What Is True Religion To Me?

A look at James 1:27

In light (or dark) of a heavy discussion I had on Swell recently — where a church woman said I do not have the right to speak on “church news” because I do not attend a physical building of GAWD, I was reminded that true religion may not be what most Christians think it is, and this includes myself.

Throughout a Christian’s daily life, we go through the motions of belief, doubt, unbelief, dabbling in other religions, sins, then back to belief again.

It’s a vicious cycle.

However, there is one Scripture that seals the deal for me and helps to keep things in perspective. This is not to say other philosophical quotes and ideas are not on par, but James 1:27 says,

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

I love this because it isn’t just a word of advice for believers. It is sound advice for anyone.

With so much crap going on in the world, anyone can feel like they are wallowing in disbelief and anxiety. I keep hearing the word “deconstruction” on social media, as many are tired of the church/Christianity and are willing to pick apart the whys of their beliefs.

I think it is wise to do so, if it is healing for you.

I tend to believe we could all be talking about the same Creator.

However, personally, James 1:27 let me know that it isn’t all about me, but about helping and loving those who need the help and the love and to not let the bad parts of the world seep into our souls.

It’s a tiresome cycle and many of us would not admit this because it would be un-Christlike. However, the true shame is in not being honest. Honesty, is a key ingredient when you are a Christian and unfortunately, we have more “faces” of belief than genuine hearts. 75% of my life so far is filled with belief in a Creator and Jesus specifically.

The other, hefty 25% is spent wondering why my father and mother-in-law had to die. Why do I have diabetes. Why are children born with cancer and why are so many believers wicked?

Most of these thoughts are because we have not separated Churchianity from Christianity in our minds. We have an idea of what being “saved” looks like because we’ve read portions of it in the Bible or were instructed to listen ONLY to the pastor.

Again, I say this with much love towards the churches that do exemplify pure love and holiness — but I really want EVERYONE to understand true religion.

According to the Know Your Bible resource, if the book of James can be summed up, it would be, “Real Christian faith is shown through good works”

Paul taught that faith stems from salvation.

James basically said, faith without works is dead.

In fact, I see where James is coming from.

If a dog’s DNA is “dog”, he will bark and behave as a dog does.

If a cat’s DNA is “cat”, it will meow and behave as a cat does.

If my spiritual DNA through salvation, is faith in Christ, then my entire lifestyle will reflect Christ. (P.S. Sometimes my life reflects Christ and sometimes not. That’s life.)

This is not accounting for the many times we WILL fail and have moments of “Oops , did I do that?”(In my Steve Urkel Voice)

Whenever I feel discouraged by people, by fate, by anything that is wicked in this world, I turn to this Scripture. Everyone should have a “battle cry” and mine is James 1:27.

The entire Word of Yah is important and crucial. It is a mini library of 66 “books” of life.

So, who are these orphans and widows, James talks about?

According to Bibleref.com,

At the time James wrote, these represented society’s most helpless members. Widows, in that culture, were women who had lost their husbands prior to bearing children. This left them destitute. Children without parents, and women without husbands, were among that culture’s most needy.

We still have this issue today.

It is probably doubly worse now with so many fatherless homes that I don’t think any number could accurately portray the number of homes left fatherless.

In essence, this means there is less income in the home(usually), and the children are left destitute.

Whatever the reason, whatever the cause — they are this world’s most needy. I don’t think they are the world’s only needy, it’s just that in James’ time, widows and orphans represented the most destitute group.

I will conclude by saying none of us truly know what is on “the other side”, but for now, while we are here, let’s keep in our hearts those who need our love and care.

Thank you for reading!

Right now, 3rd Heaven Designs has the True Religion collection featuring a beautiful necklace, sweaters, and quality mugs 💖