​30. Relationship Not Religion

I wrote a comment on one YouTube video about how my demonic experience led me to Christ, and I received a question from a commenter asking how did I know that the demons weren’t tricking me into following Jesus and becoming trapped in a religion?

Here’s the gist of my reply:

I'm not trapped in religion, I'm in relationship. I never wanted anything to do with God, and now I have a lifetime with him. What the demons showed me was what a lifetime without him would be like. I highly don't recommend going that route. I lived that life for a long time, and I shudder to think what would have happened to me if I continued to live that way.

Jesus points out in Mark that a house divided cannot stand when the scribes claim that he's able to exorcise demons through the power of demons. This is illogical, obviously, as is the argument of demons leading people to Christ. The demons tremble when His name is even mentioned (James 2:19). Why would they want me to be his follower?

Now, my understanding is built on the understanding of Scripture, which I hold as truth. If you don't see Scripture as truth, I won't be able to convince you of my perspective (which isn't my job, by the way. My only job, according to Jesus, is to share my story and love and respect you as if you were me. It's between you and God if you follow him or not). But I do want to point out something: within each of us is a measure of right and wrong. Where does that come from? If we're merely evolved animals, why do we think some things are good and others aren't? Why aren't we truly free to do whatever we want whenever we want?

I know now it's because we're made in the image of God. We want life to be beautiful and peaceful, but we can't have that as long as our hearts serve another master. anyway, like I said, I'm not here to convince you, I'm only here to tell of the wonderful change Christ (not religion) has made in my life. I've been able to meet other strong believers who would lay down their lives for me, and I'd do the same. I never met anyone like that when I was an atheist. Ultimately, we all have the God-given choice of who or what we're going to follow. And I know who that is for me.