“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven! — Matthew 5:20
We must wake up to the truth that God has a way for His people to live. Unfortunately, that way may not have been modeled before us. This is why we absolutely must seek God and His Way. Jesus came to model the life of the Father for us but over the centuries, with men being as we can be, the true essence of a God-inspired life has been lost.
What does this mean? It means that the expectation of God is based in the example of a godly life—not a religious one. Religion, as commonly known and experienced–although well intended–cannot be the basis of a truly godly life because it is usually wrapped up in man’s expectations and requirements…not The Lord’s. Jesus came to set the captive free but religion cannot do this apart from a true conversion of a heart turned over to the Lord Jesus.
4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us[a] make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”—Matthew 17:4-5
As you see here, man, even in the presence of the Lord wants to add his stamp to an obvious spiritual experience. The problem with this is: if we’re not careful, we will influence those who may not be as spiritual as we. This influence isn’t necessarily wrong but we must always be directing people to the Lord and not to ourselves.
I’m sure Peter meant well but his declaration would’ve caused the other two disciples to want to join in the building project instead of receiving the blessing of the moment. Remember Mary and Martha? One was busy working, while the other chose the “needful” thing–which was to sit at the Master’s feet.
Take note of this passage. While enveloped in a definite spiritual experience, Peter wanted to build churches to “house” the Spirit of revelation; instead of receiving the intent of the experience. Why is this important to note? It is because God interrupted the meeting to give information and direction. Look at what He said: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him”! God did not want man’s input–religion–to disturb the spirituality of the moment.
Too often, we want to organize a moment of revelation, instead of taking the time to soak in the moment and bask in the glow of the Lord’s presence. If we will only allow ourselves to be touched by His Presence, we will have less need for religion and more of Him!
Let’s Pray:
Father, may we learn to lean on you and to rely on your revealed will for us while we bask in the glow of your presence. Help us to seek and trust you and not to lean on our way of thinking.
May we forever seek to know You and Your Spirit. Drive the spirit of religion, that is more concerned about systems than spirituality and relationship with you, out of our lives. Help us to see You, hear You and to follow You.
In Jesus’ Name…Amen!
Have Faith1st
© 2015 Faith1st Ministries
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Sebastian is a Christian, Author and Church Leadership trainer. His ministry calling, love for God, and His people; has led him into ministry of all types for over thirty years. He and his wife enjoy helping people in their walk of faith and finding solutions to the struggles of life, especially in the area of healing and marriage. Faith1st Blog is designed to open and continue the discussion on the subject of biblical "faith" as a "living" element of the Christian life. - "the just shall live by faith" - Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38 (KJV).
Faith1st Ministries 
You are straight to the centre of the target on this. Loyalty to Jesus and life in the Spirit under God leaves no room for any other model. Bless you and the God we worship!
Peace
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Amen to that…Thank you my brother! Blessings!
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