Religion vs. Relationship: Finding “The Way“
For many of us, the word religion is stamped into our identity from a young age. I know it was for me. I was raised in a specific church, taught to observe traditions, memorize creeds, and check the “good Christian” boxes. I could recite what I had learned, I knew how to behave, and I knew the name of Jesus—but I didn’t know Him. Not really.
I identified with my religion, but I didn’t have a relationship.
Over time, I started going to church less and less—sometimes even going years without setting foot in one. I made several attempts to return to the church of my youth, but even as an adult, it still felt like nothing more than ritual—hollow and disconnected. Eventually, I walked away from it all. But years later, I found myself sitting quietly in a non-denominational Bible church. No Sunday dress. No rituals. Just a pastor preaching the Word of God—the words of Jesus. That’s when everything changed. The Word pierced my heart in a way it never had before. It wasn’t about doctrine anymore. It wasn’t about tradition. It was personal. It was alive.
It was a relationship.
Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” He didn’t say, “Follow a religion,” or “Join a denomination.” He said, “I am the way.” That phrase was so powerful and distinct that the early church didn’t even call themselves Christians at first—they were known simply as Followers of the Way (Acts 9:2).
The label Christian came later, and not from within. It was the Roman world that gave that name to Christ-followers in Antioch (Acts 11:26), and while there’s nothing wrong with it, over time, even that term has become tangled in division, doctrine, and sometimes even pride. The sad truth is, religion—while intended to bring people closer to God—can sometimes become the very thing that keeps us from knowing Him.
Religion tells us to perform.
Relationship invites us to abide.
Religion says, “Do more.”
Relationship says, “It is finished.”
Religion creates walls.
Relationship tears the veil.
Paul warned of people who had “a form of godliness but denied its power” (2 Timothy 3:5). That was me. I had a form. I had the rules. But I didn’t have the power of Christ living in me. I didn’t know the joy of walking with Him, talking to Him, being comforted by His Spirit, and truly knowing Him.
Christ didn’t suffer and die so we could simply join a religion. He gave everything to offer us something far more beautiful—a relationship. A way to be reconciled to the Father through Him. And when you really meet Him, when His words become alive in you, nothing else will ever satisfy.
If you’ve been caught in the snare of religion without relationship, it’s not too late. Ask Him to show you His heart. Open His Word. Hear His voice. Let your faith be transformed by love, not law.
Because The Way is still open—and Jesus is still calling.