The Dangers of a Religious Spirit

My time in early 2024 in New Delhi, India did a whammy on me. I returned to the States knowing two things:

—The church I was pastoring would not be the place God assigned me to for much longer, and,

— I could no longer do the surface church thing.

As I met Christians in India and heard testimonies, I was deeply convicted. I listened to story after story about how serving Christ had literally upended or endangered their lives. I yearned for deep and real community. Manufactured harmony no longer interested me, and I went full force into being authentic. I didn’t do it well, but my heart was right.

I had to repent for enjoying my popular, consumeristic life of faith. The one thing I didn’t want to return to was what I called “sleep number bed church.” For much too long, we’ve substituted superficial religious exercises for true life transformation.

We have such a marvelous congregation with the ability to take bold risks for Jesus Christ. Nostalgia, worship music preferences, tenure, and impenetrable social circles will only keep us clapping with one hand. Go ahead, try it right now. I’ll wait... it’s not very eventful, is it?

We were created to clap with both hands. But control, fear, and a religious spirit will keep us going through the motions with little impact.

I read quite a bit about the dangers of a religious spirit in the local church while I was on vacation last summer. What is that, you might ask? Religion is easy to practice—but a religious spirit, can quietly replace a real relationship with Christ. Once we recognize the signs of a religious spirit, we can ask God to help us live free from its grip

The following is the best and clearest list I’ve seen. A religious spirit may have taken hold if:

• We judge other people by their appearance.
• We try to earn God’s love and salvation.
• We try to conform to outward goodness without inward transformation.
• We are critical of other people’s walk with God.
• Our closest Christian relationships are based only on ministry activities.
• We perform Christian duties but have no passion or hunger for God.
• We have an unhealthy desire for position and honor in the church and are critical of others’ positions.
• Our identity is rooted in what we do instead of in Christ.
• We know about the truth of Jesus but not the way of Jesus.
• We project righteousness but inwardly are filled with anger and resentment.

These things can block the Holy Spirit’s power.

We are about to celebrate Pentecost. When the Holy Spirit blanketed the early church, it was clear it wasn’t forced—it was offered. We must welcome the Holy Spirit in order to receive that power.

The only hope to steer clear of blocks to that power is being willing to risk and open ourselves to deep transformations. I want to finish my life loving people where they are—yet teaching people that we don’t have to stay where we are. Especially if it keeps us from a real relationship with God and one another.

How about you?

Keep praying and keep the faith.

James

Rev. James A. Williams
Senior Pastor
Grace Resurrection Methodist Church