Is your religion True?

Read James 1.

The Greek word translated "religion" here refers to ceremonial observances.  To many, religion is defined by a building and, particularly, the architecture of the facility.  Secular universities have long relegated the study of religion to the philosophy department.  Untold numbers of people claim a religious affiliation without any real evidence of such.  Millions go through regular rituals and routines at their religious building but remain unchanged once they leave.  Even Evangelicals have their routines of songs, announcements, offerings, and sermons.  None of these is true religion as defined by this passage in the Bible.

It is quickly obvious that the Holy Spirit desired to communicate something far more than rituals and ceremonial observances.  "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (v.22)  This verse raises three questions about the validity of our "religion".

1. How are we being deceived?
Verses 23 and 24 explain it.  Attending a church service and feeling inspired in the moment can cause a misdirection and result in a delusion.  The deception is that we had our dose of religion and now we are okay.  The proof of whether we are deceiving ourselves is seen in what happens next.  Is there any change in our relationship with God, in our personal behaviors, and in our treatment of others?  If not, that "religion is empty and we have, in fact, been misdirected away from God.

2. What is true religion?
It is not found in a religious service but in practical service.  It is not the inspiration of the moment but the perspiration all week long.  Doing, not merely hearing, makes the difference.  Learning is important but unless it is translated into life action that religion is worthless.

3. What are we to be doing?
First, James is not referring to busyness.  Most work-a-holics lead empty personal lives.  This is very specific: "Be doers of the word."  If one's religion is based on ceremonial rituals and not upon the teaching of the word of God, it is a false religion.  If one's religion is not equipping people to implement the word of God during the week, it is a deceptive religion.  All of us need to know the Bible in order to understand how to please God in real life.

The Apostle James provided three examples of "religion that is pure and undefiled."
       A. Controlling our speech.
Jesus said in Luke 6:45 that what we say comes out of our hearts.  Offensive language only reveals what the sin that is being kept inside a person's heart.  Gossip, slander, being argumentative, and speaking unkind words are all condemned in the Scriptures.  Jesus also said that we will be held accountable at the Judgment for every word (Matthew 12:36).
       B. Visiting orphans and widows.
The point here is to encourage and be of service to those in need and, especially, those who cannot return the favor.
       C. Keeping oneself morally pure.
Evidence of a pure religion is a life of purity.  Piety, or godliness, is a good thing according to the Bible.  It means we respect and revere God's name and His presence all the time.  Therefore, we live each moment to please Him.