religion

by Elizabeth DeBarros

Falling into religious error is like stepping on a fine, invisible line that makes no sound. You don’t know it when it happens, but something dies inside and a pall hangs in the air. The smell of convention and formality.

Getting rid of religion (religious thoughts, rules, ways and means) is like trying to get rid of that last speck of yeast that’s so hard to find. You’ve got to focus your eyes to search for the elusive grain, and when you finally do find it, you just know there’s more lurking around the bend somewhere. That’s what yeast does. It lurks. 

Try searching for your own brand of religious yeast. We all have some, that’s why the Bible tells us to get rid of it. 

Here’s what mine looks like:

  • Religion is when I try to make something happen before God has ordained it.
  • Religion is organizing God around my idea or plan and calling it God’s “blessing.”
  • Religion is doing all the right things for all the wrong reasons.
  • Religion is saying, “Be well, keep warm and well fed” without cooking.
  • Religion is trying to resurrect that which was meant to die.
  • Religion is saying Hallelujah before having the faith to say Amen.
  • Religion is saying “Yes” to God without saying “No” to ungodliness.
  • Religion is being so busy for God I cannot hear Him say, “Rest.”
  • Religion is thinking God is going to do the same thing twice.
  • Religion is thinking God is going to do it the same way twice.
  • Religion is believing God is always going to make sure I’m comfortable.
  • Religion is never being able to leave some things to mystery.
  • Religion is praising Him only when it’s dry, warm and sunny.
  • Religion is watching the news and going to bed depressed afterwards.
  • Religion is trying to re-enact the past, hoping that there will be a blessing in it.
  • Religion is sentimentality on parade without applying Biblical wisdom.
  • Religion is…

Religion is selfish. It stems from self and revolves around self. There’s no genuine sacrificial cost, really. It’s the kind of yeast that deadens the loaf because it has no life inside. A hollow form.

As for me, I’m on a tear, spying to get rid of every last speck of the pesky stuff.

And it may cost me everything.

Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are.
For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

1 Corinthians 5:7