James has proceeded throughout chapter one of the book bearing his name to deliver us a couple of understandings of our heavenly Father: first (v. 5), that He is ready to give wisdom to us, and second, that it’s His nature to do so (v. 18). As a result, we may ask, what will life be life be like if it’s controlled by God’s wisdom? And, what will it look like if it’s the outworking of our new nature in Christ?
James answers these questions by writing, “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” (James 1:26-27). James writes about genuine religion.
Religion is the specific ways that a heart-relationship with God is expressed in a believer’s life. James offers us three marks of genuine religion. James’ first mark of genuine religion is a controlled tongue (v. 26). James does not tell us to silence the tongue but to bridle it. The word “bridle speaks of the headgear used to control a horse, consisting of buckled straps to which a bit and reins are attached. Our tongue is not to lose its power, but it’s to be harnessed like a wild horse, still with all its power. The heart and the tongue are linked so that the tongue is an accurate index of what we are at our core. In other words, if our heart is right, our tongue will show it.
The second mark James shares of genuine religion is a caring ministry to the needy (v.27). James mentions caring for orphans and widows. Still, we don’t need to think that James limits or restricts ministry to orphans and widows. However, such care is on God’s heart, as revealed throughout the Bible. For instance, we read in Psalm 68:5, “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.” We understand biblically that ministry is responding to the authentic needs of others with the love of Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. We must love in action. Religion is pointless unless it corresponds to the heart and will of God.
Lastly, the third mark we discover from James of genuine religion is personal holiness (v. 27). Personal Holiness is the believer, by the Spirit’s help, loving God with their whole being, becoming increasingly like Christ, sharing His character, love, and mission. We are to love the world of people, but we are to hate the world system, which robs us of the joy Christ has for those who place their faith in Him. Personal holiness begins with receiving Christ as Savior and Lord, continues as His Spirit does the ongoing work of making us like Christ, and is completed when we see Christ face-to-face.
James’ words are so crystal clear that he leaves no middle ground for a sort-of-religion or a spirit of self-excuse. Although it’s possible to consider ourselves “religious” when we are not by gauging ourselves by the world or self. It’s impossible to look at God’s Word in general, and specifically James 1:26-27, and not determine our actual progress with Christ. Genuine religion must be carried out in action. It’s expressed by controlling our tongue, being involved in caring ministry to the needs of others, and experiencing a growing personal holiness?
I am excited about what God is doing in our weekend gatherings. We have our live services Sunday mornings at 9 and 11am. We have nursery and children’s ministry at both services. You can also go to www.crosswinds.church and participate by streaming the live services or through the week join in through our recorded service, which is posted every Monday afternoon. It can be viewed for the entire week until the following Monday, after which you can still find the message of the week and weeks past posted.
Won’t you take time today to ask the Lord to help you examine your life to determine whether or not it gives evidence of genuine religion, as well as what next step He’s calling you to take to assure it continues or begins from this day forward?