When we talk about faith, there’s a big difference between just following religious rules and truly feeling close to God. It's like the difference between sticking to a recipe step by step and actually tasting the food to see if it’s good. Being religious means you might go to church, pray because you’re supposed to, and try to do the right things, but having a real relationship with God? That's about feeling like you’re actually talking to Him, like He’s someone you can share everything with, not just someone you read about.
What Does Being Religious Mean?
Being religious is all about the routines and traditions your faith might have. It's going to church on Sundays, maybe fasting when you’re supposed to, and living by the rules your religion teaches. This structure gives us a community and helps us figure out how to deal with life's big questions and challenges.
But just going through these motions doesn’t always mean your heart’s in it. It’s totally possible to do all the right religious stuff without feeling that special connection that makes everything feel more meaningful.
So, What's It Like to Really Know God?
Having a real relationship with God is like having a best friend who’s always there for you. It's about feeling loved and understood by someone bigger than all of us. This kind of connection goes beyond just following rules. It’s about:
Talking and Listening: Just like chatting with a friend, being close to God means you can talk about anything and everything — your happy moments, your worries, and even your doubts. And it’s also about listening, taking some quiet time to feel what God might be saying to you.
Trusting: It’s about believing that God has got your back, even when things get tough or don’t make sense.
Showing Love: When you feel loved by God, you start to spread that love around by being kind to other people and helping out where you can.
How to Keep That Connection Strong
Building a relationship with God is something you keep working on, just like any friendship. Here’s how to make that connection even stronger:
Be Real: Just be yourself when you talk to God. No need for fancy words or pretending to be someone you’re not.
Make Time: Try to set aside a little time each day to pray or just think about God. It doesn’t have to be a lot, just like you’d text a friend to keep in touch.
Live It Out: Let your faith guide how you treat people. Being kind and forgiving is a big part of showing your love for God.
Keep Learning: There’s always something new to discover about God. Reading religious texts or stories can give you new insights and keep your faith fresh.
Find Your Crew: Sharing your journey with others who feel the same way can make your faith even stronger.
God is like a patient friend
Navigating your spiritual journey can sometimes feel like trying to find your way in the dark. There will be moments when you might question if you're on the right path, or if you're truly connecting with God the way you hoped. It's important to remember that this journey isn't about perfection. It's perfectly okay to have doubts, to stumble, and to not always get it right.
What matters most is your sincerity and your desire to grow closer to God, even in small steps. God's love for you doesn't waver based on your successes or failures. Like a patient friend, God is always there, ready to listen, guide, and embrace you, no matter where you are on your path. So, take a deep breath, give yourself some grace, and remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is a step towards the light.
To Wrap It Up
Moving from just being religious to actually feeling close to God is like opening a door to a whole new kind of friendship. It’s about making your faith a part of your daily life, not just something you do because you’re supposed to. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to build this relationship. It might take time, and there will be ups and downs, but it’s all about getting to that place where you feel truly connected and understood.
Article by: Micayla Niemack
