Spiritual vs. Religious: Understanding the Difference…
I hear this all too often:
“I know you’re a religious man, but I’m not religious. I don’t believe in religion; I’m more of a spiritual person…”
This is a conversation I love to have because I used to think the same way. When I was an infant in faith, I believed that as long as I was a good person and lived a decent life, I was on the right path to salvation. I thought that going to church once in a while—on Sundays, Easter, and Christmas—was enough to make me a good Christian.
Then I started to question traditions, denominations, and how different churches did things. So, I decided to do my own thing. I told myself that as long as I lived for peace and love, that was all that mattered. I believed that doing good deeds, being popular, and receiving likes and compliments on social media meant I was on the right path.
But I was naive and ignorant about what faith truly means.
What It Really Means to Be Religious
Being religious isn’t about following rituals, attending a specific church, or belonging to a denomination. It’s about having a personal relationship with God. Jesus didn’t come to establish religion—He came to restore the broken connection between God and humanity.
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’ — John 14:6
Many people say they are “spiritual” but reject being “religious” because they associate religion with legalism, hypocrisy, or empty traditions. But true Christianity is not about rules—it’s about redemption. It’s about knowing and accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Salvation Is Through Christ Alone
It is crucial to understand that we are not just bodies with a soul; we are spirits, with a soul, living in a body, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). And because of the sin of Adam, we were separated from God. But in His great love, He sent Jesus to bridge that gap:
“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” — 1 Corinthians 15:22
Salvation is not about being a good person, gaining popularity, or seeking approval from others. It’s about accepting Jesus Christ and living according to God’s Word.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” — Ephesians 2:8-9
Faith Requires Action
Faith without action is incomplete. While we cannot earn salvation through works alone, we are called to live out our faith:
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” — James 1:22
Living a Christian life means being a disciple, even when it’s unpopular. We must be farmers of faith, sowing seeds of truth, regardless of how many people acknowledge us.
A good example of this is when I post about faith. Only a handful of people may react. But if I post about football or something worldly, it garners far more attention. Why? Because many people are more interested in entertainment, drama, and distractions than in seeking God.
This is the enemy’s work. Satan wants us to be comfortable, to seek validation from the world, and to focus on temporary pleasures rather than eternal salvation.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” — Romans 12:2
Choose God Over the World
Just because someone is liked, admired, or surrounded by friends doesn’t mean their soul is saved. The only approval that matters is God’s.
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” — Mark 8:36
So, I urge you today—don’t settle for just being “spiritual.” Accept Jesus. Form a real, personal relationship with Him. Surrender your life to God and walk in His truth. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about being good, it’s about being redeemed.
IN Christ
Jeffrey Trester