Most religions have a list of things that people are supposed to do and how people are supposed to act in order to please God. But, is this really what it is all about? Is this what God really wants from us? Is religion about what we do for God, or is it about what God has done for us?
Religious Activity
All over the world today we see a lot of religious activity going on. People in every faith and in every religion are out doing activity trying to please God. But does it really please God? And what does he really want from us personally?
Do’s and Don’ts
In religion, most people come up with a list of things you’re supposed to do: pray, give certain offerings, and behave in a certain way that ultimately will follow the religious guidelines of that faith. But Christianity looks at it differently. 2000 years ago the Apostle Paul shared this exact same struggle with the people of Athens in his day:
Acts 17:24-25 The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.
The Gift of God
The real message of the Bible is about a God who serves us – who gives us everything. He is the provider and the sustainer of life. The Lord is not an IRS agent coming to take something from us, as if he needs something. God’s ultimate goal is to give us that truth. And in the freedom of God’s love we can learn to be givers, to express love back to God and others and in this find the real meaning of faith and joy.
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What religion did you grow up with, if any? How do you view that religion today?
- What do people consider religious activity today? Make a list.
- Read Acts 17:24-25. Who was Paul talking to in those verses? What was his point?
- Is religion enough for the God of the Bible? Explain.
- How has God “served” us? What does that mean for us today?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
This topic is adapted from the Manna Media YouTube channel.
