I’ve seen articles lately with concern about the statistics that say religion, Christianity in particular, has declining numbers. I’ve also heard much about “deconstruction” and people walking away from the faith.
Good for them.
What?
No, you didn’t misread what I said.
Good for them. If religion is defined as that system of man made rules or ideas, doctrines that separate, “turn or burn” ideologies, and people who say they love you, but use shame, guilt, or pressure to get you to conform.
Good for them. And good for me.
I walked away.
Not from God. Even if I had tried, it wouldn’t have worked. He will never leave me. Nothing can separate us.
I walked away from the system. And I thought I had already done that. My husband and I served on the pastoral staff of a non-denominational church. I thought we would be there forever. We didn’t walk because of any issues with people, despite some of the nonsense that I’ve heard. God said go, and we went. It was hard. That was my family. I loved them, and still do. Amazing people.
My husband and I are the crazies that said wherever you lead us God. Which led us to the wilderness. We live in the country in an area that the name literally means “in the woods.” Ha.
Such freedom. Yet hardship. We asked for it, and we got it. Trust God for everything? Okay then. Not easy to do at first, but I wouldn’t have it any other way now. I could go on with a long list of issues faced, including life and death situations, but maybe another time.
God is so smart.
Have I arrived? Ha. Where to?
I keep saying that the more I know about God, the less I know. Exactly where I want to be.
No more “hot house” for me. That’s what religion does. Focuses on the outside. Behavior modification. Like these beautiful red strawberries. But cut into them and the inside is unchanged.
I believe the stats aren’t lying. But, I also believe people are finding Jesus. The real Jesus. The Master Gardener. The One that works from the inside out. And we are gathering. Some will be in those same places of worship we’ve always turned to. Some will be in homes. Some will be on street corners and in bars. Some will be in campgrounds, or at beaches. When we’re following Him, He’ll lead us to each other. It’s essential.
