Religion or faith (Aren't they the same?)

It seems odd to have to say that too much religion is a bad thing.

We certainly cannot get too much of God, cannot get too much faith and obedience, cannot get too much love and worship. But religion— which is defined as: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with zeal and faith, which is the well-intentioned efforts we make to "get it all together" for God, can very well get in the way of what God is doing for us. The main and central action is everywhere and always what God has done, is doing, and will do for us. Jesus is the revelation of that action. Our main and central task is to live in responsive obedience to God's action revealed in Jesus. Our part in the action is the act of faith.

But more often than not we become impatiently self-important along the way and decide to improve matters with our two cents' worth. We add on, we supplement, we embellish. But instead of improving on the purity and simplicity of Jesus, we dilute the purity, clutter the simplicity. We become meticulously religious, or obsessively religious. In other words, we get in the way.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. Hebrews 11:1-3 ESV

"What’s the difference between religion and faith?"

All God asks is that you place your trust in the saving power of His Son Jesus, that you turn away from your sins and surrender your life to Him.

If you answered religion and faith are interchangeable, you would be mistaken as they are two very different things. Religion is the practice and traditions of a belief. Faith is the heart of our beliefs and actions. It is all about being in a relationship with our heavenly Father, trusting Him, speaking with Him, and sharing His salvation with the world.

YHWH I come before You asking for wisdom to discern the difference between following  a cause, principle, or system of beliefs and following You. LORD give me wisdom to place my trust in Your son Jesus, the one true King of Heaven and Earth, and surrender my life to Him.