James 1:27 – Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
As Christians we often resist describing ourselves, or accepting a description from others, that we have religion, or are “religious.” The reason we push back against that is we have been taught that religion is what people do to please God and to earn their way to heaven. We on the other hand, contrary to other false religions who believe such, hold fast to the teaching of God in His Word that clearly says that if is by faith, and not by works, that we are saved (Ephesians 2:10). In view of this, most Christians will say that they are not religious because they don’t not believe that salvation comes from works, but that salvation comes only by having faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
However, is it true that “religion” should be so narrowly defined? The secular definition is suitably defined as “a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number or persons or sects.(Dictionary.com) This secular definition describes the word religion not by what they belief and practice, but by what a group of people believe and practice. By that definition Christianity is a religion. Its adherents believe in the sacred proclamation “Sola Fide,” or only faith. The definition of religion is not what a group believes but that the group all believe the same. Thus we have the Jewish religion, the Buddhist religion and the Christian religion.
In this verse the word religion speaks of worship. It is how God is worshipped externally. It is observably how we live out our religion. It is appropriate that this word (threskeia – transliteration) is used as James is talking about how we will act, what is observable, of the life of a Christian. In Chapter 1 He states Christians should consider trials pure joy because God is at work within us to bring us to maturity. So a Christian should be joyful as they see the hand of God at work in their live. James also states that Christians don’t seek wisdom from the world but from God. Christians have faith in God that does not waiver, but trusts God. Christians ought to be grateful for their position and accept where God is using them. After all, position, and even life on earth, is temporary. Christians do not accuse God of wrongdoing by attempting to put their temptation of sin as being something that comes from Him. Christians know that God is the fount of all good blessings. Christians know that we are called by God and the salvation of all is by the will and work of God. Christians understand that understanding, judgement and action should be contemplated by who God is and how He has expressed we should live out our lives (In this knowledge He Himself is revealed). Christians should not only read the Bible, but should have it take root in their hearts and remember its words and let the Word change our life so that we are ever increasingly more like Christ. Christians are circumspect about what they say. Christians look after orphans and widows. In all of the above we see that James is describing what Christians believe and how they act. So when James uses the word “religion” it is apt that he does. He is speaking about what is the external evidence of Christ within. He is saying that followers of Christ ought to have these evidences of the Holy Spirit within.
James is saying that those who claim to have a pure (clean, pure, purified by the fiery trials of live, a life pruned by God) and undefiled faith have it testified to by what they do (James 2:26).
As an example of a pure and sincere heart for God James states that the orphans and widows will be cared for. Why is this a sign of God within? It is because as we lovingly, generously and with love guided purpose take care of these we show the heart of God within. The heart of God that offers salvation to all of mankind (2 Peter 3:9, John 3:16) knowing that man cannot repay God for His salvation. It is a fee gift from God (Ephesians 2:8). The orphans and widows are destitute and cannot repay with money or possessions. The person with the heart of God gives freely, for free, and expects nothing back. That is loving as God loves.
To keep oneself from being spotted (unstained) from the world is from loving of God and a passionate desire to be like Him rather than like the world. A testimony of loving God is looking like Him. God is not stained with sin (1 John 3:5) and neither should we be.
Family, what this verse is trying to relate to us is love like God loves. Give generously, do not withhold good when it is in our power to do good (Proverbs 3:27), love fully with a love that meets the need (1 Timothy 6:17). If we simply let God shine from us, if we do these things, we will show, in increasing measure, that God lives within us. We do these things not to be saved but because we are saved. Let us be, let us live in such a way. Let us be joyful in living out our faith with God’s love compelling us to live in such a way. Praise God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.