.
Main Point: Studying about God keeps some people from connecting with God. When rules of religion take precedent over a relationship with God, then…
Religion is about making rules…spirituality is about making relational connection with God.
