By Ninyo Omidiji |
There are many in the church today that are carrying heavy loads that have nothing to do with their faith in Christ. They are burdened by a lot of obligations that have been placed on them by the religious system.
The long list of obligations to be met, all in an attempt to curry God's favor and be loved by Him, stares them in the face, day in day out.
That's what they have been taught. Much like the Pharisees during Jesus' earthly ministry, their teachers have laid heavy burdens on them.
But when Christ came He declared to his listeners "come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest".
Rest is what Christ brought you sir, not religion. And definitely not a long list of obligatory meetings, conferences, programs, offerings and sacrifices.
Check it well, If it is getting too burdensome, there's no Christ in it sir.
If it is getting too heavy, it doesn't belong in Christ. It doesn't belong in your new testament reality. Rather it is in the domain of mere religion.
Christ has called you out of religion unto himself, why sink back into it?
Please take a good look at The Message translation of Mt. 11:27-29:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.
"Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.
" Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Matthew 11:28-30 MSG.
From the foregoing, it is abundantly clear that if it is "heavy" then it is not in tandem with the "unforced rhythms of grace". Let no man deceive you into paying a heavy sacrifice. No sacrifice can be heavier than the one at Calvary. And it was done on your behalf.
Friends, It may interest you to know that aside the "mega pastors" that get tongues wagging by their bogus teachings and ostentatious lifestyles, many young and unsung pastors are depressed, anxious and worn out. Yeah they are burnt out on religion.
They bear heavy burdens that Christ Has not put on them. They are under pressure to remit money to the headquarters. They want to build "beffiting places" of worship. They want to start counting "their members" in several thousands.
They want signs and wonders to validate their calling before men. They want a raised profile to the status of "international conference speakers". They are struggling to "network". They want the fame, the money and the influence.
Many think they are in ministry but they are not. They have been caught in a rat race.
In the same vein, they muzzle their members by teaching all kinds of ill-timed messages. They lay on them all kinds of burdens in order to achieve the things misconstrued as "success in life and ministry".
In the long run both the pews and the pulpits are caught in a thick web of religion. The "rest" that Christ promised is lost on them. It is a given, religion will wear you out, but Christ will give you rest.
Dear friend, on what divide are you? Are you in religion or are you taking a rest in Christ Jesus? The choice is squarely yours.
"But there remains a Sabbath-rest for the people of God......" You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free, but it may piss you off first.
Beautiful! Many thanks!!!
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