James 1. 19-27
James encouraged believers to stand strong in their faith and for their lives to demonstrate their faith in the Lord. Though suffering in persecution and facing difficult trials, their relationship with Jesus Christ demonstrated the change He made in their lives; they would be people of actions, and not just words., James stated, 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). Believers were to not get caught up with the ritual and ceremony worship, thinking that was the heart of pure religion. It was not just the keeping the Law the Lord required from them; it was the righteousness of their hearts which motivated them to keep the Law. They were to express their faith and devotion to the Lord through their actions, in considering the needs of those who were not able to help themselves, those who were left alone.
We can be caught in a similar trap, thinking that by doing certain things, going to church, being part of a Christian fellowship, and not involved in outward sinfulness, that this is what pleases God. True, these things do please Him. But, our consideration of others, seeking to see people as the Lord sees them, and then reaching out to them in ways we can help is a clear demonstration of our faith. The widows, the orphans, those without family support, those alone and needy – these are those whom we must not neglect. Recognizing our Lord reached out to us when we were alone and lost in this world, without support or hope, and delivered us from bondage and adopted us into His family, should motivate us to help others and not forget those in need. Along with this, we are called to be unstained, to carefully consider our own lives that nothing would hinder the work of Christ within us or through us, that we would not be tarnished by any sin, but rather usable and pure before the Lord.
Called to help others – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry
My Morning Desk 