I can see clearly now, a little

I have been informally participating in a Fast From Wrong Thinking, which comes with a 40-day devotional with a specific thought to "fast" from, and why it is not correct thinking as per the Bible.

Now, these are my thoughts on religion:

I am not "religious". I do believe in God, and I would be categorized as a Christian, or a believer in and follower of Jesus as the Christ. "Religion" is, as I see it, problematic because the emphasis is on rules and laws, what you do and how you do it. "Religion" teaches that are supposed to be "perfect", or at least act perfectly, in order to be looked upon favorably by God. "Religion" seems to believe that we have to do things in order to elevate ourselves to God, or in order to talk to Him or be heard by Him. "Religion" often misses the point. I believe that Christianity is about having a relationship with God, about knowing who He is and who I am in Him, and about believing in His Promises and His Word. He will do the work that He can do on His level against the Enemy (muahaha), as long as we do the work that we are to do. My new belief in His Word has already calmed my mind and allowed me to focus on being greater than I am now. I can be myself and be a Christian and flourish. I believe that true religion is believed in the heart and practiced whenever we have the chance to interact or make a difference in someone's life.