A Binding Relationship

 This morning I was listening to one of my podcasts and they made the following statement

"Without relationship with Jesus Christ, religion is a burden."

In fact, I would go so far as to say that without a relationship with Jesus Christ, not just religion is a burden, but service is a burden, forgiveness is a burden, ministering is a burden, and in some cases even showing love and kindness may feel like a burden. It is the relationship that changes everything that we do into a joy and a privilege.

I also heard a new definition of religion that invites deeper reflection:

Religion is 'tying yourself to God'.

I've since looked that up and found an article written by a Catholic Christian who explains it this way:

"Few know the true meaning of religion: the Latin root Ligare means “to bind.” Religare leads you to re-bind, re-connect, renew, and relationship.

“The word ‘religion’ means literally a binding relationship,” scholar Peter Kreeft explains in his new book, Food for the Soul. “Religion is a relationship. It is like a road on which two parties meet.” - The Real Meaning of Religion: A Binding Relationship, Reconnecting

Religion is first and foremost about our relationship with God but it channels down to relationships with others as well. It is all about connecting with God and with the children of God... 

We all want to be happy, joyful individuals. We want peace, contentment, and stillness to dominate the crazy, chaotic busyness of the world. Viewing religion as a relationship with God that includes a relationship with others is a view that will ultimately help us obtain the level of happiness that we yearn for and make religion a privilege rather than a burden.

"As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness." -Dieter F Uchtdorf

 As we connect with others, and offer the measure of strength, support, and love that is ours to give, we will experience increased joy and happiness. That peace and calm we yearn for will begin to seep into our hearts. I am so thankful for the peace of Jesus Christ in my life. Jesus Christ is my Joy.