Friday, April 19, 2024

My problem with creative pursuits is that I want to make it “the right way.” Something that is meant to be intentionally fun and fulfilling ends up becoming legalistic. It can be that way with religion too. Religion creeps in when we fall into the trap of doing something the "right way," or when we focus more on rule-following than a relationship with God.

But it's a relationship that God is actually desiring. Jesus sought to teach this through the “Parable of the Lost Son” (Luke 15:11-32).

A common question people ask when it comes to this story is who do you relate with? Personally, I relate with the older son. He did everything right in his eyes and judged his brother's mistakes. The older brother did all that his father wanted. And because of his actions, he assumed he would get something in return.

The older brother is an example of what religion looks like. Although it seems righteous, it still breaks our relationship with God. Just as the father in the story cared about the younger son returning with a repentant heart, he also desired the older son’s heart, not just a rule-follower.

This is God’s hope for you as well—he wants your heart—so much so that he sent his Son to provide a way back (John 3:16). And Jesus accomplished what he said he would, meaning we don’t have to earn God’s favor.

Ephesians 2:18
Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.

God wants us to do life with him, not work for him.

Did you know in Biblical times that it was the first born's responsibility to go out and find a wayward son? In the story, the older son, out of obligation and thinking he was getting something from the father, refused to look for his brother.

On the other hand, Jesus, who was God’s first born son, was willing to do what the firstborn was unwilling to. Jesus left his heavenly home to bring us back to the Father.

The greatest gift we have been given is a relationship with God. Instead of feeling obligated to work for him, invite him into your heart and step into a relationship with him.

Lose your religion, and receive the gift God is giving you.

Questions:
What rules do you follow to earn God's favor?

What holds you back from receiving God's grace?

What do you work for instead of being present?

Next Steps:
If you haven’t already, receive God's grace for the first time by confessing your need for him and acknowledging you can’t do life without him.

Challenge yourself to do something spontaneous with God. Try connecting with him in a new way—through prayer, worship music, nature, serving others or pausing and simply enjoying his presence.

Try a new creative pursuit for the fun of it. Don’t focus on the "right way," simply enjoy the experience.

Prayer:
God, help me to lose my religion. I accept who you are and what you have done for me. I don't want to follow you out of obligation or because I think I can get something from you. You have given me the greatest gift. Draw near to me, Lord, I want to be with you. I am inviting you in. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Romans 6:14
Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

This post was written by Becca Roberts, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.