James 1:26-27
“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 from the world.”
I received an update from James Island Outreach a week or so ago. I thought I would share some of the highlights. The verse above from James is helpful is setting the stage for this article. At times we can be tempted to equate religion with what we believe over what we do. Proper belief, orthodoxy, is important. But just as important is proper action and lifestyle, orthopraxy. From my perspective, anyone who says they believe right but then does not act right, is actually lacking on the believing part. Change your thinking and you will change your actions. Of course, no one is perfect and in fact, all of us have sinned and fallen short of what God expects. Now, back to our actions, what James calls religion…true and pure religion. It is wrapped up in kind actions and deeds. It is based, I rather think, on kind thoughts that are humble and charitable. So the half brother of Jesus recommends, first, to watch your tongue. Saying what you think without proper submission, may say you have deceived your heart. The sad part of that is the result of such deception is worthless religion. So there one sits, all orthodox in their belief, clinging to what they perceive to be the gospel. All the while, they may be deceived.
So how could one know if they are embracing a “true religion” that is worthwhile and not worthless? Try this…to visit the orphans and the widows in their time of affliction/need and to keep oneself unstained from the world. The James Island Outreach says James Island Baptist Church gave 5,408 pounds of food to help the underserved in 2019. That is over 2½ tons of food to help the orphans and the widows..or the poor and underserved. In addition, you gave $2,275 to help pay emergency utilities, help some attain their GED, help provide cooking classes, buy medicine for those who cannot afford it. You also gave generously so we could donate $1,000 to help 24 sister churches raise $15,000 to pay off $1.5 million dollars in medical debt and to pay off $400,000 in medical debt for Veterans with financial needs. The Rest In Peace Medical Debt ministry buys up medical debt pennies on the dollar. We were able to partner with them to do an incredible work. To God be the glory.
Moral of the story? When you believe right it will show itself when we behave right. True religion cannot be about doctrine alone. We are saved by Grace Alone and rest on Scripture Alone and trust Christ Alone. That is the right place to begin ones spiritual journey. It is not the right place to end.
Pastor Tom
