7 MOUNTAINS OF INFLUENCE: RELIGION
Religion focuses on our sincere relationship and obedience to God, not man-made traditions. This is demonstrated through our faith, beliefs, and how we act around others. Our beliefs shape all our choices and decisions. It also shapes how we react to many decisions or issues that may come up in everyday life. Such as mindsets of hope and faith or on the other hand, mindsets of negativity, hopelessness, or even depressive thoughts. We must always meditate on God’s promises, regardless of what trials come our way.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1
We must continually put our faith and trust in God, regardless of circumstance. Even though you are not seeing the promises or the prophetic word come to fruition, you must trust Him. This is a key principle in our religion! You cannot give in to negativity and try to take control of things on your own because you are not seeing the benefits yet. God is the only one who will fulfill those promises, not you. So have faith and trust.
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.” – Psalms 37:5
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7
Being a part of a community is also a key practice in religion. Whether that’s your church community or friendships, all have a key impact on the life of a believer. When it comes to relationships, we must always be careful of those we keep close to us. Spirit-led friendships are key! Worldly friendships will corrupt your mind and cause you to compromise and entertain practices that are not Godly. A good community is important because it encourages the believer to draw nearer to God. Friends who follow Christ will easily correct you when you are going astray because they love you and want you to spend eternity with God.
“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” – Acts 2:42
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:20
When it comes to religion, love is the key aspect. We must show love to others as God continually shows to us. We must love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind. And we must also remember to love our neighbors as ourselves. This is a principle we must follow as disciples of Christ. God is love, so if you refuse to be loving and forgiving to others you are living in darkness.
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” – 1 John 4:8
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Matthew 22:39
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Prayer is also an essential and fundamental lifestyle practice. We must always communicate with God. The Holy Spirit is our mediator, so be in constant communication with the Holy Spirit. Whether your prayers seem irrelevant to you, they are important God. God listens and answers prayers that align with His will for your life. When it comes to big or small decisions, or even concerns, pray continuously. And when the Holy Spirit responds, be obedient. The answer may be something you didn’t want to hear, but you will see the great outcome of obedience.
Though it is important to pray for ourselves, remember to pray for others. Whether that be family members, friends, or even strangers, you have no idea the impact one small prayer can have in their lives. Even if someone is mocking your faith, instead of turning to anger, pray that they may draw nearer to the Lord and that he may reveal himself to them.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6-7
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:6
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.” – Psalms 34:17
Being a disciple of Christ should yield a sacrificial lifestyle. We must not go about life selfishly. Always remember to care for those around us. Jesus’s death on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice. Because He has done this for us, it should not be hard to care for those in need and live a selfless lifestyle. We must continuously display love and compassion for others and demonstrate the love God shows to us.
“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:28
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” – Isaiah 58:10
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:40
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
Religion is not about following a set of man-made rules and traditions. Religion should demonstrate our faith and love for Christ Jesus. Having constant communication with our Father in Heaven, following His word, and showcasing His love to others, are all key and important lifestyle practices in our walk with Christ.