We can all identify a particular shirt that had its heyday: yesterday. The pattern or colors quickly bring to mind some bygone era when this clothing was in. It was faddish. Everyone wanted to buy it and wear it—but now it is no longer in style.
This is also true of music, electronics, cars, language, political viewpoints and more. We often grab onto things in hopes that they will bring us happiness—only to find like sand between the fingers, they do not remain.
Religious fads are similar.
• Worship music: old, new, old/new.
• Approaches to prayer: quiet, loud, personal, corporate, longer, shorter, using these words, or those words.
• Small groups: we need to do them weekly, monthly, more often, left often. We need this curriculum or that program.
• Bible study: the meaning of life is becoming a scholar of the word. Reading the Old Testament, New Testament, or the biblical observations of some theologian, pastor, or teacher. “Get into the Word! is the cry.
• Youth ministry, serving the poor, television, radio, preaching, silence, evangelism, coming together, being separate, clean up your life, loosen up your life, work harder, work less. The list goes on and on.
I have been on some of these trips—hoping to discover the meaning of the Christian life. When others say, “I have found the secret to a wonderful spiritual life,” it seems an opportunity to good to pass up. Invitations to read a particular book, go to a seminar, join a group, get involved in the ministry of some pastor, or simply to focus private devotional time on this new “thing” are plentiful.
Religion and religions are always trying to sell us on the latest program. The secret of life has been found!
The problem—the cruel problem—of course is that these attempts to usher in some new golden age of God always disappoint. Later—or sooner—the realization sets in that what is being offered may well be good, but it isn’t magic. Banking your life on these many religious forms gets stale, and sometimes the shelf life is pitifully short.
I have discovered (though I am apt to fall back into the miracle drug addiction at times) a better way.
Jesus.
A total fascination, affection, and devotion to Jesus Christ is something that does not disappoint. Where the world (and even and especially the church) can cause discouragement and disillusionment, Jesus brings courage and a sense of grounded reality. Jesus, as the One who reveals God to us, is deeper, richer, truer, and ultimately where we find meaning.
Praying to Jesus.
Worshiping Jesus.
Reading about Jesus in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Discovering a hope for Him in the Old Testament.
Watching a community rally to Him in the New Testament.
Talking about him in small groups.
Preaching about him in large gatherings.
Caring for the poor in His name.
Jesus.
And when we enter community with one another—yes, in religion—we do not join a human group. We join the body of Jesus. Jesus is the one who is the source and substance of our congregation. The reason we gather is Him, and so we gather in His name.
And if we are to fellowship like Jesus, to eat as he ate … an astonishing thing happens.
Religion tastes good.
