Pure Religion

James 1:16-27
Generally speaking I am not fond of the book of James. I think it gets awfully close to supporting works righteousness, the idea that we have to earn our salvation through good deeds. As a Calvinist I do not believe I am capable of earning my salvation, but instead am totally dependant on the grace and mercy of God in Jesus Christ. But I also believe we must let the entirety of scripture speak to and challenge us, not just the parts we agree with. For this reason I think that James offers an interesting definition of religion in today’s reading. “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father,” we read, “is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world” (James 1:27).

On the one hand this seems fairly straightforward. Pure religion requires pure actions: helping others and refraining from the world. But really there is a great deal here about relationships, too. Those who would live in right relationship with God (“religion that is pure and undefiled”) should also be in right relationship with others, especially those in need (widows and orphans), those who are hurting the most and yet count for the least. And there are relationships to be avoided, too, namely those with the world that would stain or sully us. To focus on God’s will draws our attention past the easy and the expedient and on to what is likely to be far more difficult.

When I’m feeling a bit cynical I sometimes say that the church would be a great place if it weren’t for the people. But according to James we need to be very careful how we think about each other. We must do what we can for those in need while not allowing the world to take us in directions that we are not called to go. Living with “pure religion” is a tough challenge, but ultimately it leads us to that place where God is sending us. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord, may our religion be guided by you and may we praise and glorify you all our days in word and deed. Amen.