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)
Do you consider yourself a religious person? A recent Gallup poll posed that question and 82% say they are either “religious,” “spiritual,” or both. That’s a lot of people! But the definition of those terms are left vague and fuzzy. It might include a crude awareness that there is some higher power at work in the universe, or it might be a general desire to be a good person. This is a far cry from the Christian faith. James lived in a culture where many considered themselves “religious.” He challenged them to pursue true religion.
More than Religion
First he warns of false piety, or the kind of Christianity based merely on outward show. You might think you’re spiritual, but what does your life actually look like? Think about the way you speak, for example. When people hear the things that roll from your tongue, does it match the religion you profess on Sunday morning? If you claim to follow Jesus, yet do not “bridle your tongue” there is a contradiction!
James will have a lot more to say about our words in James 3:1-12, but for now he draws a connection between the heart and the mouth. The words that proceed out of our mouths have a way of revealing the inner condition of our soul. You might go to church on Sunday morning, but curse like a sailor during the week. We might sing in the choir, but then go on to gossip about people behind their back. A person might offer prayer at the dinner table, but then later scream at their kids. We all have moments when we’re not at our best, and we’re still growing in the Lord. But if you claim to be Christian and yet the consistent pattern of your life says otherwise, what good is that type of religion? Jesus made a similar connection between the tongue and the heart in the Gospels (Matt. 15:15-20).
Real Religion in Action
Next, James goes on to describe “pure and undefiled religion.” He is telling us, if you claim to be religious then show it by the way you live. Of course this must begin with faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior (James 1:1). We are not saved by our works, we are saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9). And yet, if the grace of God has truly grabbed hold of our lives we would expect to see evidence in our conduct and character. Do people see the fruit of the Spirit in the way you live (Gal. 5:22-23)? Do they see kindness in the way you treat others? Do they feel the warmth of your love caring for them?
James gives us an example of what that might look like. Those who “visit orphans and widows in their distress” show their devotion to Christ. These are the most vulnerable and helpless members of society, who are often overlooked and forgotten. It’s no coincidence that Christians have historically led the way serving in orphanages, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, food pantries, hospitals, schools, foster care, adoption, and disaster relief. There is no ulterior motive. Showing compassion to others is a reflection of the compassion that Christ has shown to us. We were all spiritual orphans until God reached down to invite us into his family, giving us the chance to become his sons and daughters thought Christ.
Follow Christ
Finally, James tells is that practicing pure and undefiled religion means keeping “oneself unstained by the world.” It is easy to compromise. It’s easy to go with the flow and do what everyone else is doing. There are many examples throughout the Bible of people who acted religious in public while entertaining sin in their heart. They might have fooled others, but they could not fool God because he knows the true condition of our hearts. Christians should imitate Christ and obey his Word. That does not mean displaying a “holier than thou” attitude, but we should purse a holy life because God is holy. Our desire should be to please him in all that we do. When we truly love the Lord, his commands are no longer burdensome to us. We willingly offer ourselves as a living sacrifice which is pleasing and acceptable to him (Rom. 12:1).
James tells us to be a religious person! But don’t imitate the “religious” or “spiritual” people in our modern society. Let your life reflect the type of “pure and undefiled religion” that is pleasing in the sight of God.