In the journey of a Christian towards a holy life, it’s crucial to distinguish between religiosity and spirituality. While they might seem similar, there is profound distinction between the two. Religiosity often involves external rituals and practices, while spirituality examines into matters of the heart and a genuine connection with the almighty God. The danger lies in mistaking religious actions for spiritual growth.
The Bible warns that in the last days, people may possess a form of godliness but lack its power. “They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” (2 Tim. 3:5). This cautionary verse highlights the risk of focusing on external religious practices while missing the transformative power of a true connection with God. While religious actions like attending gatherings, and praying are important, but they must be coupled with an authentic internal transformation. True spirituality goes beyond surface-level performances, exploring into a deep, heart-centered relationship with God. This biblical perspective urges us to seek a genuine encounter with God’s transformative power and to move beyond the confines of mere religiosity. Let’s explore deeper into this distinction and examine ourselves.
1. Priorities: Outward Actions vs. Inner Transformation
Engaging in religious practices like attending meetings, reading the Bible, fasting, or evangelism can be positive actions. These actions, when detached from a heart committed to God’s transformative work, can lead to religiosity. Jesus in Matthew 23:25 said to the Pharisees, “You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.” Being religious involves focusing on externals while ignoring the need for self-crucifixion and inward change. The Bible highlights this in passages Galatians 5:24, where the crucifixion of the flesh is emphasized. Jesus Himself warned against this in Mark 7:6-7, stressing that mere external observances, void of an inner transformation, hold no true value. Therefore, while practicing religious activities, believers must prioritize allowing God to shape their hearts, aligning their actions with a genuine desire for inner transformation.
2. External Righteousness vs. Internal Righteousness
The concept of righteousness distinguishes religiosity from spirituality. Religious people focus on following external laws to prove their righteousness. This apparent righteousness is shown in Malachi 1:8, where many offered insincere sacrifices. Spiritual people know that righteousness goes beyond rules. They seek heartfelt righteousness founded in God’s nature and character. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:20), Jesus stressed the necessity for righteousness greater than that of the Pharisees, who strictly followed the law. Paul discusses this dichotomy in Philippians 3:9, expressing his desire to be found in Christ with God-given righteousness through faith. This “heart righteousness” requires a true inner transformation to align one’s wants and motives with God’s will. God promises to write His law on people’s hearts in Jeremiah 31:33, emphasizing internalization. Religiosity versus spirituality is defined by external righteousness versus internal righteousness. Religion emphasizes outward behaviours to establish righteousness, whereas spirituality seeks a genuine internal transformation to match God’s essence and righteousness.
3. Seeking Men’s Approval vs. Seeking God’s Approval
Another distinction between religiosity and spirituality is the purpose for seeking acceptance. Religious people want acknowledgment and acclaim for their religious acts. In Matthew 6:1-6, Jesus warned against doing right to be seen. Jesus said that people who seek human acceptance have already received their reward, implying that human praise is transient and hollow. Spiritual people value God’s approval above all else. Galatians 1:10 highlights that true spirituality seeks to please God rather than others. In 1 Thessalonians 2:4, Paul emphasizes that sincere workers of God seek God’s approval, not human applause. The dichotomy between seeking men’s approval and seeking God’s approval illustrates the fundamental difference between religiosity and spirituality. Religion often leads to a performance viewpoint, where acts are meant to please. However, spirituality comes from a real desire to please God, not external recognition.
4. Legalism vs. Love
Religious people tend to be legalistic, viewing spiritual actions as requirements to please God. Religious individuals often fall into legalism, focusing on adhering to the letter of the law as seen in the Pharisees’ behavior in Matthew 23:23. This can result in mere external compliance without inner change. In contrast, true spirituality entails wholehearted devotion, where actions are motivated by love for God, not just a desire to fulfill requirements. Jesus exemplified this in His teachings about the greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-40), emphasizing the supremacy of love over legalistic observance. In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul stresses the same by saying “If I speak in the tongues a of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”
5. Jesus’ Example: Maximum Devotion
Jesus’ life serves as a powerful example of true spirituality. In His Sermon on the Mount, He emphasized moving beyond the surface level of commandments to grasp their profound spiritual implications. For instance, in Matthew 5:27-28, Jesus explained that avoiding adultery is not just about refraining from the act but also about guarding one’s thoughts and desires. His approach reveals a pursuit of maximum devotion rather than settling for the minimum standard. This pattern of heart-focused obedience is in line with the new covenant’s call for internal transformation (Jeremiah 31:33, Ezekiel 36:26).
6. Relationship over Rituals: The Bride of Christ
The concept of the bride of Christ underscores the importance of a heartfelt relationship over mere rituals. Ephesians 5:25-27 compares the relationship between Christ and the church to that of a husband and wife. This emphasizes Christ’s sacrificial love for His bride and the bride’s response of submitting in love. This dynamic is far from ritualistic; it’s about a deep, intimate connection. In Revelation 19:7-8, the marriage supper of the Lamb symbolizes the union of Christ and His church, highlighting the joyous relationship that transcends rituals. Just as a bride’s love compels her to go beyond minimum requirements, spiritually vibrant believers focus on their personal relationship with Christ, reflecting their devotion through their actions.
7. Radical Repentance: Going to the Root
Matthew 3:8 emphasizes the significance of bearing fruits worthy of repentance. This implies a change that originates from the core, aligning with the idea of going to the root. In Luke 3:10-14, when people asked John the Baptist what they should do, he didn’t prescribe religious rituals but practical acts of kindness, indicating a heart change. David’s repentance in Psalm 51:10 reflects a desire for inner transformation, not just external actions. Jesus addressed the heart behind actions in Matthew 5:21-22, equating anger with murder, showcasing the importance of radical transformation. It’s this deep repentance that leads to true change, a concept that goes beyond mere rituals or outward adjustments.
8. Religiosity’s Hidden Dynamite
Matthew 23:25-28 warns against outward cleanliness while neglecting inner corruption, likening it to whitewashed tombs. Proverbs 26:23-26 describes hidden hatred that ultimately surfaces. This highlights the danger of harboring unresolved issues. In Mark 7:20-23, Jesus emphasizes that evil comes from within, indicating the importance of addressing internal matters. Ananias and Sapphira’s sudden deception and judgment in Acts 5:1-10 underscore hidden sin’s explosive nature. It’s only through continuous self-examination, as Paul suggests in 2 Corinthians 13:5, that we prevent hidden dynamite from accumulating. True spirituality demands inner integrity, not just outward appearances.
9. Attitude toward Others: A Litmus Test
In Matthew 22:39, Jesus commands love for neighbors, revealing the heart of spirituality. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 emphasizes love’s supremacy over gifts and actions. Galatians 5:22-23 lists love as a fruit of the Spirit, showing its vital role in true spirituality. In contrast, Korah’s rebellion in Numbers 16 demonstrates the destructive nature of unhealthy competition and pride. James 3:14-16 warns against bitter envy and selfish ambition, traits often found in religiosity. A truly spiritual life manifests love and humility, while religiosity breeds division.
10. The Pitfalls of Comparison and Competition
Religious individuals might fall into the trap of comparing themselves to others and competing for recognition. Comparing and competing are cautioned against in 2 Corinthians 10:12, where Paul warns that such actions lack wisdom. Philippians 2:3-4 advises humility and considering others as more significant, promoting unity. Jesus’ teaching in Mark 9:33-35 emphasizes the importance of being servants rather than striving for superiority. Religiosity fosters pride, while true spirituality seeks harmony and mutual edification, as advocated in Romans 12:10 and Ephesians 4:2-3.
11. Focusing on God’s Agenda: Balaam’s Lesson
The cautionary tale of Balaam in Numbers 22-24 reveals the danger of prioritizing personal gain over God’s will. Balaam, despite his knowledge of God, allowed greed to cloud his judgment. 2 Peter 2:15-16 references Balaam’s error, emphasizing his love for dishonest gain. Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:24 warn against serving both God and wealth. The lesson is clear, spirituality demands aligning oneself with God’s purpose rather than pursuing self-centered ambitions. This principle is echoed in Mark 8:34-35, where Jesus emphasizes denying oneself for the sake of God’s kingdom.
12. Authority and Rebellion: The Lesson from Korah
The account of Korah’s rebellion in Numbers 16 underscores the consequences of defying God-ordained authority. Jude 1:11 refers to Korah as an example of those who rebelled against God’s established order. God’s response to the rebellion, as seen in Numbers 16:31-35, demonstrates the seriousness of such actions. Hebrews 13:17 advises believers to submit to their spiritual leaders, recognizing their responsibility for the flock. Jesus himself modeled obedience to authority in Matthew 26:39, submitting to the Father’s will. Thus, true spirituality involves embracing humility and respecting authority, fostering unity and harmony within the community of believers.
13. New Testament Spirituality: Sacrifice of Self
New Testament spirituality is grounded in the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing the daily surrender of self as an act of worship. Mark 12:30 highlights the greatest commandment of loving God with heart, soul, mind, and strength, while Romans 12:1-2 urges believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, transformed by renewed minds. Galatians 2:20 teaches believers to be crucified with Christ, Philippians 2:5-8 encourages adopting Christ’s sacrificial mindset, and Luke 9:23 calls for taking up one’s cross daily to follow Jesus. Acts 2:38 highlights the Holy Spirit’s transformative power through repentance and baptism. In New Testament spirituality or New Covenant spirituality, believers sacrificially surrender themselves to the Holy Spirit’s work, living in obedience and devotion to Christ’s teachings.
14. Obedience in Love
In religiosity, obedience might become a mechanical duty devoid of genuine affection for God. However, true spirituality intertwines obedience with love. In John 14:15, Jesus connects love and obedience, stating that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments. First John 5:3 reinforces this connection, emphasizing that obeying God’s commands demonstrates our love for Him. This reflects a heart-centered approach where obedience flows naturally from love, as seen in Psalm 119:47-48, where the psalmist delights in God’s commandments. True spiritual growth involves obedience with love, transforming mere actions into heartfelt expressions of devotion.
Choosing True Spirituality
A Christian’s path to Christlikeness must distinguish between religiosity and spirituality. They may look alike, yet their substance and impact are very different. Spirituality is about connecting with the divine via the heart, while religiosity is about rituals.
As we’ve examined this contrast, a biblical perspective emphasizes the necessity for a deep, transformational connection with God. The caution in 2 Timothy 3:5 warns against clinging to religious formalities and missing the power of a God-submitted life. A strong, sincere relationship with God is needed for spirituality.
Matthew 5:20, Galatians 1:10, and Philippians 3:9 guide us away from exterior performance into a heart that reflects God’s love. The ultimate spiritual model is Jesus’ life. Believers might emulate his maximal commitment, relationship above rituals, humility in leadership, and self-sacrifice.
Spirituality is daily self-sacrifice, heart renovation, and joyful obedience led by love . In conclusion, the Scriptures assist the transformation from religiosity to spirituality. It’s an invitation to go deeper into a heart surrendered to God in love than surface-level practices.
About the Author
Prasanth Jonathan is the founder of The Life Discipleship Centre, which strives to encourage people to live as Jesus lived: to TRANSFORM TO CONFORM TO CHRISTLIKENESS. He is a renowned lyricist, composer, and international speaker on discipleship. Prasanth currently serves as the Senior Pastor at Thompson First Baptist Church, Thompson, Manitoba, Canada.
