Religion Relationships and Roadmaps

Have you ever been accused of trying to force religion on someone? It seems that when we talk to others about faith in Christ we are misunderstood and the one we are talking to thinks we are talking about "Religion." So, immediately we make an attempt to shift the conversation by saying "I'm not talking about Religion, I'm talking about Relationship."

After all, isn't a close relationship with Jesus what we desire?
But, how do we get to that point without having some religious practices?
Doesn't our spirituality need and depend on worship, prayer, Bible reading/study, and fellowship? And aren't those things "religious" in nature?

Jesus seemed to hate religion when He condemned the Pharisees for the way they "practiced" theirs; the rituals of giving, fasting, and praying to be seen of men. But, He taught His disciples how to pray, encouraged fasting, told them to search the Scriptures, spent much of His time fellowshipping with them and others, and eventually shed His blood for the "church" which is religious in its very nature.
It is true that our spirituality is totally based on our relationship with Christ, but "Religious practices" can be "Roadmaps" that lead to a "Relationship" that is not only fulfilling but rewarding as well.

I hope to see you in church so we can worship, pray and study God's Word together.

Religiously in a Relationship,
Bro. Bob