There are many sayings for dividing things that are commingled; the race of the tortoise and the hare, separation of church and state, mixes like oil and water, even the separating the sheep from the goats. Farmers in fact detest weeds because they can voraciously choke out the good crops around them. In our spiritual world, there are so many variations of spiritualism, religions, and faiths... it is so hard to distinguish some from others, and it seems like some are so very ridiculous and far-fetched that they really should just be abolished by the general public. In a relationship with God, there are only three core solutions/approaches;
disregard God, faith, and the whole organized religion practice
conform to one of the religion views that best fits your understanding, faith, and belief
trust God alone for His leading in your life.
Our devotional today helps clarify that the third choice is the only path or faith-walk that is actually a divine relationship with the Lord. Essentially, Hebrews 11:6 declares; "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.", which is to say that faith is trust (not understanding). This, we discussed in our 'Seeing is not Believing' devotional and remind you that 'religions' (choice #2) present a plan or 'organization' of guidelines for you, for your faith, for your actual behavior. While we should always consider feedback from those around us, we certainly must stand on our own before God; letting Him shape our character, our traits, our very persona. Choice #1 is one of the easiest ways to go (disregard a God presence altogether), and does solve the short-term problem. As we yearn for a deeper, fulfilling life... a closer trust in the truth... an assurance that He is leading you, that He is accepting you, that He is fellowshipping with you, you must let your spirit commune with His Spirit. THAT is where the sheep part company with the goats. Even John 4:23-24 clarifies this as it states; "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." Ignoring God only disguises the inevitable. Conforming to religions, spiritualist guides, even just organized 'followers' is good for fellowship, a sense of belonging, even a feeling of actual 'salvation' or completeness (thinking, "all these people can't be wrong")... but their influencing your faith, your calling, even your very salvation/redemption. Rather, seeking God in truth and spirit (be genuinely honest with yourself) is when/where the Sheep and the Goats Part Company. Be courageous, be strong, be honest with yourself and worship God in truth and spirit.