Too Religious?!

I know some of you who kinda know me, or even maybe know me really well are thinking that Sam girl is too religious. And,  my response to that is if loving Jesus means I am too religious, then so be it! Honestly, what is the first thought that comes to your mind when you hear "too religious?" Well, I think of a person having those Godly figurines all around the house, car, wherever.  I think of someone saying a repetition of prayers every day, I think of people who probably think they will go to Hell if they miss many church meetings. And, oh I hear this all the time too, too religious of people only hang around with people like themselves..... that's kinda sad.  See, I believe God wants us to go to church, and I believe He wants us to pray and interact with other believers yes. I also believe he understands if we don't go to church.  He understands if we don't pray.  And, He wants us to hang around unbelievers.

Let me break this up and give my thoughts.....ok first of all God knows we are sinners.  It all began with Adam eating the forbidden fruit.  (Genesis Chapter 3). I can't even begin to explain why the fall happened.  We just have the choice whether to believe or not. Romans 3:23 says "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."  So, that verse basically confirms that is just exactly what we all are, "sinners." Right?

First of all, nowhere in the bible does it say we need to have all those religious figurines around us for protection at any time really. Here's a verse that really made me think.  "Do not make idols that look like anything in the sky or on earth or in the sea under the earth. Don't bow down and worship idols. I am the Lord your God, and I demand all your love.. (‭Exodus‬ ‭20‬:‭4CEVUK00)  Also, "Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against your magic charms with which you ensnare people like birds and I will tear them from your arms; I will set free the people that you ensnare like birds."(Ezekiel 13:20NIV)

Concerning, the repetition of prayers, I think God just wants us to talk to him in the most personal way possible. Check this verse out, "When you pray, go into a room alone and close the door. Pray  to your Father in private. He knows what is done in private, and he will reward you. When you pray,don't talk on and on as people do who don't know God. They think God likes to hear long prayer. Don't be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask." (‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭6-8‬ CEVUK00) That's pretty cool, God already knows!  He basically just wants to hear us ask!

Nowhere in the bible, does it say "if you don't go to church' that is sin" So, first of all I don't believe going to church is necessary to go to Heaven.  I do believe that it is our choice and if our first choice was to believe and follow what God says in His word.  Hebrews  10-24 says  "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Then, wouldn't the choice be to go to church to follow that verse?

Lastly, my thoughts on too religious of people not hanging around unbelievers is why not?  Isn't  God's command to love one another. Doesn't God want us to spread the Good news to everyone? Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭18-20‬ NIV)

l tell ya my thoughts on this, if you feel you are strong enough in your walk with God, then go right ahead because remember God is always with you! If you are not yet at that level, and think you may be influenced by the unbeliever to partake in an activity you know is against your morals, then it is your decision to say no , or perhaps bring an accountability partner a friend along with you. Well, I hope these verses and my thoughts really were helpful and made you guys think "deep thoughts." Have a wonderful day!