June 9
PURE RELIGION
-James 1:26,27 states, … If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridles not his tongue, but deceives
his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit
the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world … Religion is not bad, but
impure religion is. We can seem to be religious, but it can all be in vain. Let us attempt to look at what characterizes impure
and pure religion.
-The word "religion" means: a careful follower of the observances connected with one’s belief. This tells
us that pure religion is more than just mere words. It is a way of life. It is a lifestyle. This lifestyle should match up
with the words that a person speaks about his or her religion. Pure religion is a demonstration and a manifestation of the
words and faith that we speak of. We can see this in the writings of James, for he went on to say that faith without works
is dead. In essence, faith that is properly placed in the person and work of Jesus Christ will produce true works. Pure religion
is characterized as: quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, righteous action, rejecting vile and evil influences, a
humble spirit in accepting God’s message, obedient, looking into the perfect law, a hearer who remembers, an obedient
doer, blessed, one who curbs his tongue, something that gives a person revelation truth, and of great worth.
-On the other hand, impure religion is to be seen as the exact opposite of the list mentioned above. The world
has seen enough impure religion. May our Father remove the scars that it has left on us and the world! Let us strive
to be a part of the religious service that is pure and stainless in the sight of our God, which is to: visit the fatherless
and widows in their time of trouble, and to keep one’s own self unspotted from the world. In short, it is a DEMONSTRATION
OF THE LOVE OF GOD that reaches out to those in need. Pure religion is the love of God in action.
-THIS IS PURE RELIGION!-
