Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
James 1:27
Religion. It seems like such a yucky word to me, especially since of late this has been a very real area of struggle for me. I don't want to be religious. I don't want to be around religious people. I don't want to follow the laws and rules that religious people throw down and require people of faith to follow. Those feelings of 'I don't' made today's lesson very real to me and I absolutely loved it.
Before we go further, answer the question Beth posed: How would YOU define religious?
I said that religious applies to people who call themselves Christians but pick and choose which bible texts to use in trying to force people to behave in a way that is comfortable to them. Religion requires people to follow certain man enforced rules rather than be spiritually convicted by God.
Jill: Religion: practicing a faith. And by that I meant following the "rules" associated with practicing that faith.
Jill: Religion: practicing a faith. And by that I meant following the "rules" associated with practicing that faith.
It really hit me that I am in fact, religious, when Beth asked us to list out all of the religious manifestations that would show up in my life over the course of the month. My list is below and I hope you'll add yours, too. I wrote mine down and then thought about why I do these things. I'm not trying to be religious, but I do want to model Godly behavior for my children and those I come in contact with. But I also want to be authentic and real and I want people to understand that I'm imperfect but working through Grace. How does one reconcile that? Scripture tell us, and it's what we studied yesterday, that once we are saved, our lives begin to change and manifestations of that Faith begin to show up through our works. I think it is a tricky balance to not become complacent in doing works - and prideful of those works - but to still do the things scripture asks us to do. Rambling thoughts, but any insight would be appreciated.
Read the bible, pray at meals and bedtime, devotions, bible studies, acts of service, talk about God, explore ways to be more faithful, tithe, church, worship music, etc.
Jill: Prayer, church, bible study, Giving monthly to Musana.org Writing letters to my sponsored child Jacinta, giving money to the homeless people that approach me by my work.
Jill: Prayer, church, bible study, Giving monthly to Musana.org Writing letters to my sponsored child Jacinta, giving money to the homeless people that approach me by my work.
Because as women I think the tongue is an especially powerful weapon, the next part really hit home. "If anyone thinks he is religious yet does not keep a tight reign on his tongue then his religion is worthless." James 1:26.
Hello.
Worthless. None of the things I do, NONE OF THEM, are worth anything if I cannot control my mouth. Gossip. Sarcasm. Swearing. Those are just a few of mine and if I am honest they show up more often then I would like. So praying with my kids, going to church, doing this study - it all means nothing if I cannot control my mouth. Anyone else feels knocked over by this verse and the things Beth had to say about it?
Jill: I was really struggling with what James meant by "control the tongue" I assumed he meant gossiping, swearing, being two-faced, talking bad behind someone's back. But it wasnt clarified so I am glad I assumed correctly. So since that was the case my bad mouth is swearing, and talking bad of others (again I think I do that to feel better about myself as I have low self esteem).
Jill: I was really struggling with what James meant by "control the tongue" I assumed he meant gossiping, swearing, being two-faced, talking bad behind someone's back. But it wasnt clarified so I am glad I assumed correctly. So since that was the case my bad mouth is swearing, and talking bad of others (again I think I do that to feel better about myself as I have low self esteem).
After James tells us what true religion is not, he gives us a quick image of what it is. Describe his idea of "pure and undefiled" religion from verse 27.
We are to look after the orphans and the widows and to keep from being polluted by the world.
Jill: To look after the people who have nothing, "the 2 classes of people in his culture with the least rights, the least hope, and the greatest vulnerability". I love the way Beth describes the widows and orphans it really paints a picture to me as to why James and others in the Bible kept saying widows and orphans.
Jill: To look after the people who have nothing, "the 2 classes of people in his culture with the least rights, the least hope, and the greatest vulnerability". I love the way Beth describes the widows and orphans it really paints a picture to me as to why James and others in the Bible kept saying widows and orphans.
What images come to your mind after reading this?
Homeless on the streets, abused and neglected children and starving people. I'm struck by how often caring for the poor is talked about in scripture and yet so very many religious people are not involved at all. And I'm looking at myself in the mirror. We tithe and it goes to missions and a few times a year we get involved in a service or outreach program, but daily caring for those less fortunate has not been a priority. One of our family goals this year is to do more and this really challenges me to make sure that is a priority.
One of my favorite things that Beth said today is this: You don't live this kind of life accidentally. You make up your mind who you want to be and daily die to the rest. This has already been written out and taped to my fridge because I want to be intentional about doing what God stirs up as passion in my heart. I want to jump in and be a light to this broken world. I want to do exactly as the Scripture tells us to do and my heart hurts for the children of abusive and broken homes and for those overcome by drugs and addiction. Where is God stirring up your passions?
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