Being only Half Right

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 1:27

Martie and I have recently initiated a new outreach in Pathfinder Mission. We call it the James 1:27 initiative. We are encouraging Christians to be intentional about visiting widows "in their affliction". That is a good thing - a great thing really. But as I reread the verse the other day something got my attention - it was the word "AND". You see I have been quoting James 1:27 is if it ended with affliction. But is doesn't.

Visiting widows and orphans is a noble thing, certainly. But if it is done apart from your heart being right with God it is merely good works lacking the spiritual power that God intended. Keeping oneself unstained from the world is another way of saying that there is no sin in the heart of the person doing the visiting. It might have been better - that is more obvious on the first reading if the verse went like this

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to keep oneself unstained from the world and to visit orphans and widows in their affliction.  

Putting the cart behind the horse instead of in front of it. Remembering this is the book of James, he does speak about works being an evidence of faith or being unstained from the world. Faith without works is dead. On the other hand, works without faith is also "spiritually" dead.

Do you remember the encounter Jesus had with the Rich Young Ruler?  The man did good works - meeting the mandate of the second greatest commandment, but stumbled when Jesus challenged him to meet the mandate of the first greatest commandment. You see Money was the god of his heart. He was stained from the world and "When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions." (Matthew 19:16-22)

We know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ - Galatians 2:16

My point, before we attempt to do anything for God, by His Spirit, our prayer, every day, should be the same that David prayed

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. - Psalm 51:10-12

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