Waist Deep 2018 - December 13


James 1: 27 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. (NIV)


Social justice and personal morality is the essence of the religion of Yahweh.*


When James describes religion that is acceptable to God, he isn’t implying that any religion could qualify for God’s approval if it met the standards listed here. Christianity is the only religion endorsed by God. That having been said, here are some criteria for acceptable religion: care for those who can’t care for themselves (and who will probably never ever be able to repay you); and don’t let the world rub off on you.

James is addressing a common problem – in his day and in ours: religion’s bad reputation in the world. Charity and social justice are carried out every day by people who make no claim to being religious. For Christians, it’s the least we can do. James did not intend for this to be an all-inclusive list – we can’t check off each item and think we’re done.

Looking after the needy often requires that we get “dirty.” We have to get close to them. Our challenge is how to be in the world, and to make a difference in the world, while maintaining our spiritual purity. Be prepared to engage in spiritual warfare and don the armor of God: the belt of truth; the shield of faith; the helmet of salvation; and the sword of the Spirit. (See Ephesians 6: 10-18.)

And finally, while charitable works are mentioned in this and other passages (more than sixty times, according to one source*) as benchmarks for Christianity, James does not say that we are saved by our benevolent activities. It is James who also said, “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” (James 2: 18.)


While we often see offerings, baptisms, and attendance as vital signs of a congregation’s health, God might measure us by widows, orphans, and foreigners served.*


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