God Vs. Religion - a rant.

Hypocrite. What a harsh word. What's even more harsh is that lately the word is being thrown around with blatant disregard to its meaning. In my eyes, everyone is a hypocrite in some way or another, just as everyone is a liar in some way or another and just as everyone is greedy in some way or another, and just the way everyone is perfect in some way or another. People are so diverse and complicated, physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually that a standard for perfection is impossible, let alone a double standard that people label as hypocrisy.

Christians are probably given the label of 'hypocrite' more often than anyone. I have a relationship with Jesus Christ, my God, who died for my sins, and secured my place in heaven - just to clear that up. However, I hate religion. A structured religion just doesnt seem to work in today's world because of the diversity aforementioned. Sometimes I go to church. Honestly, it's for the bible study and the opinions and friendship of the other people there - not because my faith in God relies upon my attendance. I've never worn anything nicer than jeans and a t-shirt to church, because there's really no reason, God's in my heart anyway, I dont think it matters how nice i dress.

Alright, i ranted there about myself. Back to the label of hypocrite. Christians suck. For the most part, they go about living as christians all wrong. Christian was originally a term to mean "christ like," right? So isnt the point to live like christ did? Did jesus ever put on his suit and sit in a structured church telling people about miracles? Not from what i've read (and i don't pretend to be a bible genius, a lot of you could probably school me, but i try) Jesus WAS the church. He spoke his word and brought the miracles to the people. Christians label themselves as "christian" and talk about not sinning and how you need to live a good life. Did jesus ask the blind man if he'd been "good" like he was Santa writing his list? No. He cured him because the man asked for it.

What I wish some people would realize is that, yes, being "good" is important to some extent, but it's really not about being perfect - a task man surrendered when given Free Will - it's about having faith, surrendering one's life to the God who died for the forgiveness of sins. Ephesians 2.8-9 says "It is by Grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works." (this is my favorite bible verse btw, I got it tattooed on me) It really restates my point. When someone gives you a gift, it isnt that you asked for it (if it is a real gift) and it isnt that you deserved it. Grace is so amazing (hence the song) because it is an undeserving gift from God that forgives us of all of our wrongs. "not by works" - whatever you do to live a good life, it irrelevant if you dont accept that God has given you the gift of his love and forgiveness.

"Christians say one thing and do another." The bible says to accept Jesus's forgiveness. Christians say to live a good life, and yet they sin. If we didnt sin, we wouldnt need forgiven, right? So where's the hypocrisy?

If anyone thinks that anyone else claims to be perfect, she or he needs to engage in some conversation with that person. I have met some seriously vain people, but I have yet to meet a single person who believes that he or she is perfect (christian or not).

I'd really love some response on this, I'm not perfect.