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And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.

2 Corinthians 5:18 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/2co.5.18.NLT

The cultural conversation today about religion is surrounded with words of proselytize, solicit, convert, and indoctrinate. These words are spoken as if religion is just selling and convincing people to simply choose “my religion.”

It is tempting to play this game of selling religion to others, but it is a huge mistake for one simple reason:

God is seeking a relationship with us.

Have you ever experienced a broken relationship? Someone you deeply cared for has hurt you, or you have hurt them? Sometimes we try to shake it off with thick skin and tough talk and just power through this type of brokenness. The truth is, in most cases, we would like to see the relationship reconciled. No one likes living in constant brokenness and hurt.

This is exactly the situation with God. Sin came into the world and is attempting to destroy the only relationship established in perfect love, God’s relationship with us. God responded to sin’s bold move with an even stronger response. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to reconcile us with Him.

Looking at God from the “outside” is far different than knowing Him personally. Everything begins to change when you know God. As your relationship grows, you are filled with this desire to invite others into this incredible relationship with God.

God gives us the privilege of helping reconcile people with Him…

Selling Religion? Not a chance.

Inviting people to be reconciled with God? Absolutely.

Encouragement: Being in relationship with God is life changing. It is so awesome, that the desire God gives us is to help others be reconciled to God too. Ask God to show you who He wants you to help reconcile to Him. He will show you.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for reconciling us to You. You are amazing. Help us in reconciling people we love and know to You. Don’t let us try to sell religion, as that misses the main point.  Keep us focused on being reconciled to You, the most awesome relationship ever! In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

-Ed McDowell, Executive Director
Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center