In a world where many people seem content with their lives—enjoying family, friends, and hobbies—why should anyone bother with religion? This question often arises, especially when people feel fulfilled without attending church or engaging in spiritual practices. Drawing from insights shared in a mission work in Australia (Roper), here are compelling reasons why religion, specifically Christianity, matters, even if you feel happy without it.
1. You Are More Than an Animal
Unlike animals, humans are created in the image of God, with a higher purpose. The Bible states, “For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust” (2 Peter 1:4). Our purpose is to reflect God’s nature, not just to satisfy earthly desires. Ignoring this calling means missing out on the deeper meaning of life. Religion helps us discover and fulfill God’s plan for us.
But what guides us in this pursuit? The answer lies in the source of divine truth, which brings us to the next reason.
2. The Bible Is God’s Truth, Not a Fairy Tale
Many dismiss the Bible as a collection of myths, but it claims divine authority: “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). If the Bible is a mix of truth and error, none of it can be fully trusted. But as God’s inspired Word, it demands our attention. Reading, understanding, and obeying the Bible is a key reason to embrace religion.
Yet, is religion just about following rules or being kind to others? Let’s explore how Christianity goes beyond mere good deeds.
3. Religion Is More Than Just Being Kind
Helping others is admirable, but it’s not the entirety of religion. Some believe that doing good deeds is enough, but Jesus taught that loving God is the greatest commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37-39). Some religions mistakenly prioritize loving others above loving God, reversing the order of these commands. This misplacement diminishes the importance of a relationship with God, which is foundational to true faith. Christianity is about salvation through God’s mercy, not just good works: “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). Religion calls us to prioritize loving God, which then fuels our love for others.
This relationship centers on Jesus, but is He just a gentle figure who accepts everyone? The truth about His nature reveals more.
4. Jesus Is More Than Meek and Gentle
While Jesus is loving, He also speaks of judgment: “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24). He emphasized obedience: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” (Matthew 7:21). Following Jesus means taking His teachings seriously, which is at the heart of being religious.
But does simply believing in Jesus fulfill this call? The role of faith requires closer examination.
5. Faith Alone Isn’t Enough
Believing in Jesus is essential, but it must lead to action. The Bible says, “You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone” (James 2:24). Faith that saves works through love (Galatians 5:6). In Acts 2:38, Peter told believers, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Religion involves active obedience, not just belief.
This obedience is crucial because God’s character demands accountability. Let’s consider how God’s nature shapes our response.
6. God Is Just, Not a Pushover
Some view God as lenient, like a grandfather who overlooks faults. But the Bible describes both “the kindness and severity of God” (Romans 11:22). It warns, “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). God’s justice requires accountability, making religion essential to align with His will and seek His forgiveness.
This accountability extends beyond this life. The reality of what comes after death underscores the urgency of religion.
7. Death Is Not the End
Life doesn’t end at death. The Bible declares, “And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Eternity awaits, either in heaven or hell, based on our choices. Religion prepares us for this eternal reality, giving us reason to live for God now.
But can we delay this decision, assuming we have time? The fragility of life challenges this assumption.
8. You’re Not Invincible
Some delay religion, thinking they’ll turn to God later. But life is fragile: “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Waiting risks missing the chance to follow Christ. Religion urges us to act today.
This urgency ties to a deeper truth about human nature. Whether we realize it or not, we all worship something.
9. Everyone Worships Something
Humans are inherently religious, worshiping something—whether money, pleasure, or science. The Bible notes that some “exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator” (Romans 1:25). Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matthew 6:24). Religion directs our worship to the Creator, the only One worthy.
Conclusion: Choose Christ Today
You might find happiness without religion, but true fulfillment comes from serving God. Jesus promised, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30). Christianity offers not just a better life now but eternal life hereafter.
Don’t wait. As Joshua urged, “Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). Choose Christ today for a life of purpose and eternal hope.
From the preachers desk...
-Chris Macy
Bibliography
Roper, C. (1998). If you can be happy without it, why bother about religion anyway? Truth for Today. (Original work published 1991)
New American Standard Bible. (1995). Zondervan.