Seeking More Than Religion

Are you feeling weary from the routines of religion?

Longing for a deeper connection with God?

Many Christians feel the desire to grow spiritually but often end up feeling stuck, going through religious routines without experiencing real transformation. For some, faith is reduced to doing the “right” things—attending church, following rules, or accumulating biblical knowledge. Yet, despite their efforts, many still feel distant from God. Why? Because true spiritual growth isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about a relationship with the One who created us.

In this series, we’ll explore how to move from a religion of doing to a relationship of knowing and loving Jesus personally. In my own life, this shift transformed my faith, and I hope it will encourage you on your journey.

Understanding the Difference: Religion vs. Relationship

Religion can often become a set of outward actions—following guidelines, avoiding mistakes, doing things that we think will bring us closer to God. But if we’re only focused on those actions, we may be missing the joy and depth that a genuine connection with God brings.

For a long time, I felt caught up in the motions of doing all the “right” things. I wanted to grow spiritually, so I immersed myself in Bible studies and made every effort to live the way I thought God wanted. But deep down, I felt a disconnect, as if God was far away. My heart longed for something more, but I wasn’t sure how to reach it.

Then, something changed. In 2009, God met me in an unexpected way. I had the opportunity to be prayed over by a group of believers who heard from God and shared His words for me. I was nervous, expecting correction or even disappointment. But as they prayed, they spoke God’s heart for me in ways I had never experienced. They told me how much God loved me and how He saw the unique qualities He had placed within me. I was overwhelmed with a deep sense of God’s love, acceptance, and presence.

At that moment, I understood that God wasn’t looking for perfection; He was looking for my heart. He desired a relationship with me that went beyond rules and routine. It was as though God was calling me to a new level of intimacy, inviting me to move from “doing” into “being” with Him.

Ask Yourself: Do I approach my faith with my heart, or am I mostly “checking boxes” on a spiritual to-do list? Is my faith alive, or is it just a routine?

Jesus’ Invitation: “Come to Me”

In John 5:39-40, Jesus said,

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.”

Even though the people of Jesus’ time studied Scripture diligently, many missed the point—they weren’t coming to God Himself.

Christianity is not just a series of religious practices; it’s an invitation to know and walk closely with Jesus. He wants us to experience the fullness of His love and joy in a way that goes beyond head knowledge. My journey to a relationship with Jesus began when I realised that knowing about Him wasn’t the same as truly knowing Him. When I took my focus off of doing things for God and shifted it to knowing Him personally, my faith became alive.

Reflection Point: How often do I simply sit with God, seeking His presence without an agenda? Am I coming to Him with my heart, desiring relationship over knowledge?

Moving from Routine to Real Connection

The truth is real spiritual growth flows from the heart. God is not as interested in our actions as He is in our desire to know Him. When I began to spend time with God, seeking His heart above all else, my life and my faith started to change. It was no longer about trying to “do more” but about letting Him shape me from the inside out. This was the foundation of true spiritual growth—a heart fully committed to God, not to routines.

I believe that God’s desire for each of us is that we would experience this transformation. It’s about moving from the routines of religion into a relationship filled with love, purpose, and joy.

Practical Step: Spend a few quiet moments with God today. Simply sit in His presence and ask Him to deepen your connection. Let Him know you desire more than routine, and ask Him to help you experience His love and closeness.

Keep Growing

If you feel worn out by the routines of religion, remember that God’s call to you is not about rules but about relationships. He desires a heart connection that goes beyond anything we could accomplish on our own. True spiritual growth is not found in religious routines; it’s found in a life rooted in the love and truth of Jesus.

Join us in this journey as we continue exploring what it means to pursue a genuine relationship with God. In our next post, we’ll talk about common misconceptions about spiritual growth and how to avoid the traps that keep us from a life-giving relationship with God.

Reflection: Take a few minutes today to pray and ask God to guide you toward a deeper relationship with Him. Let Him lead you into the fullness of His love, transforming your faith from routine to real connection.