30DBC04: Views on religion

I have been putting off this post, but then I read Sara’s (sorry, no hyperlink, her blog is private), and I realized I didn’t have to pen a sermon, so here goes.

My views on religion….

I think a lot of people don’t know why they believe what they believe, and that to them, religion is more of a tradition than anything.

Which is why I don’t really consider myself to be a “religious” person.  Yes, I attend church regularly, but it stems from desire, not obligation.  I pray before meals, but not from a place of sanctimony, but gratitude.  I have a contemporary Christian music radio station programmed to my Sirius XM, but it’s not because it makes me a better person than the one blaring Eminem; it’s because I like to worship in my car.

But it is all because I have a personal relationship with my Lord.  I do all that I do, and I am who I am, in light of my desire to live a life that is pleasing to Him.  If those around me benefit from my lifestyle, so be it, but my motivation is first and foremost out of love for my God.  I don’t behave the way I do to ensure a spot in heaven.  I don’t abstain from “unholy” things out of fear of offending the gods or fate or whathaveyou.

I respect people who hold to beliefs that don’t mirror mine, but I can’t honestly say that I don’t think they are wrong.  I’m not one to say “to each his own, we’ll all get there in the end.”

And because I said I wasn’t going to write a sermon, I’ll stop it there….but if you, reader, would ever want to know more about what I believe and why, or if you would have any specific questions, my email in in the sidebar.