Religion without the Rules

When Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves . . . They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts. – Romans 2:14-15 (NIV) 

For a long time, John Lennon’s famous lines from his iconic song, “Imagine,” haunted me:  

Imagine there’s no heaven  
It’s easy if you try  
No hell below us  
Above us only sky…  
Imagine there’s no countries  
It isn’t hard to do  
Nothing to kill or die for  
And no religion too.

A consciousness and a community without the moral safeguards and guidelines of a clearly defined religious order frightened me. Much of my fear stemmed from a deep distrust of my own basic instincts. But as I’ve walked with God over time, I’ve actually discovered that quite a few of my basic instincts have more moral value than the rules mandated by religion. In so many instances, I’ve found my own visceral instincts to be more genuine and more generous than the stipulations of prescribed religious dogma. 

We don’t really trust God until we trust what God has placed in our hearts. Catechisms that cater to religious protocol pale in comparison to the deep desires, delights and inquiries that God has deposited in our hearts. There is so much heavenly treasure in broken earthen vessels.  

Saint Augustine said: “Love God and do whatever you please.” Today, I only have problems with Augustine’s brazen invitation when I doubt that the kingdom of God is within me. 

Prayer
Lord, reveal yourself to us through the meditations of our hearts.

About the Author
Kenneth L. Samuel is Pastor of Victory for the World Church, Decatur, Georgia.