Disclaimer for yesterday’s post:
What I experienced can happen in any store. Costco is actually one of our family’s favorites. It does save us money (I think). The other day, Lauren said, “Dad, if you were a store, you’d be a Costco!” So, it’s close to our hearts. Besides, where else can you eat cheap pizza with the smell of rubber tires stacked up next to the plastic picnic-style table you share with strangers?
I am still learning from my experience. Good stuff is brewing in my brain and heart… more conversations with my Redeemer. I’ve been thinking.
“I almost lost my religion.” (The first sentence of yesterday’s post.)
Maybe that’s a good thing.
Religion tells us to be nice. Go to church. Read our Bible.
But…
“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:26).
“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” (Matthew 11:28-30 The Message).
Most of us know this verse as: “Take my yoke upon you” (Matt. 11:29 NIV).
A “yoke” was a teaching.
Jesus’ yoke (the religion He taught) was grace.
“Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.”
Sigh.
“Teach me, Lord.”
What do you do in the name of religion?
