If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
James 1:26-27
This chapter ends with a clear call to pursue three traits that ought to mark every Believer. Let us think about these three commands this week. After all, James’ teaching is so practical and easy to follow here.
The first characteristic of a biblical Christian is a controlled tongue. In verse 26, we are told that a Christian who cannot control his/her tongue is deceived and has a vain, useless religion. Wow, James, tell us what you really think. The warning could not be clearer. Our Christianity will never be what it needs to be if we cannot control our words.
Another characteristic of a biblical Christians is helping the helpless. The specific word is to help the widow and the orphan. Why? The widowed woman and the parent-less child were vulnerable and had little (if any) means of support in the first century. They could be easily taken advantage of due to their humble estate. Therefore, James implores the true Christian to support and help those who are disadvantaged. Helping those who can’t help themselves is an identifying mark of a true Christian.
The last characteristic is keeping oneself pure in an evil world. The world system desires that we focus on ourselves and our desires to the exclusion of everything else. James declares that we are to be unpolluted by this thinking. We are to think of others and their needs. We should seek to help and serve wherever we can.
A polluted, dirty Christian will have little useful value in the Kingdom of God. It’s important that Christians confess their sin, receive cleansing, and seek to stay as close to God as possible. We are saved forevermore and we have a new identity in Christ. Let’s act like Christians by staying close to God and His Word!
Tony French
mrtonyfrench 