WISDOM FOR THE DAY DEVOTIONAL
By Bishop Mike Okonkwo
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026
TOPIC: QUIT RELIGION
“Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.” – Mark 7:13 (KJV)
Beloved, it’s time to quit religion because religion can confine you. It can garage your destiny, stunt your growth, and hinder you from fulfilling the purpose God has ordained for your life.
When an error is repeated for too long, people begin to accept it as truth. But longevity does not make a lie true. There are many errors in the Body of Christ today that have been dressed up as traditions, and because they have lasted, people no longer question them. Yet, Jesus warned us that tradition can make the Word of God of no effect.
Don’t be deceived by the numbers. The fact that a practice is popular does not make it spiritual. The real mission field today is no longer the streets, it is the Church itself.
As of today, Nigeria has some of the largest gatherings of believers in the world. We fast more, pray more, and build more churches than any other nation. Our cathedrals are massive, and our Christian events attract millions. Yet, with all this activity, our society still bleeds with corruption, division, and moral decay. Something is clearly wrong, and that “something” is within the Church.
We cannot expect sinners to change the nation. Sinners sin, that’s their nature. It is folly to expect righteousness from those who have not encountered Christ. True transformation must begin within the Church. Until we, the people of God, experience genuine change, we cannot change our world. You cannot give what you do not have.
I came to a point in my life where I said, “Enough of religion.” Religion cannot transform anyone. Only the grace of God can. Grace renews the heart, empowers the believer, and produces lasting change.
So, stop clinging to what does not work. Quit religion. Embrace the grace of God. It is grace, not tradition, that transforms lives and reveals the true power of the Gospel.
Further Reading: Romans 1:16-17, I Corinthians 2:1-8.
Daily Bible Reading: Morning – Genesis 23-24, Evening – Matthew 7