Relationship with God, not rules, define Christianity

In so many ways, the church has done itself – and Jesus Christ – a grave disfavor.

Somewhere along the line, we took Jesus out of our faith and replaced him with a set of rules, doctrines, and rigid definitions of what fidelity to Christ looks like.

On one level, a distinct framework of fidelity to the Gospel serves a very valuable purpose in the life of a believer. “Do this, and don’t do that,” are simple ways of defining what behaviors, attitudes, and actions are acceptable for a Christian. Likewise, formal and informal means of defining who is in and who is not, are ways that the Church is able to maintain its authenticity. These practices may vary across different church traditions and theological understandings. They are also evident in some way or another in virtually every expression of Christianity. To put it simply, Christianity is not—nor has it ever been—an “anything goes” religion.

The problem comes when the rules, guidelines, structures, and entrance rites overshadow the heart of the faith. Jesus was fierce about this when he railed against the religious rules of his day, calling them hypocrites and the brood of vipers. His actions were in response to a religious legalism that measured a person by their ability to conform to the prescribed norm, make the proper sacrifices, and adhere to the proper rules of fidelity. The Apostle Paul built on Jesus’ criticism when he insisted that those within the church who were insisting on fierce legalism and adherence to the law were missing the point. Finally, James illustrates the reality by reminding believers that it is their faith, not their works, that matters to God.

Paul writes in Romans 12, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” For Paul, this embodies a genuine faith.

One may consider an analogy of marriage. Most would agree that there are certain rules that define a good marriage. Such rules would be fidelity to the spouse, keeping violence out of the relationship, caring for one another, forgiveness, and the like. Yet, a healthy marriage does not get out the rule book every day and check off the list of ‘dos’ and ‘don'ts’ in order to make sure the couple is doing what they should in order to be married. It is the overarching bond of love and the binding covenant of the relationship—not the explicit rules that marriage implies—that makes a meaningful marriage. Two loving spouses follow the rules simply because their love compels nothing less. Yet, they hardly think about the rules. The marriage is simply who they are.

Scripture calls for the faithful to simply live lives in Christ, rooted in Christ, and established in faith. That faith is not measured by adherence to specific rules, but rather by who a person truly is. Does one’s life, interactions, relationships, and attitude glorify Christ? If yes, than such a life speaks far louder than one who can quote just scripture, attend church, and look religious. Christianity is about relationship, not rules.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Relationship with God, not rules, define Christianity