The Fine Print: "What’s Your Religion?"
- Mar 24
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 19
The Culture of "Personalized Truth"
Hey friend, I know this isn’t a popular topic, but my prayer is that hearts are open to diving into the truth.
We’re living in a time where the Word of God is often reshaped to fit personal worldviews. Instead of submitting to Scripture, it’s been compartmentalized—choosing what aligns with a preferred lifestyle while discarding the rest.
One of the most common phrases thrown around today is, “God knows my heart.” It’s often used as a free pass, a way to justify choices that don’t reflect His Word. And honestly? That makes me weep.
I won’t pretend I’ve never said it. I’m guilty. I’ve messed up and used “God knows my heart” without even thinking—just repeating what I heard others say. (That’s the word—repetition.) But the more I read Scripture, the more I realized something:
Yes, we have grace. But grace is not a pass to keep living outside of God’s will.
Once I understood how much it breaks the Father’s heart when I choose my way over His, something shifted. Instead of resisting His will, I found delight in it. And guess what? Living a holy life isn’t lame. Let’s be clear. Lol.
If the heart of the Creator was truly known, that phrase wouldn’t be used as an excuse—it would be a humble plea:
📖 “Lord, show me my heart. Does this align with Your perfect will for my life?”
The Bible isn’t just a book—it’s a lifeline. It’s God’s voice, His heart, His truth revealed to guide every part of life. But in a world where truth is fluid and commitment is fleeting, even basic questions like “What’s your religion?” or “What do you believe?” seem harder to answer with confidence.
If you’ve seen the viral dating show Pop the Balloon or Find Love, you’ve probably noticed this question comes up over and over again:
“What’s your religion?” “What do you believe?”
It’s a question that carries weight—one that, depending on the answer, can bring people closer together or push them apart.
And here’s the thing: Simply saying, “I believe in God” isn’t enough anymore. The follow-up question has become essential:
“Which god?”
Because let’s be real—not everyone who claims to believe in god is talking about the God of the Bible.
As believers in Jesus Christ, we aren’t called to follow trends or say what’s popular. We’re called to stand in truth. But why is it that so many believers are apologetic about their faith? Why do we hesitate to stand firm in what we know is true?
This isn’t about comparing beliefs or arguing who’s right and who’s wrong. That’s not the goal. The goal is this: It’s time to stand.
There’s no more room for lukewarm faith. There’s no more time to be passive about what we believe.
📖 “The kingdom of God is near.”
Please hear this. This is urgent.
So, how do we answer this question in a way that is both honest and rooted in God’s Word?
Let’s take a look at the fine print of Scripture and unpack how to respond with confidence, clarity, and love.
What Does It Actually Mean to Believe in God?
Before answering "What’s your religion?" it’s important to define what believing in God truly means. Because in today’s world, belief in “a god” doesn’t always mean belief in the God of the Bible.
📖 James 2:19"You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder."
Belief alone isn’t enough—there must be faith in Jesus Christ. Many people say, “I believe in God,” but their lives don’t reflect a relationship with Him.
So the real question isn’t just “Do you believe in God?” but “Do you follow Jesus?”
✅ Clarifying the Answer:
Not every "god" is the true God. (1 Corinthians 8:5-6)
Jesus is the only way to the Father. (John 14:6)
True faith is shown by the fruit of a transformed life. (Matthew 7:16-20)
💡 Point to Ponder: Many say, “I know God,” but does God know them? (Matthew 7:21-23)
What Does the Bible Say About True Religion?
In today’s culture, the word religion has become almost negative.
People hear it and think:
❌ Strict rules
❌ Hypocrisy
❌ Traditions with no relationship
But what does the Bible actually say about religion?
📖 James 1:26-27"If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."
🔥 Biblical Truth: True religion isn’t about rituals—
it’s about:
✔ A transformed heart
✔ Living in purity, set apart from the world
✔ Loving and serving others
Why Is “Religion” a Turn-Off for So Many?
It’s no secret—many avoid the word religion because of bad experiences, hypocrisy, or church hurt.
This generation has seen:
People claiming Christianity but living hypocritically
Churches focused on legalism instead of grace
Religious trauma that pushes people away
📖 Matthew 23:27 (Jesus speaking to religious leaders)"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness."
Even Jesus rebuked religious hypocrisy. He didn’t come to establish cold traditions—He came to restore relationship with God.
✅ Encouragement: Don’t let people’s misrepresentation of God keep you from knowing the real Jesus.
Answering the Question: "What’s Your Religion?"
When asked, “What’s your religion?” how should a believer respond?
🚫 Saying “I’m not religious” might make it seem like faith doesn’t matter.
🚫 Saying “I’m a Christian” can feel like just another label.
🔥 The best answer? The truth.
✅ "I follow Jesus Christ. My faith isn’t about rules—it’s about a relationship. But that relationship changes the way I live."
At the end of the day, it’s not about avoiding the word religion—it’s about making sure people understand what true faith actually is.
Final Thoughts: Faith Over Religion, Relationship Over Rituals
It's time out for just going with the flow.
It's time out for the mindset of "If we can't beat them, we’ll join them."
It's time out for being lukewarm!
🔥 Believe, friend! Believe in the one true God! Live it. Walk it.
And hear what I’m NOT saying: Perfection? No!
This is about surrender—letting God do the work through a willing vessel.
Maybe at this point, a question lingers in the back of the mind:
"Zaressa, why does any of this matter? Why are you writing about religion and believing in Jesus? We know. We have faith. We go to church. What do you want us to do—judge people and tell them they aren’t real Christians? Are you saying this is what a real Christian looks like? Are you saying you are the perfect Christian?"
The answer? Absolutely not.
This is not about:
🚫 Judging people.
🚫 Calling out who’s real and who’s fake.
🚫 Pretending to be perfect.
This is about truth.
It’s about making sure faith isn’t just a word we say but a life we live.
The concern is real—
"If we take a stand, won’t people think we’re being judgmental?"
"Won’t that push them away?"
"Wouldn’t it be easier to just mind our own business and keep the peace?"
I get it. I really do.
But here’s what Scripture says:
📖 Ezekiel 3:18"If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand."
That’s heavy. But it shows why this matters.
It’s not about walking around condemning people—it’s about loving people enough to not stay silent when eternity is on the line.
📖 Romans 10:14"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?"
How will people come to Jesus if those who know the truth are afraid to speak it?
And as for minding our own business—as believers, that’s not an option.
📖 Matthew 28:19-20"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Jesus never told us to keep our faith to ourselves. He told us to go.
Application: How Do We Live This Out?
🔥 So what does this look like in real life?
This isn’t about:
❌ Debating for the sake of being right.
❌ Acting superior because we follow Christ.
❌ Preaching at people without loving them.
📖 1 Peter 3:15"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
👉 Truth should always be spoken with love, not arrogance.
👉 Boldness should always be clothed in humility.
👉 Conviction should always be led by compassion.
Because this is not about making Christianity look like an exclusive club with entry requirements.
This is about making sure that when people ask, “What do you believe?” there’s no hesitation, no confusion, no fear—just clarity and confidence in the Gospel.
📖 James 1:22"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
So how do we live this out?
✅ Stay Rooted in the Word—so faith is not just head knowledge but heart transformation. (Psalm 119:105)
✅ Walk in Love and Truth—never one without the other. (Ephesians 4:15)
✅ Pray for Wisdom and Boldness—because living for Jesus in a world that doesn’t want Him takes both. (James 1:5, Acts 4:29)
✅Be a Light—because people are watching, and real faith is seen more than it’s heard. (Matthew 5:16)
This isn’t about judging. This is about not hiding the greatest truth ever known.
Because if we truly believe that Jesus is the only way… how could we stay silent?
Prayer: Boldness to Walk in True Faith
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You, Jesus, for Your unfailing love. Lord, please hide this truth in my heart so that it may guide my steps. I choose to give You full access to my life because I trust that You see the full picture—every detail, every moment, every step before I take it. You are my Shepherd, and I will follow You.
When fear tries to silence me, Holy Spirit, spark a boldness in me. Give me the words to say when sharing Your truth with others. As Your image bearer, teach me Your will. Show me Your heart. Shape my heart to reflect Yours, so that when people see me, they know I am not of this world but a member of Your royal priesthood.
Lord, for those who have been hurt by religion or misled by false teachings, bring healing. Restore what was broken. Remove confusion and replace it with truth. Strengthen Your people to stand firm—not in arrogance but in love, humility, and confidence in You.
Increase my appetite for Your truth, Lord. May faith be more than just words—but a life fully surrendered.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Talk to you next week mighty warrior,
