Religious or Relational Thinking and Living?

S - "One Sabbath, Jesus was having dinner in the home of an important Religious Expert, and everyone was carefully watching Jesus. All of a sudden a man with swollen legs stood up in front of him. Jesus turned and asked the Religious Experts and the teachers of the Law of Moses, “Is it right to heal on the Sabbath?” But they did not say a word. Jesus took hold of the man. Then he healed him and sent him away. Afterwards, Jesus asked the people, “If your son or ox falls into a well, wouldn't you pull him out at once, even on the Sabbath?” There was nothing they could say." Luke 14 TS

O - Religion can never get it right because … it is religious.  Religion is based on rules, concepts and assumptions "objectively" applied. Religious relationships are its byproduct.  The Kingdom of God is relationships … relationships are the Kingdom not its byproduct. It is only in the context and ongoing dynamic of relationships that any promises, principles or concepts are engaged. Jesus wasn't sent by the Father to work out amnesty but to call the world to engage adoption as daughters and sons.  Religion fears relational thinking claiming such will distort and compromise truth.  This very assumption distorts and compromises the Kingdom it claims to represent. Religion starts and ends with its rules.  According to Jesus, life in the Kingdom of God begins and continues with relationships. 

A - When Jesus was asked to teach us how to speak with God, he began where everything in the Kingdom begins … relationally.  The first two words of this globally famous prayer establish and confirm it. "Our Father …".  When thinking about the application of promises, plans, concepts and principles … the starting point and conclusion must always be the same - relational … a family of brothers and sisters following Jesus responding to their Father. According to Jesus we were not made for religious practice (humans were not made for the Sabbath; the Sabbath was made for them). We were not made for the Scriptures; the Scriptures were given to/made for us. I will start my thinking, speaking and living with Jesus; his person and the ongoing relationship he is giving to me and the whole world.  I will accept his counsel: "… don't be afraid! Your Father wants to give you the kingdom (Luke 12)."  

P - Our Father,

Thank you for making us children in your family not adherents in your institution or organization. Thank you for sending Jesus to clarify both your person and purposes.  I gratefully accept and engage the adoption you call all people to … personally, specifically and joyfully.  I promise to start where you do with all people and with all applications of the Scriptures you made for us.  You are completely amazing!

I love you back,

Steve