religion vs. relationship

I read Acts chapter seven today. Verse 53 says "you have received the law that was put into effect through angels but you have not obeyed it."

We can know the law - know God's Word - interpret it in our own human way - even obey our own interpretation of God's word nearly perfectly but if we don't KNOW GOD we miss it all!

The Sanhedrin Stephen was speaking to kept to the letter of the law religiously - at least as they interpreted the law - but they had no connection to the Holy Spirit... no relationship with God. So, when all was said and done they put to death the very prophets who told of the coming of Messiah. They hung the foretold Messiah on a cross. They missed it all!

Religion killed relationship.

Jesus, keep me from being more committed to the ways than I am to knowing and loving the Way-Maker!