We all have religion, but we are not all religious. Just because we have a form of religion does not mean we are spiritual - even atheists have a devotion, a denial of deity. (see Psalm 14:1) 

   A reputable dictionary1 traces this relic of a word to Latin, having the meaning "obligation" and "reverence." It is like opening a door to a room full of closed doors, an answer that stirs up a hornet's nest of questions: "Obligation to whom? Reverence for whom?"

Help the helpless, and stay clean and free

   Research shows that the subject of religion and its derivatives appeared around the 11th century, like religio, religiun, religioun, and religare.2 Furthermore, deeper etymology3 brings it around the 5th century. We are now confronted with a realization: Is it the word itself, or the substance that it brings? The spelling changes over time, and even definitions vary, but concepts and intentions remain.

   The big R is a sacred term, so sacred that the Bible is its ultimate source, truth and all. Human intelligence has its place, but the wisdom of God supersedes everything - He is always ahead, each and every time. The Holy Scriptures recorded the concept of true religion in plain language around 45-50 AD,4 written in the book of St. James the Apostle, the brother of our Lord Jesus:

      "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." (James 1:27 BSB)

   Accordingly, religion is what we can do, the human effort. It is our good works. But then again, no matter how good we are, religion cannot save us, for redemption is of no earthly strategy. "This is something that people cannot do. But God can do anything." (Matthew 19:26 ERV)

   Moreover, based on the text (and we can take God's Word for it!), religion is two-fold: to one's self, and to others. It is an act of service to help the helpless - our accomplishment towards others. It is also an effort to stand up for righteousness - a practice of self-denial.

   As always, biblical religion is defined best by the Master Himself: "Love your neighbor as much as you love yourself." (Matthew 22:39 TLB) It is rather interesting to note that this is the second greatest commandment. The first one is the most important, and that is, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind." (Matthew 22:37 CEB) Please acknowledge also that the first one is not a religion, but a relationship. The Lover of our souls prioritizes our heart for Him first before self and others.

   And thus, religion is the result of our knowledge of God. The more we know Him, the more we are in a relationship with Him, and vice versa - the more we spend time with Him, the more we get to know Him. Because God is Eternal, then it's a life-long pursuit; the thrill never ends! The stronger He means the whole world to us, the better we define true religion in this world with our lives and day-to-day living. Nevertheless, at the end of the day, our personal walk with the Lord is the finale. We bow down to Him, not to man.

 

Endnotes:

1 https://www.oed.com/view/Entry/161944?v

2 http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/religion

3 https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=religion

4 https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Epistle-James