People of most different backgrounds in the Church seem to be aware that
there is a danger of falling into false religion. However, many believers only consider a person too religious if they are
from a more traditional Christian movement than themselves. The effects of religiosity can be found throughout
all sectors of Christendom though, including the most contemporary, edgy churches in the present wave of the Holy Spirit.
Everyone must be cautious to avoid this problem.
Here are some distinctive elements that often
mark the expression of a false piety:
Pacifism: Passive
Christians want a belief-system that makes people feel happy and justified, but not one that actually changes the world around
them. They do not vote in elections based on moral values, they think it is expected to sin sometimes, and they struggle with
knowing how to converse with God on a continual basis. Such people find evangelism offensive and think it is weird to really
believe in miracles. They may act very nice to their godly friends, but also like to talk a lot about others' bad behavior.
The main problem with men like this is usually that they have a very difficult time seeing the Father accept them without
approving of their wrong actions.
Perfectionism:
Perfectionist Christians often make it a point to say they hate legalism, yet they impose very strict standards on how their
peers should live their lives. They may understand that God's grace is what saves us, but they emphasize the Bible's authority
so much that they become uptight trying to obey the Lord's commands. Such people often find themselves side-tracked talking
to their friends about doctrinal issues that have little relevance to their conversations. They appear
to others as know-it-alls, and because of their own attitudes they are always afraid someone is going to get upset with them
over minor differences of belief.
Ritualism: Ritualistic
believers are driven by their souls, not their spirits. Based on the flow of a service, they know when to worship, how to
pray, and what to say at all times. They may act very excited or very serious, but either way they are only following a model
of what devoted Christianity looks like to them. Such people are often too noisy, too showy, and too repetitive with their outbursts. Or on the flipside, they may be too somber, still, and silent. They believe that a person must
express their dedication to God through crazy passion or extreme reverence. Because of this, it can be easy for them to act
spiritual without actually focusing on God.
Without a doubt, every one of us in Christ's
kingdom have made these different mistakes numerous times in our varying stages of spiritual growth. We must be aware though
of the dangers of giving into these tendencies. The Lord wants to lead us to an ever deepening level
of peace and holiness, but it will not come if we do not have faith in Him to truly make a difference in our lives. Nor will
it come through our own perfection and rituals. As the Scriptures warn us, it is “Not by might nor by power, but by
My Spirit,' says the LORD of hosts,” (Zech. 4:6). We can be “confident of this very thing, that He who began a
good work in [us] will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus,” (Phil. 1:6).
