As much as these concepts seem similar, being <em>faithful</em> and <a title="Religion" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion" target="_blank"><em>religious</em></a> being aren't quite the same. To practice a religion, one must first have faith.

But being <em>faithful</em> means that one follows religion with all its idiosyncrasies, practices, rites and such. In the case of a Christian, this means to follow the Christ (the anointed), accept Jesus as the Christ and messiah. Following entitles doing as the Christ instructed as the proper way to respect and worship God while maintaining faith in God and surrendering to Him.

But being <em>religious</em> means going to church (social interaction to hear the Word and a good sermon), following the Sacraments (rites to label ourselves <em>Christian</em>) and Law of God (base for most legal systems worldwide), but as a mere <strong><em>tradition/obligation</em></strong> (appearance) and not as an act of <strong><em>surrender/worship</em></strong> (reality). It's a half-way <strong><em>imitation of faith</em></strong>. Most of us (especially myself) fall in this trap and struggle to get out of it.

Are you merely <em>faithful</em> or <em>religious</em>? Do you want to be <em>faithful</em> or remain <em>religious</em>?