The Way Religion Works

For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. [Psalm 84.11]

So, if we don't experience grace and glory in our lives, is it safe to say Yahweh is NOT our sun and shield?

So, if our lives lack good things, is it safe to say we are NOT doing what is right?

One who takes the Bible literally is hard pressed not to take a long look in the mirror and consider what changes must be made in order to experience grace and glory and good things.

However, the religious person, who finds himself "outside" of grace and glory and good things, will not take the words of the Psalmist here literally. Instead, he will convince himself that all is well with himself, but that it is God Who is doing something mysterious and outside the realm of his understanding.

That's the way religion works. It takes good solid Word from God and puts just enough twist on it to render it useless to the human condition. Religion asks the question, "Has God really said...?" and usually concludes that God ultimately did not mean what He actually said.

Religion is a poor substitute for a relationship with God.

Father, help me to always consider myself subordinate to You. You are God, You are always right, and You are sovereign. I am Your servant and in need of Your cleansing every day.