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James 1: 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. |
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Social justice and personal morality is the essence of the religion of Yahweh.* |
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When
James describes religion that is acceptable to God, he isn’t implying that any religion could qualify for God’s
approval if it met the standards listed here. Christianity is the only religion endorsed by God;
therefore, here are some criteria for acceptable religion: care for those who
can’t care for themselves (and who will probably never ever be able to repay
you); and don’t let the world rub off on you.
James
is addressing a common problem – in his day and in ours: religion’s bad
reputation in the world. Charity and social justice are carried out every day
by people who make no claim to being religious. For Christians, it’s the least we can do. James did not intend
for this to be an all-inclusive list.
Looking
after the needy often requires that we get “dirty.” Our challenge is to be in
the world and to make a difference in the world while maintaining our spiritual
purity. Be prepared to engage in spiritual warfare and don the armor of God:
the belt of truth; the shield of faith; the helmet of salvation; and the sword
of the Spirit. (See Ephesians 6.10-18.)
And
finally, while charitable works are mentioned in this and other passages (more than sixty times*) as benchmarks for
Christianity, James does not say that we are saved by our benevolent activities.
It is James who also
said, “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I
do.” (James 2.18.)
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While we often see offerings, baptisms, and attendance as vital signs of a congregation’s health, God might measure us by widows, orphans, and foreigners served.* |
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