Spiritual Growth for the Grace-Full is defined as growing in Love – take a look at what that looks like in this short devotional!
Religious constipation vs. Spiritual Growth!
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:30-32
Religious people are easy to identify – they always think something else besides Love is important!
This “grieves the Holy Spirit of God”! Why? Simply put “GOD IS LOVE”!! That has been proved over and over and over again by the life and Gift of Jesus, the Old Testament stories and the life of every being that grew in Grace!
With this in mind how do you spot religious constipation vs. Spiritual Growth in a church, person or other organization? Here are some signs:
1) Politics, Power and Property – the “3 Ps” are what I call them and they are the most obvious signs of religiosity! Any organization that talks and focuses or even bothers with politics, power or gaining More of anything – is NOT about God of Love but instead they are about the god of more.
2) Living in the past – “But we have always done it that way” – this was first said by the very people who nailed Jesus to the cross – think about that and ask yourself if you want to join that crew!
3) Living in the future – If you just hang on tight to a set of rules and make everyone else do the same you will be miserable now but Heaven is coming! “The Kingdom of God is within you” – Jesus isn’t a ticket to Heaven! He is the end of the law for ALL who Believe so that Peace between you and God can be Here and Now!
What then is spiritual growth?
Tune in to part 2 of Religious Constipation and find out! It will be on BeGraceFull.com within the next few days! Until then feel free to visit BeGraceFull.com and check out Let The Journey Begin – answer 7 simple questions according to scripture – they are in BLUE ALL CAPS – till then:
God Is In Complete control! Rest in that and Be Here and Now with Him! Forgive like there was no yesterday and Love like there is no tomorrow!
Have never heard the expression “religious
constipation” before but I realize that religion
often chokes and stifles growth in our
relationship with the Savior!!
Thank you Martin – yes it does and it did back in the time of Jesus as well. The only group or beings He warned us about were the religious leaders the “teachers of the law” and they still exist today – what ever takes us away from being focused on Loving each other is anti- Christ in my book.
Thank you again for sharing!