Fruits of True Religion

"If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained form the world." (James 1:26-27, ESV)

James expressed himself strongly on matters of practical religion, or living out one's faith with deeds of compassion, a genuine character, and unstained living. He warned that a Christian should "bridle his tongue." Later in his letter he has much more to say about the importance of this "small member," the tongue. James wanted his readers and hearers to understand that words can quickly destroy any Christian's witness. The tongue, by what it says, reveals what is in the heart. James, the good Jew, would have known and practiced the precept from Proverbs 4:23: "Keep they heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." Hypocrisy should have no foothold in the life of a Christian. "Religious observance" is the outward expression of what is in the heart and is revealed in how the Christian talks, how compassionate he is toward others, and how he conducts his life with purity.

In the time of James, especially with persecution of Christians, the widows and orphans suffered greatly. The Christian whose religion is "pure and undefiled" will practice care for the unfortunate ones of society. If a husband died and left children in that society, the widow and orphans were often at the mercy of whoever would step in and give them physical aid, food, shelter and clothing. There was a great need then-which continues to this day-to show genuine compassion and love for these unfortunate. "Visiting" them implied more than a social call. It meant that the situation would be appraised and help would come from the Christian community. Practical love and sympathy would show itself in actions to alleviate suffering.

Practical religion also meant that the Christian would always strive for personal holiness. There should be no cause for a blight upon the character of a Christian. The Christian should be different from the non-Christian by his lifestyle and the purity of his living. It takes more than acting like a Christian on Sunday by being faithful in attendance at church services. Christianity permeates and becomes a guiding principle for speech, compassionate acts, work ethic and Christ-like living.

Prayer: God, grant that we may measure up as a Christian. Who we are and our influence in all areas of life matter to our "true religion and undefiled."

c Ethelene Dyer Jones, Friday, October 15, 2010