True religion

In the book of Acts, Paul visits Athens and notices that there are altars built for so many different gods.
He then finds an alter to the “unknown god”. He took the occasion to teach about the one, true God.
“Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way
you are very religious.” Acts 17:22 NIV. In the KJV, however, the word “religious” is translated as
“superstitious”.I find it interesting that the Greek word there can be translated as either word. And, in fact, they can,
too often, be closely related. One definition of superstition is “An irrational belief that an object or
action will influence the outcome of an event”. Did you know that in Leonardo DaVinci’s “The Last
Supper”, Judas has spilled a container of salt? Superstition invaded one of the most famous religious
paintings of all time!
I’m afraid that for an awful lot of religious people their beliefs are more superstition than faith; a fear of
what will happen if they don’t say a certain prayer, don’t attend services, or don’t read the “good book”
regularly. Think about it: Will carrying a piece of metal or wood shaped like a cross bring you good luck
or ward off evil? Is it nothing more than a rabbit’s foot for believers? If we fail to “ask the blessing”
before a meal will God truly not bless the food? (I am not advocating for doing away with the blessing, I
believe it to be a public acknowledgment of God’s provision.)
So, what’s the difference in religion and superstition? True religion is a relationship with God. It’s not
based on fear of failing, rather it is a joyful interaction with our Creator. Yes things are expected of us,
but if we study the Bible or pray or attend church out of fear instead of a desire to commune with God,
something is wrong. It could be…just possible…that we are more superstitious than religious.
 
Bro. Tony