"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." - James 1:27
I recently heard a preacher describe religion like this - "Religion is the stuff that I do to make God like me." That would be "impure" and "defiled" religion from God's perspective, lest any man should boast (Eph 2:8-9). Trying to be good on my own to make God happy and approving. But according to James what God wants is for us to serve others and have an undivided heart for God.
Serving others. Jesus said, "No greater love has one man [person] than this, but to lay down his life for his friends [others]." - John 15:13
An undivided heart. Jesus said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." - Matthew 22:37- 40
Paul wrote about right religion before God, "I beseech [urge] you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." - Romans 12:1-2
John wrote about being unspotted by the world, "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world." - 1 John 2:15-16
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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