Reasons religion is Worthless

 Read Jeremiah 10.

The people of Judah were religious.  It is natural for all people to place their trust in some sort of belief system that explains to their satisfaction how we got here, what life is all about, and what happens when we die.

Some have chosen to believe in themselves.  This not only fails all logic in attempting to answer the three issues above, but the very statement is full of selfish pride.  Jeremiah got it right when he said, "I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps." (v.23)  Our own self-help efforts will always prove to be inadequate.

Most have chosen to place their faith something they or others concocted.  Jeremiah's message from God in this chapter takes on the silliness of man-made religion.  Craftsmen cut down a tree, shaped the wood, covered it with gold, and then irrationally ascribed supernatural power to it.  They chose to believe in what they made rather than the God who created all things (vv.12-16).  The LORD said, "They are both stupid and foolish; the instruction of idols is but wood!" (v.8)  "They are worthless, a work of delusion; at the time of their punishment they shall perish." (v.15) 

In the personal search for meaning in life, not all believe in the same God.  The God of the Bible is unique in both Who He is and His claims upon every individual.  Simply consider the statements in verse 10.
1. "He is the true God."
If this claim is correct, all other beliefs and so-called gods are false.  A mix of the truth and falsehood is no longer the truth.  He alone is God.  There is no one else.

2. "He is the living God."
Unlike the idols and the religions based upon the sayings of dead philosophers, the God of the Bible speaks, hears, sees, and acts.  He loves, forgives, rewards, blesses, judges, and punishes evil.  He is not distant to our needs but up close and personal.

3. "He is the everlasting King."
Or, King of Eternity.  The Apostle Paul wrote concerning God, the Son, in 1 Timothy 6:16-16, "He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality..."  Only He can address how we got here, what life is all about, and what happens when we die because He is the only authoritative source.  He was there in eternity past and the original Cause.  He is present with us now fulfilling His plans.  He will be in full control for all eternity future.

Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6).  This is not belief in a system but a person.  This is not a religion but a relationship.