Pure Religion

This morning while on my way to work, I asked my mother whether she had called Sister Dennis. 2 weeks ago, we were informed that she was involved in a near death accident and my jaw dropped. It caught my attention because Sister Dennis was the only adult who gave me a ring whenever she didn’t see me @ church that weekend. She didn’t care about the age gap or potential language barrier, she didn’t see me at church and she set out to ensure that I was okay. She could always tell when someone was missing @ church.

When my dad got sick, she always called him and would even call my mom directly to pray with her in order to encourage her. This very often helped my mom to see beyond the pain. Like Sister Dennis, my mom for as long as I could remember has always cared for the sick & shut-in @ church. She would go to church, attend service, grab the bulletin to see who is new to the shut in list and immediately spring into action. If the weather wasn’t life threatening, she would bundle up (in the freezing cold with her Arthritis) and set out for that person’s house or hospital bed. Sometimes, she would cook my favorite soup – soup joumou – and take it to them.

These two women have learned the importance of Christian Service. They love their brethren as themselves and are living what Paul calls “Pure Religion”. In a time where churches are battling over biblical interpretations. The notion of pure, perfect religion is almost obsolete. Paul defines Pure (undefiled) Religion as:

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world – James 1:27 (NASB)

Despite the clarity of this verse, many have only grasped the second portion of the scripture which is to keep oneself unstained by the world. It doesn’t matter if you pack up all of your things and move to the top of the highest mountain, if you show no compassion towards those among you who are suffering, could care less when others are in distress, and treat others as less than human, then your religion is defiled before God. This verse calls for us to care for our orphans, widows, sick, hurting, etc. It calls for love, compassion and service. Without these, our churches are defiled.

God is not fooled by the quoting of scripture, the demonstrations of praise, the prayer dissertations or our in depth knowledge of the doctrines. God desires that along with our Holy Book smarts we tag on action and service. Like Jesus, we must serve one another while also sharing the Gospel. Once we have learned to combine the two, we will have PURE religion.

Friends, we were not placed on this Earth to just save ourselves, (we couldn’t even do that without Jesus) we are commissioned to save others. Today, as you go about your day, commit to helping others. Think about someone you haven’t seen in church in a while. Pull out the church directory and call them. You never know the difference that one call will make.

Memory Text:
Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. – James 1:27

Prayer Prompt:
Dear Lord,
Teach me where I am failing in my walk with you. Teach me how to have compassion towards my fellow man. Give me a heart like yours so that others will clearly see that you live inside of me.

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