The Politicalization of Approach to God: Religion

Politics (activities associated with the governance of a country or other area) is receiving lots of attention right now. It’s about power, control and manipulation to access followers. Being favored to win elections, being favored to cause our wishes to be realized with enough people--deceived or otherwise. Becoming a popular name or face brings about automatic loyalty, many times without question. And all these specific truths apply in this article, with the addition of “being revered as the pathway for God’s acceptance”. The truth has always been out there, and just like in political arenas in governments, people all too often go willingly to be a part of a power arena.

 All kinds of religions have created and secured a base of power, financial backing, followers. Dead people (still sleeping, spiritually) follow along with a popular concept that they are seduced by due to the large consensus of that group.  All sects and cultures of Christianity and any other religions are “par” on this course. Checking out the yellow pages under “churches” or religions, we will find plenty of choices. Religious gatherings bring humans together and they muster up life in the group.  Imbedded in all that activity is the belief that God is part of it, like he was waiting for them to show up so he could bless them. God is part of the belief system to whatever degree, but God-love these people, they are deceived. 

 I am still amazed that such a large percentage of humanity fail to understand that there is a difference between the entity, the deity GOD, and groups of people gathering in a common belief system. The only CHURCH is “the ecclesia” –individuals called out by Jesus Christ himself, living members of the Body of Christ. They are led by the Holy Spirit, and no human can take His place. 

 However, attacking religion as impotent and obsolete is like trying to take on Goliath if you are not David.  Thank the Lord, there is a David company of Kings and Priests who will still be standing as religion falls and has its head cut off.  There is great resistance, but God never fails.  He has seemingly been slow to increase the potency of this movement because--thanks to the unforgiving god of religion--people are afraid of Him, and they must be set free inside first. And it is happening.  Meanwhile, the god of religion seems to keep winning the elections.

 I have known and observed all types of people calling themselves according to the sect or group they want to be identified with. Many times, it is a culture they were born into. For instance, my dear friend was a devout Catholic whose family went to mass every week, and some of her aunts were nuns.  She was surrounded by the indoctrination of Catholicism and labeled “Catholic”. There was no questioning, and she never considered that she was being led astray. She never considered that she had a choice or that she could find her way to God alone. And it isn’t an option in these cultist mindsets. There is total blind trust in the hierarchy because “that is the way it’s done”. The communication to God (supposedly), and the mediator/intercessors were priests, and she couldn’t approach God without them and their book of rules. Dead religion. No spiritual awakening for the victim. Just follow and do as you’re told--or else.

And it’s the same with Jewish families, Muslim families, Mormons, and many others. People are born into a culture, and it eats them alive before they can think for themselves or even consider that it’s ok to question. The only source of Life, the Real God--Jesus, is blocked from their existence.

Worshipping God or approaching God is a solitary journey, and it isn’t a “group” happening. Our spiritual journey is for us alone. Jesus said we should find a private space to pray (communicate), and others NEVER know what God’s will is for us at any time!! Our spirit is “God” extended and allotted to us because it couldn’t be anything else. Our soul is our distinct personification of mind, will, emotions, intellect. Our soul is attached to God by our spirit, our spirit man.       

 True "worship" isn't possible in religion, the ways and means of which include oppressed freedom, manipulation, the suffocation of independence, the psychological infusion that goes with religious congregating, AND it is no different than a political party rallying around their candidate!  Obedience to those in charge is required. Financial support is expected. Being an outcast or troublemaker will not be tolerated. 

 While different groups come together in different ways, there are “softer” gatherings that are friendly and inviting, offering true TLC for our human needs. They should be labeled harmless, but they throw blinders over the followers and lull them to sleep.  I have an excellent example of that very thing. 

A very dear follower of Jesus who has been a “pastor” in a literal church for decades cannot see the religious contamination he is keeping alive with his weekly meetings that he broadcasts on social media.  He truly cannot see it!  It reminds me of a show in the 70’s with Glen Campbell (“The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour”). And that show was full of singing and positive interactions with fun.  And I see this very thing in many gatherings “in the Lord”. The pastor I am speaking of is in love with that culture of worshipping Jesus.  And it isn’t awful. But it isn’t a representative of the Living Church of Jesus Christ (people) walking around the earth and into the darkness of society to “BE” God and not just get good feelings among themselves. Those who DON"T KNOW HIM YET should be a bigger consideration, and God's passion should be stirring within us.  While we cannot make anything happen, a huge stage is waiting for players to enter!

Solution?  Do we keep having meetings that are a blessing to our soul and provide companionship and friendship? Can we do it without elitism? Are there unintentional insinuations that if you want God’s approval, you need to come on over and join us? (That is a strong religious platform.) Oh, I know how much fun and how soothing those kinds of get-togethers are.  And seeing any of the brothers and sisters of our common ground of belief should happen! Usually, though, weekly meetings are where that happens, and in special campaigns, revivals, and “in-gatherings” at established times and places. Invitations go out to "the brethren". These things are habitual and traditional. 

It isn't that newcomers aren't welcome.  I'm sure that on a day-to-day basis, "outsiders" are sincerely invited to "come to church", but there is that religious barrier again! (sigh) It is a veil in the soul that hasn't been ripped down yet. My heart breaks over this reality! The reference is at a church-named location. Religion lives in plain sight for the world to look at. Approval from God seems to be "in that building", with that group. And so many who should know better don't want it to go away. It's been the status quo. It's comforting. Who doesn't understand that?

 Yes, people can see each other as much as they want, but the meaning of this article is to emphasize that there needs to be a breaking away from feeling connection through an old religious format. We must be known as people who are not affiliated with a religion, especially in the sorcery of meetings-mania. Beautiful people who know wonderful things about God prefer to huddle together and have good times separate from the outside world.  But there IS no separation anymore!

When the ark of the covenant was returned to Israel after being taken by the Philistines (1 Samuel), David broke rules about who could see God.  He was so happy to have God back in their midst that he threw open the tent flap of the tabernacle (just a tent then).  He wanted everyone to see the wonderful God they served! He wanted them to commune directly and see with their own eyes the spirit of God! True worship!

 And that is what Jesus has done for us! His ascension provided a finished work! He resides in our “tent” and sharing Him is of most importance, being the Christ in the earth to stir an awakening in those still sleeping. What a miracle and an honor!  We don’t have to speak. Just BE and radiate love, acceptance, and life. No condemnation. The tent flap is open 24-7! Truthfully, God has overtaken darkness in so many ways from my puny little space. 

 The bottom line is that there IS NO RELIGION in the Kingdom of God, even though the world believes that church attendance paves the way to Heaven.  Nope. No religion in “Heaven”. There are no political parties in the Lord’s spiritual Kingdom. There are no man-made or man-led agendas.  Death and hell are lies spawned by religious minds. God is all we need. His name is Jesus. The Holy Spirit leads us and guides us individually in the Christ as we walk out life in the Kingdom right now.

Kingdom living is: knowing that God is with us--YES, but also acknowledging His sovereignty and agendas, and living accordingly. We will succeed step by step in being freed from the clutches of carnal Adam 1, for Adam 2 (Jesus) is in charge. It's about walking in incorruptibility. (My next article will intensely address this.)

We who know these beautiful truths do not encourage followers to ourselves, but we are always here to offer help, friendship, and love, and to direct the focus of everyone’s lives to the throne of God, alive and available in their bodies. We live here on planet Earth, walking among those who haven’t been awakened yet. We can all see each other literally, but our realms of existence in spiritual understanding (levels of heaven) will vary. What I speak is a high word, for sure, but is also practical and logical.

My approach to God is free and un-inhibited. As a living member of the Body of Christ, I can share truth where the door is open and encourage persons to seek it from the Father, who resides right where they stand.  Don't have to go anywhere. I bring Heaven to earth NOW, for He is heaven. Jesus walks in my body as I commune with Him and mankind. How beautiful is that? 

 Religion is just politics in the name of God, but as long as it is revered and believed in as “the way”, God cannot be appreciated for the salvation accomplished.  Religion is no longer needed, but lovers of it, even under the name of Jesus, will have to be purged from the addiction.  Sadly, I cannot force this truth on anyone. Nor can I make them want God more. But I have hope with assurance (God's "yes") that a new generation of believers outside of the goldfish bowl will make their voices heard.  They will succeed because they will see the truths offered by persons like me who declare that popes, bishops, and all the religious clergy have no power over our approach to God. No politics. No voting. God already voted for us before we were born.  No conditions. Romans 5:17.   Amen.