How many religions are there? I asked my computer and was astonished that, over time, 33 million religions have been recorded. In polytheistic religions (many gods) there are dozens to hundreds of major and minor deities. Some religions speak of 8 million spirits of gods that represent the many aspects of nature. Some religions feel the need to make animal sacrifices or, even worse, human sacrifices, in times of extreme need in order to appease their gods.
In contrast, there are those who believe in one God, such as Christianity, which would boast that the foundation of that belief is based on the love God had and still has for us. His love is shown in that He sent His Son to stand in the gap between our sin and His holiness by dying for us. What a freeing and comparatively simple religion.
Most of us understand that a god carved out of wood or cast from metal has no real power or authority. However, sometimes we create and worship other gods without fully realizing it. We worship our jobs, computer games, money, clothes, the nicest car in the neighborhood or the best boat that money can buy.
However, isn’t it amazing that our one God, who, after creating the earth and stars out of nothing, also created us out of nothing. He is the God who has no beginning or end. He exists out of time and space. He never lies or fails or breaks His promises. He knows all things down to the number of hairs on our head. He is holy and just with no malice in His nature. His power has no limits, as seen by how He died and came to life again. He does not need us but has chosen to love and cherish us. He gladly listens to us and shows deep patience and compassion to us. No matter what we’ve done, that is contrary to His will, He will forgive if we ask. That is overflowing love!
Years ago, in another country, we met a young man who was raised to be a leader in a religion that totally rejects Christianity. Do you know what won him over to Christianity? In large part, it was God’s love as shown in His Word, as well as the all-encompassing love that Christians had for one another.
What should we do with this knowledge of our great God? What should we do as God’s people? If we sought Him sincerely, took on more of His character and lived as He calls us to live, would we have as much division in the church? Would we have as much disagreement over little things that might have to do with color, the location of a tree or other style preferences? If we became more like Christ, would we have as much disagreement and division over politics?
May we remember how great our God is and seek Him for direction in life. Let’s live in harmony with one another, knowing that it’s alright to disagree about some things but still be in a oneness that can only be found in Christ. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity,” (Psalm 133:1 NIV).
Helen McCormack is author of a second book, “Journeys in Faith, Pursing Obedience,” containing more than 50 additional devotionals written for The Minot Daily News.
